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Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Avdija falls short of NBA All-Star starting lineup; can still make team through coaches vote
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Portland Trail Blazers’ Israeli forward Deni Avdija fell outside the top five on ballots submitted by fans whose votes determine the starting lineups for the NBA All-Star game next month.
Avdija finished seventh in the Western Conference voting, just two spots shy of a starting bid.
He still has a chance to become the first Israeli player to be named an All-Star through the coaches vote, which will be revealed on February 1. Seven players will be selected from each conference ahead of the game in Inglewood, California, on February 12.
The 6-foot-8 Avdija is in the midst of a breakout season after entering the league six years ago. His 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game have analysts predicting he’ll make the Western Conference team this year.
The Times of Israel Community.