The NBA has officially unveiled the 10 starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, set for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. With the league debuting its USA vs. World format, this year’s showcase blends established superstars, emerging young talent, and elite international players—setting the stage for one of the most compelling All-Star events in recent memory.
Starters were selected through the league’s traditional voting split — 50% fan vote, 25% media, and 25% players — with the top five vote-getters from each conference earning starting honors.
⭐ The 10 All-Star Starters
Eastern Conference
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) — A perennial MVP candidate, Giannis earns his 10th All-Star selection, continuing a decade-long run of dominance on both ends of the floor.
- Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) — Now operating as Boston’s primary option with Jayson Tatum sidelined, Brown secures his fifth All-Star nod thanks to his two-way impact and leadership.
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) — The engine of New York’s offense, Brunson earns his third straight All-Star start after another elite scoring season.
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) — The face of Detroit’s resurgence, Cunningham makes his second All-Star appearance while leading the Pistons to the No. 1 seed in the East.
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) — A dynamic scorer and playmaker, Maxey earns a deserved second All-Star selection following a career-best season.
Western Conference
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) — The league’s greatest shooter adds a 12th All-Star selection, still redefining offensive gravity deep into his career.
- Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers) — The league’s leading scorer and top fan vote-getter, Dončić earns his sixth All-Star nod while firmly in the MVP conversation.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) — The reigning MVP continues his rise, securing his fourth All-Star selection with elite two-way production.
- Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) — The game’s ultimate offensive hub, Jokić earns his eighth All-Star appearance, once again stuffing the stat sheet across every category.
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) — The 7-foot phenom earns his second All-Star start, continuing to redefine positional expectations and the league’s future.
📈 Storylines & Key Takeaways
A New All-Star Era
This year’s starters perfectly capture the NBA’s present and future — from Curry’s sustained greatness to Wembanyama’s meteoric rise. The blend of veteran excellence and youthful breakout stars signals a seamless generational transition.
The USA vs. World format adds another layer of intrigue. International icons like Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, Jokić, and Antetokounmpo headline the World roster against a guard-heavy American core, injecting national pride into the All-Star spotlight.
Surprises & Snubs
The biggest shock: LeBron James not being voted an All-Star starter for the first time in 21 years. While injuries played a role, he’s still widely expected to be selected as a reserve.
Other notable non-starters include Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell, both of whom remain All-Star locks but fell just short in the starting vote.
Statistical Backing
- Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rank among the league’s top scorers this season.
- Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham are posting career-high offensive numbers, fueling their teams’ success.
🏀 What to Watch at All-Star Weekend
With starters announced, attention now turns to the reserve selections on February 1, which will complete the USA and World rosters. The new format promises three competitive teams, elite matchups, and a more intense All-Star environment.
Expect high-octane scoring, deep-range shooting, and highlight-reel moments as the NBA’s brightest stars take center stage in Los Angeles.
Check out all EasySportz NBA Content Here
