Feb. 8, 2026, 12:01 p.m. CT

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - FEBRUARY 7: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 celebrates with Isaiah Joe #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center on February 7, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

For the first time in four years, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won’t participate at NBA All-Star weekend. Once he was ruled out through the break with an abdominal strain, the reigning MVP’s absence let out some air from the balloon in a three-day event that highlights the league’s best players.

Alperen Sengun has replaced Gilgeous-Alexander as a 2026 NBA All-Star injury replacement. He will take his spot on Team World in the three-team round-robin tournament that replaces Sunday’s traditional All-Star Game.

Sengun’s NBA All-Star teammates are Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jamal Murray, Deni Avdija and Pascal Siakam.

Sengun joins teammate Kevin Durant for the star-studded event. Both will represent the Houston Rockets. Just yesterday, the hospital Oklahoma City Thunder dropped a 112-106 loss to them. Sengun had a 17-point, 12-rebound and 11-assist triple-double.

The Thunder continue to voyage through Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence. So far, they’re 0-2 in a five-game stretch. Never ideal to be without your best player, but sacrificing five games for three weeks off is pretty economical.

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The Thunder will still be part of the NBA All-Star weekend extravaganza. Chet Holmgren will be part of Team USA stars. His teammates are Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Devin Booker, Tyrese Maxey, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Johnson and Jalen Duren.