Boozer is expecting an all-star invitation

HOUSTON — Power forward Carlos Boozer firmly believes he deserves to go, and his case has ample supporting evidence.

Point guard Deron Williams, however, isn't nearly so sure about his own chances of being tapped for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game when reserve selections as picked by coaches from throughout the Western Conference are revealed Thursday.

"I don't know, man. I really don't. I know it's gonna be tough," said Williams, who is seeking to make his All-Star Game appearance. "There are just so many guards in the West that are playing great basketball. So, I just hope I'm one. You never know."

Williams' low-key campaign to play in the Feb. 17 game at New Orleans — no iPod-like devices being mailed to coaches by the organization, like Portland has done for guard Brandon Roy; no phone solicitations to colleagues from head coach Jerry Sloan; but a bid nonetheless heartily endorsed, to no great surprise, by teammate Boozer — received a bit of a boost when fan balloting results were announced last Thursday.

Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson used a late push to pass Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady for the West's second starting guard spot alongside Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

McGrady, who is expected to play when the Jazz face Houston tonight, has missed 14 games due to injury this season, and it seems unlikely he'll be chosen as a reserve — opening a spot on the West's bench that might otherwise have gone to Iverson.

Still, the competition is stacked for Williams — who is averaging 19.2 points and 9.3 assists with 20 double-doubles in his third season for the 25-18 Jazz.

Seven subs are chosen by the conference coaches, who received their ballots Friday and must submit them by Tuesday.

In theory, two forwards, two guards, one center and two wildcards are selected — though in reality "position" is liberally interpreted to mean at whatever spot they can help the All-Star team best.

Playing along, though, reigning NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas is widely regarded as a favorite for one of the forward spots. The other could very well go to Boozer, who is averaging a team-high 22.8 points and team-leading 10.8 rebounds with 30 double-doubles.

"(Nowitzki will) be a unanimous choice for West coaches," ESPN.com's Marc Stein wrote after starters were named. "As for Boozer? A double-double monster who will likely be unanimous, too."