Tatum to replace Durant as starter in All-Star Game

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will replace Kevin Durant as a starter in the NBA All-Star Game on March 7, the league announced Friday.

Durant was ruled out of the exhibition due to injury. Domantas Sabonis of the Indiana Pacers has been named as a replacement, while Tatum will be promoted from the reserves to start in Durant's place.

As one of the top two vote-getters alongside LeBron James, Durant was named a captain and was set to select players for his team in the All-Star Draft.

The 22-year-old Tatum will be playing in his second All-Star Game and making his first start. He's averaging a career-high 25.6 points and 4.5 assists in 27 games this season.