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Westbrook to replace Cousins in starting lineup for Team LeBron

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

You're up, Russell Westbrook.

With DeMarcus Cousins unable to compete due to a season-ending left Achilles tendon rupture, Team LeBron head coach Dwane Casey has decided to insert the Oklahoma City Thunder guard into the starting lineup for the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night at Staples Center.

Westbrook joins LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and his former Thunder teammate in Kevin Durant as starters. Team Stephen will be trotting out Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to counter.

Westbrook is a two-time recipient of the All-Star Game's Most Valuable Player award in 2015 and 2016, with Davis taking the hardware last year in New Orleans.

Cousins is one of four players on Team LeBron bitten by the injury bug ahead of the festivities. Kristaps Porzingis (ACL), Kevin Love (hand), and John Wall (knee) are also sidelined, with Paul George, Andre Drummond, Goran Dragic, and Kemba Walker selected to be their replacements.

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