Nets' Kidd to miss NBA All-Star Game

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd Wednesday said his strained lower back will keep him out of the NBA All-Star Game.

Kidd, who missed Tuesday's game and was also out for Wednesday's contest, had not sat out a game because of injury or illness since Dec. 4, 2004.

He was selected an All-Star for the eighth time after averaging 14.3 points, 8.7 assists and 8 rebounds a game this season.

"It was an honor to be selected by the coaches to participate in this year's All-Star Game," Kidd said. "However, my injury needs rest in order to heal properly, so I will unfortunately not be able to play."

Kidd will be replaced in the Eastern Conference All-Star lineup by Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson. It is the first All-Star selection for Johnson, who leads the Hawks averaging 25.1 points-per-game.

The NBA All-Star Game is Sunday in Las Vegas.