Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford, left, is defended by Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic, right, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, in Atlanta. Orlando won 117-110 in overtime. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford was named Friday by NBA commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Miami forward Chris Bosh in Sunday’s 65th NBA All-Star Game.
Bosh, named a reserve for the Eastern Conference squad that will face the Western Conference in Toronto, will be sidelined with a strained calf.
“What a privilege to be named to the #NBAAllStarTO team,” Horford posted on Twitter. “Looking forward to representing Atlanta! #Grateful.”
Horford is making his fourth All-Star appearance after prior nods in 2010, 2011 and last year. The 29-year-old Dominican is averaging 15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 blocked shots a game for the Hawks, who lead the Southeast division at 31-24 and rank fourth in the Eastern Conference.
In addition, Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum will replace Bosh in Saturday’s NBA Three-Point Contest. In his third NBA campaign, McCollum is averaging career highs of 20.7 points, 4.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds a game.