Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game because of a right calf injury, leading to De’Aaron Fox being named as his replacement for Team USA Stripes. The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at 5 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC and Peacock.
Roster Changes and Team Assignments Explained
De’Aaron Fox, a 28-year-old guard from the San Antonio Spurs, joins the USA Stripes squad, while Norman Powell shifts from the USA Stripes to Team World in Antetokounmpo’s vacated spot, a move made possible by Powell’s Jamaican heritage. Powell, who now plays for the Miami Heat and formerly the Toronto Raptors, will bolster Team World’s backcourt rotation.
Background on Antetokounmpo’s Injury and All-Star Status
Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since January 23 due to the calf injury but remains involved during All-Star weekend by assisting on the bench for Friday’s All-Star Celebrity Game. Despite the injury, the Greek forward earned his tenth consecutive All-Star Game starter selection last month.
Overview of De’Aaron Fox’s Season and Contributions
Fox’s selection marks his second NBA All-Star appearance and his first since the 2022-23 season. This year, Fox has played in 45 games, averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 48.4% overall and 35.4% from beyond the arc.
San Antonio Spurs’ Representation and Team Performance
Fox is the second Spurs player to participate in the All-Star Game alongside Victor Wembanyama, who represents the World roster. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson will lead Team USA Stripes, highlighting San Antonio’s influence on both the court and sidelines during the event. The Spurs enter the All-Star break with a strong 38-16 record, holding second place in the Western Conference and maintaining a 4.5-game lead over the Houston Rockets in the Southwest Division. Oklahoma City Thunder leads the conference as the league pauses for the All-Star festivities.
“Fox, aged 28, earns a second NBA All-Star Game selection and first since the 2022-23 season.” ? NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
