The Rising Stars game is among the first events during the NBA All-Star break. In this event, the NBA showcases the very best of its young talent.
There have been some recent changes to the game that should be known ahead of time.
What Is the Rising Stars Game? When Does It Start and How To Watch
In short, the Rising Stars game features NBA players exclusively in their rookie or sophomore year in the NBA competing against each other. It used to be rookies vs. sophomores, but the rosters were changed to include both rookies and sophomores.
In recent years, they have also included NBA G League players in the event to turn it into a tournament instead of one game.
The Rising Stars game starts at 9:00 pm Eastern Time. The game will be broadcast on both TNT and truTV.
Who Will Play in the Rising Stars Game?
Four teams will appear in the Rising Stars game: Team T, coached by Tim Hardaway Sr., Team M, coached by Mitch Richmond, Team C, coached by Chris Mullin, and
Team T:
- Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
- Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic
- Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors
- Jaime Jacquez Jr., Miami Heat
- Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
- Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
- Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
Team M:
- Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
- Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers
- Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards
- Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
- Julian Strawther, Denver Nuggets
- Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
- Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Team C:
- Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
- Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns
- Zach Edey – Memphis Grizzlies
- Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
- Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State Warriors
- Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
- Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Team G League:
- JD Davison, Boston Celtics
- Mac McClung, Orlando Magic
- Bryce McGowens, Portland Trail Blazers
- Leonard Miller, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Dink Pate, Mexico City Capitanes
- Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
- Pat Spencer, Golden State Warriors
For reference, Richmond, Hardaway, and Mullin are coaching because they are all former Warriors teammates and were best known for their nickname “Run TMC,” based on the popular rap group, “Run DMC,” whose popularity coincided with theirs back in the 1980s and 1990s.
How Is the Rising Stars Game Formatted?
The tournament will have two rounds, two semifinal games and one final. Whoever wins in the semifinals advances to the finals, and whoever wins the finals will face off with the NBA’s All-Stars during the 2025 All-Star Game tournament on Sunday, Feb. 16 as part of a team headlined by Candace Parker.
The semifinals games are first to 50, and the finals are first to 25.
