Thanasis Antetokounmpo to join brothers on Celebrity Game bench as Giannis sits out All-Star Game
Thanasis Antetokounmpo will be in the spotlight on All-Star weekend — not as a participant, but alongside his brothers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out of Sunday’s showcase due to a right calf strain, the Milwaukee trio will still have a presence in Los Angeles as Giannis, Thanasis and Alex coach Friday’s Celebrity Game on Feb. 14 (ET).
Family presence remains strong despite Giannis’ setback
The Bucks ruled Giannis out of the All-Star Game as he continues to recover from the calf injury that has kept him sidelined since Jan. 23. While the two-time MVP won’t suit up, he won’t be absent from the weekend either — he’ll be on the Celebrity Game sideline with Thanasis and Alex, keeping the Antetokounmpo family’s tradition of headlining All-Star festivities intact.
Thanasis’ presence adds a familiar energy to the event. The Antetokounmpos have turned their collective platform into an All-Star Weekend staple, and Friday’s Celebrity Game gives them an avenue to engage fans even without Giannis on the court Sunday.
Giannis out; De’Aaron Fox steps in for Sunday’s main event
The league tapped San Antonio guard De’Aaron Fox to replace Giannis in the 2026 All-Star Game, which tips Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 PM ET. Fox joins USA Stripes in the revamped three-team format featuring two United States squads and a World team. To balance rosters, Norman Powell — who has ties to Jamaica — shifts from a U.S. team to Team World.
Giannis had been voted an All-Star starter for the 10th straight year and was among the leading vote-getters despite an injury-snagged season. He initially strained his right calf on Dec. 3, missed eight games, then suffered a setback with a four-to-six week recovery window. Even so, his on-court production has been elite when available: 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting a career-high 64.5% from the field, including 39.5% from three.
Inside the Bucks’ bigger picture
The extended absence has come during a turbulent stretch for Milwaukee. The Bucks entered the break at 22-30, 12th in the East, leaving their nine-season playoff streak under real pressure. Team leadership has emphasized caution with Giannis’ return timetable, underscoring the risks of soft-tissue injuries and the priority of long-term health over any one showcase weekend.
There will still be a Milwaukee flavor across All-Star events. Bobby Portis Jr. will compete in the Three-Point Contest on Friday, adding another Bucks face to the festivities even as the franchise navigates uneven regular-season waters.
What Thanasis’ involvement brings to the weekend
For fans, seeing Thanasis alongside Giannis and Alex restores a big part of the All-Star atmosphere: the Antetokounmpos’ blend of competitive spirit and charisma. Friday’s bench role keeps the family front and center, offering a lighter, fan-friendly counterbalance to the disappointment of Giannis’ DNP on Sunday. It’s also a subtle signal that, while the All-Star Game will be missing one of its marquee international stars, the weekend’s community-facing traditions remain intact.
Thanasis’ visibility also matters for Bucks supporters. It reinforces the close-knit dynamic that has helped define Giannis’ public journey, and it gives Milwaukee’s fanbase a direct rooting interest throughout the break.
Key All-Star Weekend details (ET)
– Friday, Feb. 14: Celebrity Game — Giannis, Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo on the coaching bench
– Friday, Feb. 14: Three-Point Contest — Bobby Portis Jr. among the eight participants
– Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 PM ET: 2026 NBA All-Star Game — De’Aaron Fox replaces Giannis; USA vs. World round-robin format with USA Stripes among the teams
Giannis’ status will continue to be monitored after the break. For now, the Antetokounmpo name remains a headliner — with Thanasis playing a key role in keeping the family’s All-Star weekend tradition alive.
