Jan 27, 20222 min read

NBA: 2022 All-Star Game reserves projections

The 2022 NBA All-Star Game starters will be announced on Thursday night followed by a reveal of the reserves in early February. Even with superstars Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard and Paul George sidelined due to injury, the starting lineups will be stacked. Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Nikola Jokić headline a star-studded Western Conference, with Ja Morant expected to earn his first appearance as well. The final starting spot is likely between Rudy Gobert, Draymond Green and Karl-Anthony Towns. Eastern Conference locks include Giannis Antetokounmpo, DeMar DeRozan and Joel Embiid, while Trae Young is in line to start at point guard but could be caught by Zach LaVine or James Harden. Durant will also still be voted a starter despite being hurt but Jimmy Butler and Jayson Tatum are projected replacements.

Eastern Starters:

G: Trae Young (Hawks)

G: DeMar DeRozan (Bulls)

F: Kevin Durant (Nets)

F: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)

C: Joel Embiid (76ers)

Western Starters:

G: Stephen Curry (Warriors)

G: Ja Morant (Grizzlies)

F: LeBron James (Lakers)

F: Andrew Wiggins (Warriors)

C: Nikola Jokić (Nuggets)

There are a slew of deserved Eastern Conference reserves including Jarrett Allen, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland and Fred VanVleet with several former All-Stars (Bradley Beal, Khris Middleton, Domantas Sabonis and Pascal Siakam) potentially missing this season. I think all four previously mentioned newcomers should be selected but it's more likely we'll see a mix between new and old. The other Western Conference reserves that are nearly set in stone are Devin Booker, Luka Dončić, Donovan Mitchell and Chris Paul. That means one spot remains with Anthony Davis, Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray, Kristaps Porzingis and Andrew Wiggins in the discussion. There are normally a few injury replacements so multiple players will earn an appearance even if they're unable to play on Sunday, February 20 in Cleveland.