Predicting the Eastern Conference's All-Star reserves

Michael Porter Jr. | Forward, Brooklyn Nets | 25.6 points, 39.8 percent three-point percentage

After the Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in a cost-cutting move, Porter has shown his success with his old team wasn't dependent on Nikola Jokic. He's scoring well and efficiently while being the focus of every opposing team on a Nets team without other offensive weapons. The Nets are bad, but Porter has been very good and should make his first All-Star team.

Jalen Johnson | Forward, Atlanta Hawks | 22.9 points, 10.5 rebounds

Jalen Johnson, 24, has become the focal point of the Atlanta Hawks offense, especially with Trae Young gone, and has upped his game in response. He's scoring 22.9 points per game while shooting over 50 percent from the floor, plus delivering 7.9 assists. He also deserves to be an All-Star for the first time.

Scottie Barnes | Forward, Toronto Raptors | 19.4 points, 1.5 blocks

The biggest reason for the Toronto Raptors' rise to fourth place in the Eastern Conference has been Scottie Barnes, who should not only be an All-Star but an All-Defensive first-teamer. Barnes is blocking 1.5 shots per game along with 1.3 steals for the Raptors' top-10 defense. He's also shooting 49.9 percent from the floor, thanks to taking over 30 percent of his shots at the rim.

Joel Embiid | Center, Philadelphia 76ers | 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds

The knock on Joel Embiid is that he's played only 27 games this season for the 76ers. The case for the Philadelphia 76ers center is that he's the best offensive center in the Eastern Conference. While he's not blocking shots, he's still a massive deterrent on drives to the hoop. After a slow start while recovering from injuries, Embiid is averaging 28.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists in January. The All-Star team isn't a perfect attendance award, and Embiid deserves to be there.

Derrick White | Guard, Boston Celtics | 2.7 steals + blocks, 17.4 points

The Boston Celtics are having a shockingly good season after losing Jayson Tatum and three other key players this offseason. Brown has been great, but Derrick White has been the Celtics' second-best player. He's one of the NBA's best defensive guards and a valuable passer (5.3 assists) even in a slow shooting year.

Injury replacement: Norman Powell | Guard, Miami Heat | 23 points, 39.2 percent on three-pointers

Bam Adebayo has also been good for the Miami Heat, but Norman Powell is carrying them with his scoring and outside shooting. Powell gets to the foul line, scores efficiently and adds 1.2 steals per game. In a down year for the East, Powell deserves his first All-Star bid.