Rising Stars Rosters: A Deep Dive into the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend Showcase

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend is fast approaching, and one of the most exciting events is undoubtedly the Rising Stars game. This showcase features the league’s brightest young talents – rookies and sophomores – battling it out in a unique tournament format. This year’s edition, taking place on Friday at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, promises to be a thrilling display of skill and athleticism. If you can’t catch it on TV, check with your local provider for viewing options.

The Rising Stars Format: A Three-Game Tournament

The Rising Stars 2026 will follow a three-game tournament structure, with four teams competing for the championship. Each team consists of seven players. Three teams will be comprised of NBA players, a mix of rookies and second-year stars, while the fourth team will feature players from the NBA G League. The semifinals will be played to a target score of 40 points, with the winners advancing to the Rising Stars Championship Game, played to 25 points.

Meet the Coaches

Leading the NBA teams are Hall of Fame legends Carmelo Anthony (Team Melo), Tracy McGrady (Team T-Mac), and Vince Carter (Team Vince). Austin Rivers will coach Team G League, providing valuable guidance to the developmental league’s rising stars.

Odds and Early Predictions

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Team Melo is currently the favorite at +140, followed by Team T-Mac at +175 and Team Vince at +320. Team Austin, representing the G League, is the biggest underdog at +900. In the first game, Team Melo is a 5.5-point favorite against Team Austin, while Team T-Mac is favored by 2.5 points against Team Vince.

Expert Analysis: Mike Barner’s Insights

Before placing any bets, it’s crucial to consider the expert analysis. SportsLine’s Mike Barner, a highly respected voice in the industry with contributions to Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, RotoWire, and ESPN Radio, has meticulously analyzed the Rising Stars lineups. Barner boasts an impressive track record, recently finishing the 2024-25 NBA season with a 239-178-2 record, returning a profit of $3,209 for $100 bettors. He’s currently on a 40-17 run on NBA picks as of the All-Star break (+2014).

Barner is fading Team Vince, citing a less accomplished roster compared to the other NBA teams. Team T-Mac holds an experience advantage with five sophomores, while Team Melo boasts the reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, and the imposing size of 7-foot-2 center Donovan Clingan. Team Vince lacks the same caliber of talent, with only two top-10 draft picks: V.J. Edgecombe and Egor Demin. In contrast, Team Melo has four top-5 picks, and Team T-Mac has four top-6 draftees.

Team Rosters: A Closer Look

• Team Melo (+140): Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers), Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets), Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz), Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs), Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans), Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors)
• Team T-Mac (+175): Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets), Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat), Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards), Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies), Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards)
• Team Vince (+320): VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers), Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans), Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls), Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards), Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies), Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets), Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
• Team Austin (+900): Jahmir Young (Sioux Falls Skyforce), Yang Hansen (Rip City Remix), Sean East II (Salt Lake City Stars), Ron Harper Jr. (Maine Celtics), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (San Diego Clippers), Alijah Martin (Raptors 905), Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)

Barner has identified a critical X-factor that will influence the outcome of the Rising Stars Challenge. Visit SportsLine to get his exclusive pick and predictions.

Don’t miss the action! The 2026 NBA Rising Stars game is set to be a thrilling showcase of the league’s future.

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