The NBA announced the reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game on Sunday, completing the rosters for the event featuring a United States versus international format. While starters were already set, the selection process highlighted debates over deserving players left out due to limited spots. Notable snubs include standout performers like Michael Porter Jr. and Kawhi Leonard, who posted career-high numbers this season.
The reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game were revealed on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, following the earlier announcement of starters: Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić for the Western Conference; Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown, and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Eastern Conference. This year's game shifts from the traditional East-West format to teams of U.S. players versus international ones, though reserves are still selected by conference via coaches' votes in a positionless system.
Pre-announcement predictions from CBS Sports suggested Eastern Conference reserves including Donovan Mitchell, who is scoring at a higher volume and efficiency than ever; Scottie Barnes, a lock for First-Team All-Defense; Michael Porter Jr., reinvented as a primary scorer in Brooklyn after his July 2025 trade from Denver; Jalen Johnson, averaging a triple-double in December; Jalen Duren, advancing as a scorer for the East's top team; Norman Powell, averaging a league-best 0.503 points per touch in his 11th season with Miami; and Pascal Siakam, efficient and clutch for Indiana, where the team is 15 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court.
Western predictions included Anthony Edwards, advancing in decision-making and shooting; Kawhi Leonard, averaging career-high 27.9 points on 63.1% true shooting; Kevin Durant, efficient at 37 minutes per game for Houston; Jamal Murray, a top shooter and clutch performer; Devin Booker, boosting Phoenix to a 28-19 record; Deni Avdija, the league's most prolific driver in Portland; and Chet Holmgren, anchoring Oklahoma City's best defense.
Post-announcement, Sporting News highlighted snubs. In the East, Michael Porter Jr. averaged 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists with Brooklyn; Joel Embiid posted 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for Philadelphia; Josh Giddey achieved 18.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 8.6 rebounds for Chicago; Derrick White reached 17.2 points for Boston; and Brandon Ingram averaged 21.9 points for Toronto. Western snubs featured Kawhi Leonard with 27.7 points, 2.1 steals, and 93.6% free throws despite knee issues; Lauri Markkanen at 27.4 points, including a 50-point game on October 27, 2025; Alperen Şengün with 21.1 points and leading assists among bigs; Keyonte George at 24.2 points, with a 43-point outing on January 20, 2026; and James Harden averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists. LeBron James notably missed the cut in predictions, amid discussions of limited roster space and team records influencing selections.
