2026 NBA All-Star Game Format Announced
The upcoming 2026 NBA All-Star Game will feature a new format, pitting Team USA against a World Team. Each side will send 12 players, with the full roster officially announced following the All-Star Reserve selection on Sunday night.
Confirmed starters include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown from the Eastern Conference, while the Western Conference will showcase Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic.
A total of 14 players have been named as reserves, evenly split with seven from the East and seven from the West. Below is a detailed look at the Eastern Conference All-Star reserves, followed by insights on the USA vs. World Team matchup.
Eastern Conference NBA All-Star Reserves
Eastern starters: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown
Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers: Mitchell, possibly the most controversial starter in the East, boasts impressive stats: 29.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 61.8.
Jalen Johnson, F, Atlanta Hawks: Drafted 20th overall in 2021, Johnson has made his All-Star debut this year, averaging 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists with a 59 percent shooting rate.
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, New York Knicks: Though this season isn’t his strongest, Towns still contributes notably with 20.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, alongside a field goal percentage of 59.4.
Pascal Siakam, F, Indiana Pacers: While the Pacers have struggled overall, Siakam has shone during this transitional season, averaging 23.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, shooting 56.4 percent.
Norman Powell, G, Miami Heat: At age 32, Powell is an All-Star for the first time after his successful trade to Miami. He’s averaging 23.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game with a shooting percentage of 61.2.
Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors: Barnes has rebounded impressively from a tough previous season, averaging 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, with a shooting rate of 57.6 percent.
Jaylen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons: Drafted 13th in 2022, Duren has emerged as a star at just 22, averaging 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, shooting an impressive 66.6 percent.
Western Conference NBA All-Star Starters
Western starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic
Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves: Edwards has gained some notoriety as a controversial starter, posting averages of 29.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting at 62.2 percent.
Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets: Known as one of the best players who previously lacked an All-Star nod, Murray is finally seeing recognition with averages of 25.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, with a shooting percentage of 62.3.
Chet Holmgren, F, Oklahoma City Thunder: Holmgren proved pivotal in the Thunder’s playoff run, averaging 17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists at a shooting rate of 66 percent.
Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets: Even at 37, Durant remains a scoring powerhouse, averaging 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists with 63 percent shooting.
Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns: Leading the Suns, Booker has become a standout this season, averaging 25.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 58 percent.
Deni Avdija, F, Portland Trail Blazers: Emerging as the Blazers’ key player, Avdija has excelled as a jumbo ball handler, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, shooting at 61 percent.
LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers: Despite having played only 30 games and facing a dip in form, James still finds a way to contribute, averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists while shooting at 58.8 percent.
Team USA All-Star Player Pool
Team USA will be split into two squads of eight from a pool of 16 players. The World Team will feature eight players, including:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada)
- Victor Wembanyama (France)
However, it’s worth noting that Antetokounmpo may have to be replaced due to injury concerns.
