This week in the NBA: Should Doncic really become an All-Star in 2019?

The Oklahoma City Thunder forward is ripping it up at the moment.

His partnership with 2017 regular-season MVP Russell Westbrook was called ‘scary’ by former Boston Celtics player Paul Pierce.

The pair combined for 68 points in their recent win over Portland Trail Blazers. But it’s a more mature George that is getting people off their feet.

He netted two-straight 37 point games against LA Lakers and the Trail Blazers. This was preceded by two 43 point scores in December.

Now at 28-years-old, it looks like George has all the conditions to be a real threat in the league.

He’s one to keep a keen eye on for the rest of the year.

Losers

LA Lakers

LeBron James came off injured but all looked rosy when Lakers defeated a wounded Golden State Warriors on Boxing Day.

The young bucks had come through despite ‘Bron going off in the third quarter.

However, since then the mood has taken a downturn with only one win in six games.

They have a clutch of promising talent including Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but have been unable to put the W’s on the board.

The roster will have to make do without James for at least another two games.

Lakers do face a string of four games against teams behind them in the standings. We may know a bit more about this side in ten days’ time.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Timberwolves are just coming off the back of a win over Lakers – but given their general manager Tom Thibodeau his marching orders.

They have the league’s fourth-worst defence and at the time of Thibodeau firing, they are ranked 17th in the NBA.

It’s puzzling in one sense, given Derrick Rose’s heroics this year, plus Karl Anthony Towns upturn in form.

However, with the franchise going nowhere fast, a change at the top could give them an outside chance of making the play-offs.

Big Talking Point

Should Luka Doncic really be an All Star candidate?

It’s universally championed that Luka Doncic will win the rookie of the year but he’s now being talked about for the Western Conference’s All Star team of 2019.

He’s averaging 17.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists for Dallas Mavericks this campaign.

However, there is a group that due to consistency and longevity are certainties to appear in the showpiece game.

These include, Steph Curry, James Harden, Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Add in Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic and Damian Lilliard and now it looks tough.

His personal numbers and the performances of the Mavs this season do warrant the conversation.

But with the likes of three-time NBA winner Klay Thompson and former MVP Westbrook around, he will have to maintain this level at the very least to have a shout.

Upcoming Games

Brooklyn Nets @ Boston Celtics – Celtics to win on the money line – 1/5

Denver Nuggets @ Houston Rockets – Over 215.5 points in the match – 10/11

Utah Jazz @ Milwaukee Bucks  – Bucks to win -5.5 spread – 10/11

LA Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks – Mavs to win 1/3 in the match betting

Click here for the latest NBA odds

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – Coral has it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing