NBA All-Star starters confirmed for 2026 as “U.S. vs. World” format begins
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The NBA on Monday released the list of eight starters for each of the three teams that will take part in the 2026 All-Star Game, scheduled for Feb. 15 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. For the first time the exhibition will feature two squads made up of American players and one consisting of international standouts.
How the lineups were selected
Fan, media and player ballots determined the starters, while coaches will choose the seven reserves for each team on Feb. 1. Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo topped the vote totals in their respective conferences, guaranteeing spots on the global roster.
New faces in the opening five
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey earned their first starting nods. They join veteran selections such as Stephen Curry, who has now been voted in as a starter six consecutive times.
Key takeaways from the ballot
• Voters opted for three guards in the Eastern Conference after positional designations were removed from the ballot. With Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum sidelined, backcourt talent received most of the support.
• Some observers argued that Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, averaging 29.6 points per game, deserved Curry’s spot, while others noted Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell’s omission despite strong individual numbers.
Duos to watch
• International team: Antetokounmpo and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama will share the court, combining elite athleticism, rim protection and three-point range.
• United States team: Curry’s shooting range paired with Maxey’s speed could provide a dynamic backcourt, although Edwards may replace Maxey once full rosters are unveiled.
LeBron James’ streak under the microscope
If healthy, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James would extend his record to 22 consecutive All-Star selections. He is averaging 22.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists on 50.9% shooting. Because the game is in Los Angeles, league observers expect commissioner Adam Silver to add James if coaches do not vote him in.
Reaction to the new format
Early feedback around the league has been muted but generally hopeful that the change will spark competitiveness similar to the 2020 event, which featured a target-score ending. Off-court issues could loom, however, as an ongoing investigation into the LA Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard for possible salary-cap circumvention may dominate conversation during the weekend.
Contract implications minimal
Recent collective bargaining agreements have largely removed financial bonuses tied to All-Star selections. Only seven current players—Kevin Durant, RJ Barrett, DeMar DeRozan, Donte DiVincenzo, Aaron Gordon, Tyler Herro and Domantas Sabonis—have All-Star incentives in their contracts, and none were voted starters. Of the 10 starters, only Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson are not on maximum deals.
Projected reserves
Analysts expect eight “locks” among the 14 remaining spots: Scottie Barnes, Jalen Duren, Jalen Johnson and Mitchell in the East; and Durant, Edwards, Jamal Murray and Alperen Sengun in the West.
The final six places could come from:
East: Karl-Anthony Towns, Norman Powell, Bam Adebayo, Michael Porter Jr. and Pascal Siakam.
West: Chet Holmgren, Devin Booker, Deni Avdija, Kawhi Leonard, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
A projection by league insider Zach Kram lists Barnes, Duren, Johnson, Mitchell, Porter, Powell and Towns for the East, and Avdija, Booker, Durant, Edwards, Holmgren, Murray and Sengun for the West. That breakdown would yield 16 Americans and eight international players, pending injury replacements.
The full reserve list will be announced Feb. 1.
Source: ESPN
