San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan goes up for a slam dunk against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Toronto February 9, 2011. REUTERS

NEW YORK, Feb 17 - Tim Duncan will start this weekend's NBA All-Star Game in place of injured Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Duncan, who is averaging a career-low in points and rebounds this season with the Spurs, was selected as a reserve by coaches two weeks ago and will make his 12th consecutive start in an All-Star game.

Yao, who missed all of last season after fracturing a bone in his left foot, has not played since Nov. 10 and has a stress fracture in his left ankle that could end his career.

The All-Star Game will be played Feb. 20 in Los Angeles.