NBA All-Star 2013: 4 Players who could miss the All-Star game

The All-Star break is only one day away, but there is a chance that the fans might not be able to see all of their favorite players play in the All-Star game. Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics was the first player to be forced into withdrawing from the game, as the Eastern Conference starting point guard tore his ACL.

Other than Rondo, there are several other players who are in a race against time to get their bodies ready for the All-Star game. Here are the players that are hurt right now:

Feb. 10, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to pass around Los Angeles Clippers small forward Grant Hill (33) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Clippers won 102-88. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony was voted into the Eastern Conference starting lineup by the fans this year. Anthony’s bizarre 5-24 shooting performance last night against the Toronto Raptors was the result of a bruised right arm.

Anthony has said that as much as he wants to play in the All-Star game, he is not going to force the issue by playing hurt.

Feb 13, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago Bulls forward/center Joakim Noah (13) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Celtics won 71-69. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Joakim Noah earned his first-ever All-Star selection this year, but said on Sunday that the plantar fasciitis in his right foot was bothering him, and he could potentially sit out the All-Star game.

However, he has continued to play for the Chicago Bulls, logging 43 minutes of action last night.

Feb 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) is congratulated by guard Steve Blake (5) in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Howard is coming off an off-season back surgery and has been bothered by a tear in his shoulder lately.

Despite being banged up and not at a 100%, Howard is expected to play for the Western Conference, barring a sudden setback.

February 12, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden has developed into a star in Houston, and was awarded with the privilege to represent the Houston Rockets in the All-Star game.

Last night, Harden missed only his second game of this season, and it is still uncertain whether he will make his All-Star debut, due to his sore right ankle.

All of the above mentioned players bring a lot to the table and it would be extremely frustrating if they would be forced to sit out the All-Star game. At the same time, their misfortune might open up the door to other candidates, such as Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

Stay tuned to KJG as we continue to track the latest news on the All-Star weekend.

Vytis is the editor of King James Gospel. Follow him on twitter here: @VytisLasaitis