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Phoenix Suns rookie Devin Booker will replace injured U.S. Team selection Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, meaning Kentucky will still have six former players involved in All-Star Weekend.
Noel has right knee tendonitis.
Former Kentucky players DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, and John Wall were selected for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game as reserves, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Trey Lyles and Booker are in the Rising Stars Challenge.
TNT will televise the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday at 9 p.m.
Booker, the 13th pick of NBA Draft 2015, is averaging 10.6 points and shooting 40.3 percent from three-point range in 48 games. The 19-year-old guard is averaging 15.2 points in his 23 starts, including a career-high 32-point performance against the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 19. Booker will also compete in the Three-Point Contest on Saturday, Feb. 13 at Air Canada Centre.
Also, Denver Nuggets rookie Emmanuel Mudiay will replace injured defending champion Patrick Beverley of the Houston Rockets in the Skills Challenge on Saturday.
