The first fan voting returns for the NBA All-Star Game feature familiar names at the top of the heap as the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić lead the way with 1,710,630 and 1,422,121 votes, respectively.
But there were some familiar faces absent from the top of the list that was released Thursday. Joel Embiid and Paul George of the Sixers lagged far behind where they typically land. Embiid has 170,420 votes, and George has 167,613, placing them eighth and ninth, respectively, among Eastern Conference frontcourt players.
Tyrese Maxey, who became a first-time All-Star last season, has the most votes on the team at 246,648. He sits at No. 7 among guards in the East after missing a few games with a hamstring strain.
It’s no surprise Embiid and George rated lower among voters this season. Embiid has played in only 11 games as he’s struggled through foot, sinus, and knee injuries. George missed significant time after hyperextending his left knee twice and suffering bone bruises.
But George also has had trouble finding his role alongside Embiid and Maxey, which has led to a major dip in his shooting. Despite a few standout performances, George has been the least consistent of the three stars, with averages of 16.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
Meanwhile, Maxey and Embiid have been dynamic lately. Maxey is averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. Embiid averaged 26.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in seven December games after posting 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds in four losses in November.
The NBA All-Star Game, featuring a new, mini-tournament format, is at 8 p.m. on Feb. 16 in San Francisco. Players and a media panel will join fans in selecting the game’s starters.