The Eastern Conference has not won an All-Star game since 2014 and will look to reverse recent history with a talented roster.

Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James were among five players chosen to represent the Eastern Conference as starters.

Khobi Price, Northern Star sports writer, makes his predictions as to who should play as reserves for the East.

Backcourt: Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo

Oladipo would’ve been a starter if the format for selecting starters was three guards and two front-court players. He’s been the best player on the Pacers this season, who are in pursuit of the playoffs.

The fifth-year guard out of the University of Indiana is averaging career highs with 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point land during the 2017-18 season, according to ESPN.

“Oladipo, gotta give the guy credit,” said Kenny Atkinson, Brooklyn Nets head coach, according to a Dec. 23 ESPN article. “He is playing elite, elite basketball. He’s one of the best players in the league right now.”

Backcourt: Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal

Beal has been the Wizards’ most important player during the 2017-18 season since his backcourt teammate in guard John Wall has struggled with efficiency, inconsistent play and injuries to start off the season.

He’s refined his game and has become a more well-rounded player. He’s averaging career-highs with 3.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Beal is making up for his regression in 3-point percentage with a career-high field goal percentage of shots within three feet of the basket at 68.5 percent, according to ESPN.

Frontcourt: Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond

Drummond has made significant improvements as a player since being snubbed out of the All-Star game in 2016.

He’s become an adequate free-throw shooter at 63 percent, which has helped him make a greater impact on the Pistons’ offense. He’s improved as a passer, rim protector and is anchoring one of the league’s best defenses. His impact on both ends of the floor make him the Pistons’ best player and deserving of making his second All-Star game appearance.

Frontcourt: Boston Celtics center Al Horford

Horford doesn’t produce big numbers, and he doesn’t make many highlight plays, but his impact as a player is undeniable. He leads the Celtics in net rating among all players who’ve played at least 500 minutes this season and is the anchor of the best defense in the league.

He joins New Orleans Pelicans center/forward DeMarcus Cousins and James as the only players to tally 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block per game for the 2017-18 season, according to ESPN. His combination of shooting touch, basketball IQ and defensive versatility makes him one of the league’s most valuable front-court players.

Frontcourt: New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis

Porzingis and Durant are the only players in the league to score at least 23 points per game, block two shots per game and shoot at least 37 percent from 3-point land, according to ESPN.

He had an MVP-caliber start to the 2017-18 season before nagging injuries hindered his play and dragged down his efficiency. He’s still one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league and has become an impactful rim-protector who can alter shots even when he doesn’t block them. He deserves to become a first-time All-Star this season.

“When you’re 7-feet-3-inches and have the skills that he has and doing it on both sides of the ball, you’re going to be put up as one of the best players in the league,” said Knicks Head Coach Jeff Hornacek, according to a Nov. 4 New York Daily News article. “He’s worked hard in the summer. He’s so young, he’s going to get better and better.”

Wild card: Washington Wizards guard John Wall

Wall’s early season struggles prevent him from being a starting guard for the second year in a row. He’s still deserving of receiving an invitation to play in the game as a reserve.

He’s averaging 21.4 points, 10.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks since Christmas, numbers more indicative of the All-Star talent he possesses. Wall continues to stand out as a top-12 player in the Eastern Conference even when he struggles.

Wild card: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons

Simmons would be the first rookie to participate in the All-Star game since Blake Griffin in 2011 if he were given the nod. Simmons is technically a redshirt rookie, like Griffin, after sitting out his entire true freshman season because of a foot injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, James, and Simmons are the only players averaging at least 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists this season, according to ESPN. Simmons and James, a player Simmons is often compared to, are the only players putting up those numbers while shooting over 50 percent from the field.

The opportunity for Simmons to make history is there since a few All-Stars from last season, such as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas, Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker, Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love have significant blemishes on their resumes this season.