Magic C Howard continues to lead All-Star voting

Jan 8, 2009 - 6:38 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- "Superman" has some competition in the latest NBA All-Star Voting.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard continues to lead all players in the latest All-Star balloting results, released on Thursday.

Nicknamed "Superman" for his exploits at last year's Slam Dunk Contest, Howard has accrued an astounding 2,102,368 votes. However, Cleveland forward LeBron James (1,940,162) is tugging at his cape in the Eastern Conference.

Boston's Kevin Garnett (1,375,814) joins James as the top forwards in the East. Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (1,375,814) is tops among Eastern Conference guards.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (1,903,798), the reigning league MVP, is the leader of the pack out West. Houston's Tracy McGrady (1,216,224) will likely join him in the backcourt. He holds a slim lead over New Orleans guard Chris Paul (1,059,161).

Tim Duncan (1,454,918) of the San Antonio Spurs is the leading vote-getter among Western Conference forwards. Injured Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony (905,121) has overtaken Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire (894,690) for the second starting forward spot.

Yao Ming (1,758,499) of the Houston Rockets leads all West centers in votes.

The All-Star game will be played on February 15 in Phoenix.