The annual NBA All-Star weekend is right around the corner, and your stars have been named. For the Western Conference, we saw familiar names; for the Eastern Conference, we’ve got some interesting but well-deserved players. These players have shown to be some of the best the league has to offer, so let’s dive into your 2026 Eastern Conference All-Stars!
NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Starters
Since pivoting away from the traditional 1 through 5 format, it’s been a little weird to see these all-star lineups without a traditional starting five. They have a plethora of talent in the lineup. If the NBA were still doing East vs. West, it would be plenty to give the West some problems. Here are your Eastern Conference starters:
- Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham – 2nd appearance
- New York Knicks – Jalen Brunson – 3rd appearance
- Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Maxey – 2nd appearance
- Boston Celtics – Jaylen Brown – 5th appearance
- Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo – 10th appearance
NBA Eastern Conference Reserves
Just because players aren’t named starters to the game doesn’t mean they aren’t all-stars. The players below have every right to the nod as the starters do. It’s been great to see these young stars grow and elevate their games to get their names called. It’s almost as if there is a changing of the guard with the young talent. Out with the old, in with the new. Here are your NBA Eastern Conference All-Star reserves:
- Cleveland Cavaliers – Donovan Mitchell – 7th appearance
- Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Johnson – 1st appearance
- New York Knicks – Karl-Anthony Towns – 6th appearance
- Indiana Pacers – Pascal Siakam – 4th appearance
- Miami Heat – Norman Powell – 1st appearance
- Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes – 2nd appearance
- Detroit Pistons – Jalen Duren – 1st appearance
Snub
I was surprised that Joel Embiid wasn’t at least a reserve for the All-Star Game. He’s been as healthy as he has been over the past few seasons, and his MVP play has started to creep back into the NBA. I love that Norman Powell got his roses, but I would have voted for Embiid over him. I feel that because Powell was snubbed last season, this was a “let’s make it right” decision. Nothing against him, I simply believe that Embiid has had the better season.
Michael Porter Jr. is another player who I believe deserved to get in. Is he on a bad team? Absolutely. Put team success aside. MPJ has been a baller this season, with career highs in points per game (25.6 ppg) and rebounds per game (7.3 rpg). Outside of Powell, I don’t see him taking anyone else’s spot. Maybe Scottie Barnes, but he’s had a hell of a season, too. There is too much young talent in the NBA for very few spots. That is what makes the All-Star selections so sacred.
Final Thoughts
I enjoy everything that comes with the All-Star break. Everything from the three-point shootout to the dunk contest. The NBA is changing the game thought. Instead of East vs West, it’s USA vs the World. With this being the first year of the change, it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. What are your thoughts on the Eastern Conference All-Stars? Do you think the fans made the right selections? Lastly, who will win the USA vs World game?
As always, thank you so much for checking out the NBA’s 2026 Eastern Conference All-Stars. Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
