Cavaliers' Allen replaces injured Sixers guard Harden in 2022 All-Star Game

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen on Monday replaced James Harden in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game as the Philadelphia 76ers' recent signing will not play this weekend for a left hamstring injury, NBA said.

"Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden on Team LeBron in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game," the NBA statement read.

Allen, 23, who has a five-year NBA experience, will play his first All-Star Game.

He will be alongside his fellow teammate; Cleveland's Darius Garland, who was previously drafted by Team LeBron for this game.

This season Allen averaged 16.2 points and 11.1 rebounds in 49 games for the Cavaliers.

Harden, 32, played 44 games for the Brooklyn Nets this season to average 22.5 points, 10.2 assists, and 8 rebounds.

He is a 10-time NBA All-Star and the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Sixers acquired Harden and sent Ben Simmons to the Nets on Feb. 10, a blockbuster trade in the league.

Team LeBron will face Team Durant in the 71st NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.