Pacers' Sabonis replaces Durant at All-Star Game

Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis is heading to his second straight All-Star Game, the team announced Friday.

Sabonis will replace Kevin Durant after the Brooklyn Nets star was ruled out as he continues to recover from an injured left hamstring.

Fifth-year pro Sabonis was named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve last season amid a breakout campaign.

Sabonis' numbers have improved this season for the 15-15 Pacers, with the Gonzaga product averaging 21.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. He started the season with a franchise-record 16 consecutive double-doubles and is now second in the league with 24.

The 24-year-old became the first player in NBA history to average 20-10-5 and not be selected to an All-Star team when the seven reserves for each conference were unveiled Tuesday.

He's the second player named as a replacement for the All-Star festivities in Atlanta on March 7 after Phoenix Suns sharpshooter Devin Booker was selected to fill in for Anthony Davis.

Sabonis joins Jermaine O'Neal (six), Reggie Miller (five), Paul George (four), Roy Hibbert (two), and Victor Oladipo (two) as the sixth player in Pacers history to be named to multiple All-Star teams.