Domantas Sabonis Named NBA All-Star Injury Replacement

With Kevin Durant sidelined for the NBA All-Star Game, the NBA announced that Domantas Sabonis will replace him.

The Indiana Pacers did not end up having a player included on the initial release personnel named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. The situation has since changed with Kevin Durant ruled out for the event. 

Domantas Sabonis was considered by many as being the top snub in the Eastern Conference with Devin Booker holding that honor out West. Now, both players have been named as injury replacements. 

Sabonis is posting impressive production so far this season with averages of 21.5 points (career-high), 11.7 rebounds (fifth in the NBA) and 5.7 assists (career-high) in 30 games. Most importantly of all, the Pacers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. 

Along with Giannis Antetokounpo, Nikola Jokic, and Julius Randle, Sabonis joins them as the only players averaging at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Sabonis was close to being the first player ever to average such production and not be named an NBA All-Star. 

Now a two-time All-Star, Sabonis ranks second in the league in double-doubles with 24 along with three triple-doubles. He's managed to consistently stuff the box score while leading one of the better teams in his conference. 

Sabonis will command a $1.2 million contract incentive after being named to the All-Star team. He has an annual incentive that is dependent on him being named an All-Star and he has managed to meet this mark so far in each of the deal's first two seasons. 

The Pacers return to action on Friday when they take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.