The NBA has announced a pair of All-Star replacements for the Eastern Conference with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle both set to miss the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis later this month due to injuries.
With Embiid and Randle unavailable, NBA commissioner Adam Silver elected to replace the two All-Stars with Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes.
It was reported Monday that Embiid would be undergoing surgery on his left knee, though the team is leaving the door open for him to return later this season.
Embiid was expected to start the All-Star Game, leaving Eastern Conference coach Doc Rivers with a decision to make regarding who will step into the starting five.
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Randle’s been sidelined since late January with a shoulder injury that’s expected to keep him out for a few weeks, preventing him from suiting up for the game on Feb. 18.
Young will be making his third All-Star appearance after being selected as a replacement. He made the team during the 2019–20 season and in ’21–22, as well. In 45 games this year, he’s averaging 27.3 points, a career-high 10.9 assists and is shooting at a 38.4% clip from three-point range, also a career best.
The 22-year-old Barnes will be making his first-ever All-Star appearance. Now in his third NBA season, Barnes is posting career highs across the board, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 8.1 rebounds.
