Ben Simmons has been named as a reserve as an NBA All-Star, earning his 3rd appearance in the showcase game.

It is now the third-straight season the Philadelphia star has been named in the All-Star game as a reserve.

Simmons' inclusion comes hot off the heels of his career best game which saw him post 42 points, 10 assists and 8 Rebounds against the Jazz.

The inclusion of Simmons has raised some eyebrows with many fans shocked at the inclusion of a player who perhaps hasn't has his best season to date.

Simmons was joined on the Eastern conference bench by Brooklyn star James Harden, as well Boston duo Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, with the latter in excellent form at the moment.

Knicks big Julius Randle, Orlando centre Nikola Vucevic and Chicago star Zach Lavine round out the reserves for the East. Lavine, who made a name for himself on this weekend in years gone by via the slam-dunk contest, will now flash his stuff on the weekend's grandest stage.

The Western Conference side of things is stacked, headlined by Los Angeles Laker Anthony Davis, who was key in the Lakers' championship win last season.

He is joined by veteran guard Chris Paul and distance shooter Damien Lillard, who was unlucky to miss a starting spot.

Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell and Paul George all made the team along with youngster Zion Williamson, who has become a league sensation with his ability to bully players in the key and make the paint his own.

As always there are some hard luck stories, none more so than Mike Conley who will remain without an All-Star jersey to his name.

His opportunity may come though with Anthony Davis under an injury cloud and may not be a shoe-in for the position, with LeBron James declaring his admiration for Phoenix Sun guard Devin Booker on twitter in the wake of the reserves announcement.

Meanwhile on the East side of things, Miami centre Bam Adebayo looks the unluckiest of all. Having made last year's team with fellow Heat star Jimmy Butler, the pair now find themselves with the weekend off.

Trae Young has also missed selection after his defensive frailties were put in the spotlight recently, not that defence is the focus of the All-Star game brand.

Pacers tall Dontas Sabonis is also a notbale absentee from the Eastern Conference.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been voted as the two captains via the popular vote and will draft their teams from the available pool of players on March 4.