LaMarcus Aldridge, not Kevin Durant, will start All-Star Game

by William Lou
Bob Donnan / US Presswire

It looks like Steve Kerr had a hard time choosing his starting power forward for Sunday night's All-Star Game.

Kevin Durant was originally expected to start, but Kerr has since changed his mind, choosing instead to start Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

The NBA made the announcement on Twitter.

Aldridge will join Stephen CurryKlay ThompsonJames Harden and Marc Gasol in starting for the Western Conference.

Fan voting saw Anthony DavisBlake Griffin and Kobe Bryant in the starting lineup, but all three will sit out due to injury, opening the door for Thompson, Harden and Aldridge to slide into the starting lineup.

Aldridge has courageously played through a thumb injury to help propel his Trail Blazers to a 36-17 record at the break. The four-time All-Star is averaging 23.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

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