Fans have clearly decided who they want to see start in the NBA All-Star Game. The initial 10 starters chosen during the first week of fan voting remain the same after the second week of voting. Luka Doncic holds the overall top spot in voting, while Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Eastern Conference. Both international stars will return to NBC and make their debut on Peacock, fitting for a year when the All-Star Game will feature a unique format with three teams from the U.S. Five of the starting candidates are international players.
Here are the current fan-voted starters for each conference (voting concludes January 14th):
Western Conference:
– Luka Doncic, Lakers (2,229,811 votes)
– Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (1,998,560)
– Stephen Curry, Warriors (1,844,903)
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder (1,554,468)
– Victor Wembanyama, Spurs (1,321,985)
Eastern Conference:
– Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks (2,092,284 votes)
– Jalen Brunson, Knicks (1,916,497)
– Tyrese Maxey, 76ers (1,908,978)
– Cade Cunningham, Pistons (1,752,801)
– Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers (1,530,237)
Some key notes: Fan voting accounts for half of the starters’ selection, combined with players’ (25%) and select media votes (25%). Coaches choose seven reserves per conference, and these players will be split into three teams for this year’s competition. Jalen Brunson moved ahead of Tyrese Maxey for the East’s second spot, but no other player shifts occurred. It’s speculated that Boston’s Jaylen Brown might surpass Donovan Mitchell after media and player votes are added. Despite Nikola Jokic’s knee injury, he’s expected to be voted in and could play if he recovers in time; otherwise, the NBA commissioner will select his replacement. LeBron James recently moved ahead of Kevin Durant in vote counts; however, LeBron will likely need a special invitation to participate due to missed games and the event’s location at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome, meaning he probably won’t play.
Last year, LaMelo Ball was the top fan vote-getter who didn’t make the East All-Star roster due to lack of support from media, players, and coaches. This season, he ranks 11th behind Pascal Siakam and Michael Porter Jr.
Regarding the All-Star Game format, the 2026 event returns to NBC and Peacock, coinciding with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The 24 players (10 fan/media/players-chosen starters and 14 coach-selected reserves) will be split into three teams—two representing the U.S. and one the World—to compete in a round-robin tournament comprising four 12-minute games. The top two teams then face off in a championship game. The All-Star Weekend features Rising Stars on February 13, the Celebrity Game, and the NBA HBCU Classic at the Kia Forum, with Saturday night showcasing the skills challenge, 3-point contest, and dunk contest at Intuit Dome. The main All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15.
Fans can watch NBA games on NBC and Peacock, including Monday night streams and Tuesday broadcasts with Coast 2 Coast Tuesdays. NBC Sports also launches Sunday Night Basketball on February 1, 2026. For the full schedule, viewers are encouraged to check local listings and Peacock streaming options.
Fan Take: This All-Star voting and new three-team format represent an exciting evolution for NBA fans, highlighting the sport’s growing international influence and innovative approaches to showcase talent. It’s a sign that basketball continues to adapt and engage a global audience, offering fresh competition and memorable moments for years to come.
