The Future of Basketball Takes Center Stage
The future is now, basketball fans. While the NBA veterans continue to dazzle us with their experience and skill, the NBA Rising Stars Challenge is where the next generation of hoop heroes gets their moment to shine. This annual event highlights the league’s most promising rookies, sophomores, and standout G League players, giving fans a glimpse of the players who will shape the league in the years to come. The 2025 NBA Rising Stars Challenge features a total of 28 players, including 10 rookies, 11 sophomores, and seven G League stars. These young talents have been divided into four teams, each named after a legendary former NBA player. The teams will compete in a three-game tournament, with the winning squad advancing to the All-Star mini-tournament on Sunday. Among the most notable players this year are Stephon Castle (Spurs), Amen and Ausar Thompson (Rockets and Pistons, respectively), Zach Edey (Grizzlies), and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Heat). These players have already made waves in their respective teams, and the Rising Stars Challenge is their chance to prove they belong on a bigger stage.
How to Watch the NBA Rising Stars Challenge
For fans eager to catch the action, the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Challenge will be broadcast on TNT and truTV. Both networks are known for their high-quality NBA coverage, providing a seamless and exciting viewing experience. For those without cable, the event will be available to stream on Sling. Sling is the go-to platform for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of channels including ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or just curious about the next big stars, Sling ensures that you won’t miss a moment of the competition. The live stream will be accessible on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, making it easy for fans to watch from anywhere.
Date and Start Time of the NBA Rising Stars Challenge
The NBA Rising Stars Challenge is set to tip off on Friday, Feb. 14, at 9 p.m. ET. The event will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, a state-of-the-art arena that has hosted numerous high-profile games and events. The Chase Center, known for its advanced technology and comfortable seating, will provide an excellent backdrop for the young talents to showcase their skills. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, as fans and media alike flock to witness the potential future stars of the NBA. The event is not just a game; it’s a celebration of the league’s future, and it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the next wave of basketball greatness.
NBA Rising Stars Challenge Rosters 2025
The 2025 NBA Rising Stars Challenge rosters are a mix of exciting young talents and promising stars. Here’s a breakdown of the teams:
-
Team T (Tim Hardaway Sr.)
- Anthony Black (Magic)
- Tristan da Silva (Magic)
- Gradey Dick (Raptors)
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Heat)
- Brandin Podziemski (Warriors)
- Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks)
- Alex Sarr (Wizards)
-
Team M (Mitch Richmond)
- Toumani Camara (Trail Blazers)
- Bub Carrington (Wizards)
- Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards)
- *Scott Henderson (Trail Blazers)**
- Yves Missi (Pelicans)
- Amen Thompson (Rockets)
- Ausar Thompson (Pistons)
- *Julian Strawther (Nuggets)**
Note: Scott Henderson and Julian Strawther are injury replacements.
-
Team C (Chris Mullin)
- Stephon Castle (Spurs)
- Ryan Dunn (Suns)
- Zach Edey (Grizzlies)
- Keyonte George (Jazz)
- Trayce Jackson-Davis (Warriors)
- Dalton Knecht (Lakers)
- Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies)
- Team G League (Jeremy Lin)
- JD Davison (Maine Celtics)
- Mac McClung (Osceola Magic)
- Bryce McGowens (Rip City Remix)
- Leonard Miller (Iowa Wolves)
- Dink Pate (Mexico City Capitanes)
- Reed Sheppard (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
- Pat Spencer (Santa Cruz Warriors)
Each team is a blend of different styles and positions, ensuring a dynamic and competitive tournament. Fans can look forward to seeing a variety of high-flying dunks, precision three-point shooting, and unexpected plays that highlight the creativity and skill of these young players.
NBA All-Star Weekend Schedule 2025
The NBA All-Star Weekend in 2025 is packed with a series of exciting events, each designed to entertain and engage fans. Here’s the full schedule:
-
Friday, Feb. 14
- Rising Stars Practice: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Hall of Fame News Conference: 6 p.m. ET
- All-Star Celebrity Game: 7 p.m. ET
- Rising Stars: 9 p.m. ET
-
Saturday, Feb. 15
- All-Star Practice: 2 p.m. ET
- HBCU Classic: 5 p.m. ET
- Commissioner Adam Silver News Conference: 7 p.m. ET
- All-Star Saturday Night (Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest): 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, Feb. 16
- Legends Brunch: 2 p.m. ET
- G League Up Next Game: 3:30 p.m. ET
- All-Star Game: 8 p.m. ET
Each event is a unique opportunity to experience the best of basketball, from the practice sessions where players warm up for the main events to the HBCU Classic, which celebrates the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The All-Star Saturday Night is a fan favorite, featuring the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest, where players from all over the league showcase their diverse talents. The All-Star Game on Sunday is the pinnacle of the weekend, bringing together the league’s best players in a showcase of skill and athleticism.
The Rising Stars: A Closer Look
The NBA Rising Stars Challenge is more than just a showcase for young talent; it’s a platform where the future of basketball can be seen in action. Players like Stephon Castle, a point guard for the Spurs, have already made significant contributions to their teams. Castle’s speed and playmaking ability have been crucial in several Spurs victories, and he is expected to be a key player for Team C. Amen and Ausar Thompson, twins from the Rockets and Pistons, are another duo to watch. Their identical yet distinct playing styles have captivated fans and coaches alike, making them fan favorites and likely stars of the future.
Zach Edey, the towering center for the Grizzlies, is another player who has turned heads with his dominant presence in the paint. His combination of size and agility makes him a formidable force, and he will be a key player for Team C. Jaime Jaquez Jr., a guard for the Heat, has been praised for his scoring ability and defensive prowess. His all-around game makes him a valuable asset for Team T, and fans can expect him to put on a show.
What to Expect from the Rising Stars Challenge
The NBA Rising Stars Challenge is not just a game; it’s a spectacle. Expect to see a thrilling blend of high-flying dunks, sharp passes, and clutch shooting. The three-game tournament format adds an extra layer of excitement, as teams will have to perform consistently to advance to the All-Star mini-tournament. The players are not just competing for their own glory but also for the pride of their teams and the chance to play alongside the league’s established stars.
The event is also a great opportunity for fans to discover new favorites. With so many young players eager to make a name for themselves, the Rising Stars Challenge is filled with potential breakout performances. Whether you’re a seasoned basketball fan or a newcomer, this event offers a unique and exciting look into the future of the NBA. Don’t miss the chance to see the next generation of basketball stars take the court at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
