Garnett out of NBA All-Star Game

BOSTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace will replace Boston's Kevin Garnett at next week's NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans.

Commissioner David Stern announced the change late Sunday.

Garnett's absence was not unexpected after Coach Doc Rivers' comments following a 98-90 victory against San Antonio earlier in the day.

"I don't see him playing Tuesday or Wednesday and I don't see him playing in the All-Star Game, either," Rivers said after the contest.

The 6-foot-11 inch, 13-year veteran missed his seventh straight game Sunday because of an abdominal strain.

The 6-foot-11 inch Wallace, who is in his 12th season out of North Carolina, will be making his fourth NBA All-Star appearance.

This season, he has averages of 12.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in 47 games.