Posted Feb 24 2012 9:06PM
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard is sitting out the Rising Stars Challenge at All-Star weekend with a strained right calf.
The NBA made the announcement shortly before the start of Friday's game.
Leonard joins Spurs teammate Tiago Splitter, also taken off the roster after sustaining the same injury. Splitter was replaced by Utah forward Derrick Favors.
This year marks the first time rookies and sophomores have been mixed together on teams. Historically, the game featured NBA rookies facing off against sophomores.
Former NBA players Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley served as general managers and picked the teams. Maurice Cheeks and Mike Fratello are co-head coaches of Barkley's team. Ron Adams and Steve Kerr are leading O'Neal's squad.
 | Durant Visits Tornado Victims Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder visit and lend a hand to the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes. |
 | Preview: Sounds of the 2013 Playoffs An all-access pass to the most pressure packed time of the year, as the march to the NBA Finals continues. |
 | GameTime: Pacers-Heat Game 1 Steve Smith and Isiah Thomas discuss the Heat's overtime win in Game 1 and what the Pacers' need to focus on for Game 2. |
 | GameTime: Stopping Parker Steve Smith and Isiah Thomas breakdown how the Grizzlies need to slow down Tony Parker for Game 3. |
 | All-NBA Teams Steve Smith and Isiah Thomas discuss the first, second and third All-NBA teams. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
