The 2011 NBA All-Star Game, to be held on Sunday, Feb. 20 in Los Angeles, is rapidly approaching. Last night the San Antonio Spurs won again, clinching the best record in the Western Conference by Feb. 6, meaning Gregg Popovich will coach the West. Who will be Pop's peer in the East? Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics has the inside track, with a three-game lead in the loss column with just under two weeks remaining.
Here's a look at the candidates to coach the Eastern Conference on Feb. 20:
Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics
- Team Record: 33-10
- Games Remaining Through February 6: Seven (7); Cleveland, at Portland, at Phoenix, at Lakers, at Sacramento, Dallas, Orlando
Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat
- Team Record: 31-13
- Games Remaining Through February 6: Seven (7); at New York, Detroit, at Oklahoma City, Cleveland, at Orlando, at Charlotte, Clippers
Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls
- Team Record: 31-14
- Games Remaining Through February 6: Four (4); Orlando, Indiana, at Clippers, at Golden State
Stan Van Gundy, head coach of the 29-16 Orlando Magic, is ineligible to coach in the All-Star Game this season because he coached the East last year.