NBA voting closes in one week: here’s who is in the lead

As the NBA’s mid-season excitement builds, fan voting for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game has revealed clear frontrunners, with global superstars once again capturing the spotlight.

The second set of fan vote returns released this week shows Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo still leading the voting, while a host of other stars battle below for positioning in the race to the February glam event.

Dončić, the franchise star for the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to be the most popular choice overall in fan balloting. The Slovenian has drawn an overwhelming number of votes, topping the charts in the Western Conference.

Not far behind is Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, who remains firmly in pursuit of a starting spot after another stellar season. However, his injury status may put his position at risk for the game.

In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the rankings.

The Greek forward’s mixture of unique talent and his simply lovely personality has shot him to the top of the list, despite the Bucks’ struggles in the division.

Behind these three perennial All-Stars, the voting landscape is shaping up to reflect both established veterans and rising talents. Stephen Curry, representing the Golden State Warriors, continues to attract attention in the West, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama also rank highly among the top vote-getters. In the East, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey are also drawing significant support.

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game itself will take place on February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This year’s format is set to depart from the usual, with an international “World” team competing against two American squads in a round-robin style event.

Related stories

NBA

Nuggets insiders drop hint about Jokic’s return

NBA

KD doesn’t hold back: “I don’t want to to sound too dramatic, but...”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.