The NBA All-Star Game roster will look slightly different this year. Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram will replace Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, who is sidelined due to a right knee injury.
Curry, initially voted as a starter for the Western Conference team, has missed the last four games and is expected to miss additional contests, including the All-Star Game on . He is currently dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome, and has already been ruled out of Wednesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors’ final game before the All-Star break. The team is hopeful he will return to the lineup on against the Boston Celtics.
Ingram’s selection marks his second All-Star appearance, his first coming in 2020. This season, the forward is averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 52 games. He’s shooting 47.2 percent from the field, attempting 17.3 shots per game. His inclusion addresses concerns about a shorthanded All-Star team, as announced by NBA Insider Shams Charania.
Curry’s absence isn’t simply a matter of rest, according to reports. The injury has clearly impacted his availability, and the Warriors are proceeding cautiously with his recovery. The timing is particularly unfortunate as the Warriors continue to fight for positioning in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Elsewhere in the league, LeBron James continues to lead the Los Angeles Lakers on a late-season surge. Recent results have tightened the NBA standings, with the Lakers climbing and the Boston Celtics maintaining their hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Curry and the Warriors are also battling to remain competitive, striving to secure a play-in spot.
The Lakers’ recent success has been fueled by James’s continued high level of play. At 39 years old, James is still dominating games with a combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership. His performance in recent games has been pivotal in the Lakers’ push for a play-in berth.
The intensity surrounding the Lakers is further amplified by a highly anticipated matchup against the New York Knicks on . Tickets for this game are currently the most expensive for any regular-season NBA game since Kobe Bryant’s final game, with an average price approaching $900. The game carries added weight as speculation mounts about whether this could be James’s final appearance at Madison Square Garden.
James himself has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, stating, I don’t know what the future holds. I’m just trying to live in the moment.
He has indicated that he and his family will discuss his options after the current season. League sources suggest he may consider playing one more season, potentially with a team other than the Lakers, with New York and Cleveland frequently mentioned as possible destinations.
The Knicks game features a star-studded lineup, including All-Star Game starters Luka Dončić and Jalen Brunson, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock as part of the debut of Sunday Night Basketball.
The NBA trade deadline has passed, with teams finalizing their rosters for the remainder of the season. Luke Kennard, recently acquired by the Lakers in a trade, is being encouraged by coach JJ Redick to shoot more three-pointers. The league continues to track player movements and potential trades as teams prepare for the playoff push.
The competitive landscape remains fluid, with every win carrying significant weight in the playoff race and the MVP conversation. The standings are constantly shifting, and teams are vying for favorable seeding positions. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as teams battle for position and prepare for the postseason.
