The full lineups for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for two weeks from now, are complete after the league unveiled the reserves on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Starters
West: Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
East: Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey.
Reserves
West additions: LeBron James and Kevin Durant headline the bench group.
East additions: Donovan Mitchell and Karl-Anthony Towns join the squad.
Analysts’ reactions
ESPN writers Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton reviewed the selections and pointed to several unexpected outcomes:
- Biggest surprises: Both cited LeBron James, who missed the season’s first month and is averaging reduced numbers at age 41. Pelton also highlighted Towns, noting New York’s recent slump and asserting teammate Mikal Bridges had a stronger case.
- Top snubs: Pelton questioned Kawhi Leonard’s omission, calling the Clippers forward a “top-10 player” this year. Kram argued that Houston center Alperen Sengun deserved a return trip after earning his first All-Star nod last season and improving across the board.
International angle
The writers debated whether the league is close to fielding full 12-player USA and World rosters. They counted eight international All-Stars this season and suggested candidates such as Sengun, Lauri Markkanen, Franz Wagner and Joel Embiid could fill out a global lineup if needed.
Bold predictions
Looking ahead to the new three-team mini-tournament format, Pelton predicted the international squad would play hard enough to raise overall competitiveness, though he doubts any tweak will permanently “fix” the exhibition. Kram forecast Victor Wembanyama as the eventual MVP, citing the rookie’s competitiveness and last year’s efficient scoring burst.
The 2026 NBA All-Star festivities tip off in mid-February, featuring the revised tournament structure and the traditional skills competitions.
Source: ESPN
