2026 NBA All-Star Reserves Revealed: Edwards and Mitchell Secure Spots Amid Heated Snub Debates

Los Angeles, CA – February 1, 2026

The NBA unveiled the reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game on Sunday night during NBC Sports’ pregame show, bringing relief to fans of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who had been controversially overlooked as starters.[1][2]

Edwards and Mitchell headline a list of 14 reserves selected by NBA head coaches, who vote within their own conferences and cannot pick players from their teams. The announcements cap a month of anticipation following the January 19 reveal of the fan, player, and media-voted starters.[1][3]

Full Eastern Conference Roster

The Eastern Conference reserves feature a mix of veterans and breakout performers:

• Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
• Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
• Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
• Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
• Norman Powell (Heat)
• Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
• Jalen Duren (Pistons)

Starters include Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), though Antetokounmpo is sidelined with a calf strain, with a replacement to be named by Commissioner Adam Silver.[2][6]

Western Conference Standouts

In the West, the reserves blend superstar power with emerging talent:

• Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
• Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
• Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
• Kevin Durant (Rockets)
• Devin Booker (Suns)
• Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
• LeBron James (Lakers)

They join starters Luka Doncic (Lakers), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), and Victor Wembanyama (Spurs).[3][6]

LeBron’s Record-Breaking Milestone

LeBron James’ selection marks his unprecedented 22nd All-Star appearance, extending his own record despite missing time early in the season due to injury. At 41, James continues to dazzle, averaging 21.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 30 games.[1][7]

Kevin Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, earns his 16th nod, posting 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.[6]

First-Time All-Stars Shine

Sources highlight Murray, Holmgren, Avdija, Johnson, Duren, and Powell as first-time honorees, underscoring the league’s youth movement.[1][6]

The Snub Controversy: Who Missed Out?

While celebrations ensued for the selected players, debates rage over notable omissions. Common snubs cited across reports include:

• Michael Porter Jr. (Nets)
• Bam Adebayo (Heat)
• Brandon Ingram (Raptors)
• Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
• Kawhi Leonard (Clippers)
• Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Lauri Markkanen

Edwards himself lost a tiebreaker to Wembanyama for a starting spot, fueling fan frustration.[2][4][5] Coaches’ votes proved pivotal, with tough choices in loaded conferences leaving stars like Clippers duo James Harden and Kawhi Leonard on the outside despite strong seasons.[5][7]

ESPN insiders noted the rosters’ balance of surprises and expected picks, predicting high-flying displays at Intuit Dome.[3]

Looking Ahead to All-Star Weekend

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game tips off February 15 at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, promising a spectacle of talent. With Luka Doncic now leading the Lakers alongside LeBron, and rising stars like Wembanyama and Holmgren, the event arrives amid a competitive season.[5]

Injury replacements could still shake up the rosters, adding intrigue as the league nears the February 15 showdown. Fans can catch the festivities on NBC and Peacock, where these reserves will join the starters for an unforgettable weekend.[2][4]

This selection reflects the NBA’s depth, rewarding consistency and impact while sparking perennial debates on selections. As the All-Star break approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be one of the league’s marquee events.[1][6]