LaMarcus Aldridge will start for the Western Conference in Sunday's All-Star game.

Aldridge will start for the Western Conference in Sunday's All-Star game.

Analysis:

Aldridge has been named by coach Steve Kerr as the replacement for fellow forward Anthony Davis, who pulled himself out of the contest midweek due to a sprained right shoulder. Because Davis and Blake Griffin (elbow) are absent, Aldridge has been afforded a spot next to Marc Gasol in the frontcourt. Kerr's bench includes Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki, who will likely receive an obligatory shift before making way for Aldridge, Gasol, and DeMarcus Cousins to dominate down low. As a result, Aldridge should easily surpass the career-best 13 minutes that he received in his third All-Star appearance last season.