The biggest snubs as Giddey misses out on All-Star berth… but late twist could see Aussie picked

Josh Giddey missed out on selection as LeBron James’ incredible streak continued, with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar named as one of the NBA All-Star Reserves on Monday.

Giddey’s brilliant start to the season for the Chicago Bulls had him on the verge of a maiden All-Star selection, but a recurring hamstring injury saw the Australian missing valuable playing time and he subsequently missed selection.

Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream an average 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs.| New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

The 23-year-old guard is averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game in 34 appearances so far this season, while shooting at 46.2 per cent from the field.

Giddey returned from the hamstring injury last week only to report tightness in the area and he has been held out for Chicago’s last three games as a precuationary measure.

If selected, Giddey would have become just the second Australian to ever be an NBA All-Star after Ben Simmons received the honour three times from 2019 to 2021.

There is still a chance Giddey could get named as an injury alternate with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was picked as a starter last week, unavailable but the Australian himself needs to get healthy for that to happen.

As for James, he missed out on a starting spot but for a 22nd-straight season was selected for the All-Star game but Lakers teammate Austin Reaves, who will miss Monday’s game with a calf injury, missed out.

There weren’t too many major shocks when the reserves were named, with Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray finally earning a well-deserved All-Star berth after stepping up in the absence of injured teammates.

Former Nuggets sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. was perhaps the biggest snub, enjoying a career-best season for the Brooklyn Nets averaging 25.6 points and shooting 39.8 per cent from deep.

Clippers duo Kawhi Leonard and James Harden also missed out despite the team’s recent strong run of form.

Seven players from each conference were chosen as reserves with the selections made by NBA coaches regardless of player position.

Ten starters, five from each conference, were announced for the 75th All-Star Game on January 19.

Get all the latest basketball news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

This year’s game will debut the USA vs. the World format at the home of the LA Clippers, the Inuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The process for assigning players to the squads will be determined next week.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Starters

Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks

Jaylen Brown | Boston Celtics

Jalen Brunson | New York Knicks

Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons

Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers

Reserves

Donovan Mitchell | Cleveland Cavaliers