The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is just days away, and the final list of participants in the game is still changing.
Several players are dealing with injuries and either have already been ruled out or soon could be. The latest star to opt out of the game is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo is dealing with a calf strain and will be replaced by an exciting Western Conference guard.
Giannis Antetokounmpo To Be Replaced by De’Aaron Fox in All-Star Game
Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since his late injury as he nurses his calf injury. In 30 games this season, the Greek Freak is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
Replacing Antetokounmpo will be San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox. This is set to be Fox’s second All-Star selection and first as a Spurs guard.
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game (Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 PM ET on NBC & Peacock).
Fox joins USA Stripes. Heat guard Norman Powell, with ties to Jamaica, moves from… pic.twitter.com/yTiBdlWfbZ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 12, 2026
The NBA is debuting a new format for this game, with a round-robin tournament featuring three eight-man teams. Antetokounmpo was picked to play for Team World, while his replacement, Fox, will play for the USA Stripes.
To balance the teams, Miami Heat guard Norman Powell will switch from USA Stripes to Team World. Powell has ties to Jamaica and will also represent the country in the 2027 World Cup.
It’s disappointing that Antetokounmpo can’t play, but Fox is a worthy replacement. In his first full season with the Spurs, Fox is averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. The guard is shooting 48.4% from the field, which is his best mark since the 2022-23 season.
Fox isn’t the only injury replacement who’s been announced. Alperen Şengün is replacing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Brandon Ingram is replacing Stephen Curry. Luka Dončić, another Team World starter, is set to miss his fourth straight game on Thursday, so he could miss the All-Star Game as well.
Fox Set To Play in Second All-Star Game
Fox made his first All-Star Game back in 2023 as a member of the Sacramento Kings. In that season, Fox averaged 25.0 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game.
After becoming unhappy in Sacramento, Fox requested a trade and was sent to the Spurs during the 2024-25 season. Fox then inked a four-year, $223,104,000 extension with the Spurs and is one of the team’s key building blocks.
Fox won’t be the only Spur participating in All-Star Weekend, as Victor Wembanyama will be on Team World. Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle will take part in Rising Stars, while Carter Bryant will be in the Slam Dunk contest.