Valentine’s Day marks the beginning of the NBA All-Star weekend, which has expanded to two mini tournaments. The Castrol Rising Stars Challenge kicks off the excitement with three teams comprised of rookies and sophomores and a fourth team made up of NBA G League players
This year, the Rising Stars Challenge winning team will qualify for the NBA All-Star mini-tournament on Sunday. Adding a Rising Stars team to the All-Star tournament will give some young stars a chance to shine.
Team Shaq has the best odds to win the All-Star game on Sunday (with Team Chuck right behind), while not surprisingly, Team Candace (Rising Stars) has the worst odds.
Castrol Rising Stars Analysis
The mini-tournament will take place Friday evening, with the Championship game starting at 10:35 p.m. EST. Although these teams will comprise the top young players of the NBA and NBA G leagues, their talent, energy, and enthusiasm will not be enough to overcome the experience of the other teams.
But this is a great way to give young players the All-Star game experience and let fans learn about the new up-and-coming stars of basketball.
Team Kenny vs Team Chuck Analysis
Kenny Smith’s Young Stars include Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley and Jalen Williams.
Charles Barkley’s Global Stars include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Donovan Mitchell, Alperen Sengun, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama, and Trae Young.
Initially, Trae Young didn’t make the roster, but with Giannis Antetokounmpo sustaining a calf injury, Young took his spot. The four-time All-Star is leading the NBA in assists per game this season. He’ll help team Chuck win this game.
Team Shaq vs Team Candace Analysis
Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs include Jaylen Brown, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum.
Candace Parker’s Rising Stars will be whichever team wins the Castrol Rising Stars mini-tournament. Even if the players on team Shaq don’t take this NBA All-Star game seriously, their pride won’t let rookies and sophomores beat them. This might be the best game of the weekend.
NBA All-Star Weekend Predictions
The new style of this year’s All-Star weekend is sure to improve the ratings of last year’s performance. With a few more tweaks to last year’s All-Star weekend, including adding Kevin Hart as emcee for the Championship Game, it looks to be an exciting event.
Stephen Curry and Victor Wembanyama have the best odds to win the 2025 NBA All-Star MVP award, while Damian Lillard is expected to win the 3-point contest, and Mac McClung should take the Slam Dunk Contest.
The Championship game is predicted to be between Team Shaq and Team Chuck.
Having Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić on the same team sounds unbeatable. But Team Chuck will have to face Team Shaq’s Jaylen Brown, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and more.
Whichever team wins, it will be a thrilling end to a full weekend of games and contests. Remember to visit us at PayPerHead to stay ahead of every important sports events.
