The highly anticipated 2026 Rising Stars game is set to take place this Friday as part of NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league’s top rookies and sophomores in a thrilling competition. The event will feature a unique four-team tournament format that also includes players from the G-League. Matches will conclude with teams aiming for a Final Target Score, moving away from traditional timed play, which adds an exciting twist to the competition.
The event, taking place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and beginning at 9 p.m. ET, consists of three teams of NBA players led by Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter, with Team G League coached by Austin Rivers. In this structure, the two semifinal games will see teams vying to reach 40 points before the winners compete for the championship title in a final showdown played to 25 points.
According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Team Melo enters as the favorite at +140, followed closely by Team T-Mac at +175. Team Vince has a +320 line, while Team Austin is viewed as the underdog at +900. In the opening matchup, Team Melo is a 5.5-point favorite against Team Austin, and Team T-Mac holds a -2.5 advantage over Team Vince.
Leading up to the Rising Stars game, esteemed SportsLine expert Mike Barner, who has shown impressive performance with a current record of 40-17 on NBA picks, shared his insights and analysis. His expertise includes a deep dive into team trends and using data to identify potential standout players. Following an impressive last season in which he profited bettors significantly, he has evaluated the 2026 Rising Stars lineups and provides invaluable predictions for the event.
Barner pointed out that Team Vince might struggle due to its less experienced roster, lacking the depth and talent found in Teams Melo and T-Mac. Notably, Melo’s squad boasts reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and 7-foot-2 center Donovan Clingan, giving them a size and experience advantage. Team T-Mac also features a majority of sophomores, which could further enhance their performance in the competition.
As excitement builds for the Rising Stars Challenge, fans from across the league will be eager to see which young talents will shine on this elevated stage. The event promises to showcase a blend of skill, athleticism, and the potential future stars of the NBA, making it a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts.