NEW YORK – San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich, the Western Conference All-Star coach for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game, today announced the Spurs’ Tim Duncan will start in place of injured West All-Star center Yao Ming (stress fracture, left ankle) of the Houston Rockets in Sunday’s All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, Duncan was selected to his 13^th consecutive All-Star Game. Sunday will mark his 12^th consecutive start, second most among active players behind the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, who will be starting his 13^th straight All-Star Game.

The 60^th NBA All-Star Game will air live on TNT, ESPN Radio and in 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages worldwide at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 20.