Who can replace Giannis Antetokounmpo at 2023 NBA All-Star Game if he is out injured?

Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his wrist in the last game before the 2023 NBA All-Star break. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar has been in Utah, the host city, and was on the sidelines, coaching Team Dwyane at the Celebrity All-Star Game on Friday.

The two-time MVP was scheduled to be in action on Saturday night in the Skills Challenge alongside his brothers, Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo. However, he pulled out of the contest at the last minute. Giannis' Bucks teammate replaced Giannis. They lost to the Utah Jazz trio of Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton.

Who can replace Giannis Antetokounmpo at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game if he is out injured?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Eastern Conference captain for this year's 2023 NBA All-Star Game. After he pulled out of the Skills Challenge, there is uncertainty looming over his availability for the main event on Sunday. There have been no updates regarding the same yet.

If Giannis is out injured in the 2023 NBA All-Star game, the NBA could invite James Harden to replace the "Greek Freak." Harden was among the snubs. He wasn't called in as a replacement for Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, or Zion Williamson.

Harden is having a solid year for the 76ers, averaging 21.4 points and a league-leading 10.8 assists per game. He is also shooting at an efficient 45/39/86 clip. Jalen Brunson could be the other candidate in consideration.

The New York Knicks guard is averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.2 assists per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and 41.1% from 3-point range. He has been crucial in helping the team boast a 33-27 record, good for sixth in the Eastern Conference.

Giannis Antetokounmpo likely to play in All-Star Game

Giannis Antetokounmpo's status for the NBA All-Star Game isn't official yet. However, he was available for the media day. Antetokounmpo also spoke about the draft and his preferred options as the No. 1 pick. He stated that he wants to "play" with teammate Jrue Holiday, which is an indication that he is likely to take to the court on Sunday night.

“I just want to pick guys that play hard, make a lot of buckets for us," said Giannis (via Bally Sports). "Obviously I want to play with Jrue"

Giannis was also relaxed about his injury when he was asked about it for the first time. Here's what Antetokounmpo said ahead of the Celebrity All-Star Game on Friday about his wrist injury (via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel):

“That was yesterday, man. That’s old news. It’s a brand new day, man. A good day to be alive.”

Antetokounmpo's potential absence could be a huge loss for this year's All-Stars game, as notable names like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Zion Williamson are out too. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid also gave an uncertain statement about his availability, claiming he isn't "healthy."