Each year some NBA All-Star players are injured and unable to play in the big game. Also, often some players selected to participate in various other weekend events are hurt and have to pull out.

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen has been named by NBA Commissioner David Stern to replace injured East All-Star Caron Butler (left hip flexor strain) of the Washington Wizards for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 17 in New Orleans. Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki will replace Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (dislocated pinkie finger, right hand) in the 2008 Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, to be held on NBA All-Star Saturday Night, Feb. 16, at New Orleans Arena. Detroit Pistons forward/center Rasheed Wallace will replace Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett in the 2008 NBA All-Star game. Garnett was a starter. Rasheed Wallace is named to the team but isn't necessarily a starter. East All-Star coach Doc Rivers picks who the replacement starter is from the full East All-Star roster.

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