Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for this year’s NBA All-Star Game after suffering a right calf injury during Friday night’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The Milwaukee Bucks star had been selected as an All-Star starter and was expected to suit up for Team World under the league’s revamped format. Now, with Giannis out for what he estimates to be four to six weeks, the league-and the Bucks-are facing a significant shakeup.
Antetokounmpo revealed after the game that the injury felt familiar, and based on past experience, he’s bracing for a multi-week recovery. An MRI is scheduled to confirm the extent of the damage, but the timing couldn’t be worse for a Bucks team already reeling.
Milwaukee dropped another game in Denver and now finds itself outside the Play-In picture with an 18-26 record. Without their two-time MVP, the road ahead only gets steeper.
With Giannis officially out of All-Star Weekend, attention now turns to who will replace him in the starting lineup. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to make the final call, and there’s no shortage of worthy candidates. Let’s break down the top contenders.
Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers
If we’re talking about players who’ve earned a starting nod with their play this season, Donovan Mitchell jumps off the page. The Cavaliers guard is putting together one of the most complete campaigns of his career, averaging 29.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Mitchell has been the engine behind Cleveland’s resurgence. Despite early-season injuries to key teammates like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Mitchell has kept the Cavs in the fight for a top-six seed in the East.
His scoring bursts, playmaking, and leadership have been undeniable. In a season where he’s doing more with less, Mitchell has the résumé-and the narrative-to step into that All-Star starter role.
Jalen Duren - Detroit Pistons
While Mitchell might be the obvious choice, there’s also a case to be made for going with a frontcourt player to maintain some positional balance. Enter Jalen Duren, who’s having a breakout season in Detroit. The second-year big man is averaging 17.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, anchoring the paint on both ends.
Duren’s growth has been one of the best stories in the East this season. He’s become a force inside, showing touch around the rim, improved footwork, and a growing defensive presence.
And with the Pistons sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, his impact can’t be overstated. While Cade Cunningham may be the face of the franchise, Duren has emerged as their second-most important player-and that could earn him a ticket to the All-Star starting five.
Scottie Barnes - Toronto Raptors
Another name firmly in the mix is Scottie Barnes, who’s taken a major leap in his third year with the Raptors. Barnes is averaging 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game-numbers that speak to his all-around game and defensive versatility.
Toronto currently holds the fourth seed in the East, and Barnes has been the driving force behind that success. He’s doing a bit of everything: initiating offense, guarding multiple positions, and stepping up in clutch moments.
While he may not have the scoring numbers of someone like Brandon Ingram, Barnes’ two-way impact has been undeniable. If the league is looking for balance and versatility, Barnes deserves a long look.
One thing to keep in mind: Adam Silver may wait until the full list of reserves is announced on February 1 before naming Giannis’ replacement. Depending on how the roster shapes up-especially with Team World potentially having more than eight All-Stars-the final decision could hinge on positional needs or overall roster balance.
Regardless of who gets the nod, Giannis’ absence leaves a big hole in the All-Star festivities. But it also opens the door for a rising star to step into the spotlight-and this season, there’s no shortage of deserving candidates ready to take that stage.