[January 31, 2014](Reuters) — Dallas Mavericks forward
Dirk Nowitzki was named to his 12th All Star team on Thursday while
Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh was selected for his ninth appearance at
the NBA's mid-season clash in New Orleans on February 16.
With no out and out centers in the starting lineups for this
year's game, three specialist big men were among the players joining
Nowitzki and Bosh on their respective team's benches.
Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard was added to the Western
Conference team while Indiana's Roy Hibbert and Chicago's Joakim
Noah were named to the Eastern Conference bench.
Unlike the starting lineups, which were finalized last week after a
fan vote, coaches in each conference voted for the reserves.
James Harden (Houston), Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), Chris Paul
(Los Angeles Clippers) and Portland Trail Blazers duo LaMarcus
Aldridge and Damian Lillard, who was named for the first time, fill
out the Western Conference roster.
Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap, Toronto Raptors shooting guard
DeMar DeRozan and Washington Wizards point guard John Wall will make
their first All Star appearance from the Eastern Conference bench.
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson completes the Eastern
Conference team.
Starting lineups:
Western Conference — Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kobe
Bryant* (Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder),
Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers), Kevin Love (MInnesota
Timberwolves)
Eastern Conference — Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers), Dwyane
Wade, LeBron James (both Miami Heat), Paul George (Indiana Pacers),
Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks).
* Bryant is injured and will be replaced by a player chosen by the
NBA.
(Reporting by Ben Everill; editing by Greg Stutchbury)
