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NBA All-Star Game: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James to be teammates in ‘older US team’ as part of new format | NBA News


Steph Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be teammates as part of a new format for the NBA All-Star Game, live this month on Sky Sports.

The ‘Team USA vs Team World’ concept has been discussed for some time but will be implemented in the 2026 edition of the mid-season showpiece, taking place on February 15 at the Inuit Dome – the Los Angeles Clippers’ home venue.

James, named among the reserves from the Western Conference after initially missing out on a record-extending 22nd NBA All-Star appearance, is among the 25 names involved that will be split into three squads.

The two United States teams are assigned based on age, with younger players placed on ‘USA Stars’ and the older group place on ‘USA Stripes’, with ‘Team World’ then composed on the international players selected.

Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will lead the USA Stars and San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson takes charge of the USA Stripes, with Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković of Serbia coaching Team World.

The 75th NBA All-Star Game will feature a round-robin mini-tournament with four 12-minute games, with each team playing each other once and then the top two sides playing the Championship match.

All three teams had at least eight players, the minimum required under the new format. Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to play for the World team because of injury, which is why that squad has nine players.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after suffering an injury against the Detroit Pistons (AP Photo/Kylie Bridenhagen)
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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss out

The Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, a surprise name left off the original list of 24 All-Stars, was added to the pool of United States before the rosters were unveiled. Karl-Anthony Towns – born in New Jersey but who has played for the Dominican Republic – switched to Team World.

Team USA Stars

Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, Tyrese Maxey

Team USA Stripes

Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Norman Powell

Team World

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Deni Avdija, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama

Watch the NBA All Star Game on Sunday February 15 live on Sky Sports, with coverage from 9.30pm. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.


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