Fans, players, and media have chosen the five Eastern Conference starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles next month. The starting lineup was unveiled Monday on NBC during the tip-off of Oklahoma City at Cleveland, part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day NBA quadrupleheader.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Leading all Eastern vote-getters, Giannis has been a powerhouse for the Bucks despite a rocky start to the season. In 27 games, he’s averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 29.0 minutes per game. Trade rumors have swirled around the two-time MVP, but injuries have had a bigger impact than speculation.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
The reigning NBA Clutch Player of the Year continues to shine in New York. Brunson is averaging 28.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 3.0 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 85.2% from the free throw line. His leadership helped the Knicks secure the NBA Cup title.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Cunningham has been a major reason for Detroit’s resurgence this season, posting career-high averages of 9.6 assists and 1.5 steals while adding 25.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 3-pointers per game. After earning a starting nod, the question remains how many of his teammates will join him in Los Angeles.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey has stepped up as Joel Embiid and Paul George recovered from offseason knee surgeries. He is posting career-highs across the board: 30.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.9 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 3.7 three-pointers per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 87.8% from the line. This will be his second All-Star Game appearance.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Brown has carried the Celtics through offseason departures and Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles. Now a five-time All-Star, he is averaging career-highs of 29.7 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field and 79.1% from the foul line. His play has been key to Boston staying competitive in the East.
The Eastern Conference starters will later be split between the USA and World teams for this year’s All-Star Game format. NBA coaches will select the seven reserves for each conference, with the full roster set to be revealed on February 1.
