Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard and Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony have been named by NBA Commissioner David Stern to replace injured West All-Stars Yao Ming (right knee) of the Houston Rockets and Carlos Boozer (left fibula) on the Western Conference Roster for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 18 in Las Vegas.

“It is an honor to be selected to my first All-Star Team,” said Howard. “This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. It is especially gratifying to play along side my teammate Dirk Nowitzki.”

Anthony, who will make his first All-Star appearance, is enjoying his finest season as a pro. He currently leads the NBA in scoring (career-high 30.8 ppg) and is averaging 5.9 rpg, 4.2 apg and 1.19 spg. Against Phoenix on Feb. 5, he posted his first career triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He was named Third Team All-NBA last season.

Anthony joins teammate Allen Iverson on the Western Conference roster. Iverson was selected as a reserve on Feb. 1. This marks the first time the Nuggets have two All-Stars since 1988 (Alex English and Fat Lever).

Anthony and Howard, each in their fourth NBA season, will be making their first All-Star appearance. West All-Star head coach Mike D’Antoni will determine which player on his roster will replace Yao in the starting line-up.

The NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 18, will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio beginning at 8 p.m. EST.