Starting in 1994, the NBA played a rookies only game. The Rookie Challenge showcased the best professional freshman that season. Knowing the influence the NBA had throughout the world, the league changed the Rookie Challenge in 2012 to the Rising Stars Challenge. With the Rising Stars Challenge, U.S. players get to play against world players. This season’s Rising Challenge should be one for the ages! Mavericks All-Star Luka Doncic leads Team World while Atlanta Hawks All-Star Trae Young leads Team USA. Which young squad wins and covers? Check out our NBA Rising Stars Challenge preview and free pick!
NBA Rising Stars Challenge Odds, Preview & Pick
- When: Friday, Feb. 14 at 9:00 pm ET
- Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
- TV: TNT
- ATS Odds: TBD
Why Team World is a good bet ATS
Luka Doncic is one of the top players in the NBA. Doncic averages 28.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 9.5 rebounds. He’s got an unreal handle for a 6’ 7”, 230 lbs. players. But, Doncic isn’t alone on Team World. Proving the Phoenix Suns weren’t wrong drafting him ahead of Doncic, DeAndre Ayton averages a double-double. Ayton scores 18.7 points and grabs 12 boards per. Doncic and Ayton should lead the charge for a young squad that has a size advantage over their rivals.
Team World Roster
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker
- Deandre Ayton
- RJ Barrett
- Brandon Clarke
- Luka Doncic
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Rui Hachimura
- Svi Mykhailiuk
- Josh Okogie
- Moritz Wagner
Why Team USA is a good bet ATS
While Team World has size, Team USA has ball-handling, score at will guards. Former Oklahoma star Trae Young is a revelation in his second season. Young averages 29.7 points, 4.4 boards, and 9.7 assists per season. Also on the guard-heavy team are Cavalier Collin Sexton, Heat Kendrick Nunn, and Hornet Devonte’ Graham. Oh, yes, Grizzlies rookie point guard Ja Morant will lace them up for Team USA. Morant averages 17.6 points and 7 assists per as a rookie. He can flat out dominate opposing defenses with his creativity. All those guards can pass the ball to Zion Williamson on Friday night. So, even though Team USA is a guard-laden squad, they’ve got one of the top up and coming big men in the NBA to set up for monster dunks.
Team USA Roster
- Miles Bridges
- Wendell Carter Jr.
- Devonte’ Graham
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Ja Morant
- Kendrick Nunn
- Eric Paschall
- Collin Sexton
- PJ Washington
- Zion Williamson
- Trae Young
Team World vs Team USA Final NBA Betting Analysis
At first glance, it’s hard to look past Team World. Luka Doncic is a huge x-factor. He can do anything he wants. We’re talking about a big forward that plays like a guard. Although everyone says he measures 6’ 7”, he looks much taller than that when he plays.
No matter. Doncic will get his. But, although undersized, Team USA is built for 2020 NBA basketball. All those high-scoring point-guards can run circles around Ayton. Heck, Zion’s got a decent handle, which means he could step back and rain a 15-foot shot when he feels like it.
Trae needs what? 6 inches to get his shot off? Also, by the end of this season, Ja Morant will be one of the Top 5 point guards in the league. Team World plays well but Team USA wins and covers.
Rising Stars Challenge Free Pick: Team USA ATS
