Bosh to take Rondo's place as All-Star starter

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra went with one of his own players as a replacement starter for the East squad in Sunday's NBA All-Star Game in Houston, naming Heat forward Chris Bosh to fill in for injured Boston guard Rajon Rondo.

Spoelstra, who will coach the East team, announced the decision on the Heat's website Friday morning. He had hinted for more than a week that he would go with one of his own players as a sub for Rondo, who is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery.

Bosh will join an East starting lineup with Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Celtics forward Kevin Garnett.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving had been considered a possibility to replace Rondo.