Giannis Antetokounmpo Sidelined as All-Star Absences Mount Ahead of Los Angeles Showcase

The NBA All-Star Game will be missing one of its brightest stars this weekend after the league confirmed that Giannis Antetokounmpo will sit out with a right calf strain.

The Milwaukee Bucks forward becomes the latest high-profile player ruled out of Sunday’s mid-season showcase in Los Angeles, adding to a growing list of notable absentees.

In response, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has selected De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs as Antetokounmpo’s replacement. Fox will join the USA Stripes squad in the revamped mini-tournament format that features a World team and two American sides — USA Stars and USA Stripes.

As part of the roster reshuffle, Miami’s Norman Powell, who has ties to Jamaica, will move to the World team lineup.

Antetokounmpo’s absence headlines a series of withdrawals that have reshaped the event. Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City Thunder will also not participate. Veteran star Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors has likewise been ruled out.

There are additional injury concerns surrounding Luka Doncic. The Los Angeles Lakers standout was sidelined for Thursday’s game against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, casting doubt over his availability for the All-Star festivities.

The NBA Rising Stars event has also been hit. Dallas teen forward Cooper Flagg, last year’s top pick in the NBA Draft, will miss out, as will French centre Alex Sarr of Washington.

For Fox, the late call-up marks his second All-Star selection, having previously earned the honor in 2023. He enters the weekend averaging 19.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.27 steals per game for San Antonio. The Spurs, currently 38-16, sit second in the Western Conference and remain firmly in contention as the season progresses.

While the All-Star Game still promises a celebration of elite talent, the string of withdrawals has undoubtedly altered the landscape of this year’s showcase.