The 2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge mirrors the All-Star Game with a tournament format, with Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Austin Rivers coaching teams.
While it’s unfortunate that No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg will sit this one out, my NBA Rising Stars predictions break down why his absence creates some value with Team Melo.
Here are my NBA picks for the 2026 Rising Stars Challenge.
NBA Rising Stars Challenge format
Game 1: Team Melo vs. Team Austin
Game 2: Team Vince vs. Team T-Mac
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
NBA Rising Stars Challenge predictions
Team Melo vs. Team Austin
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Melo | -4.5 (-115) | O 71.5 (-110) | -270 |
| Team Austin | +4.5 (-105) | U 71.5 (-110) | +220 |
Team Melo is my favorite unit in this Rising Stars Challenge. Despite losing No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg to injury, they still have the reigning Rookie of the Year in Stephon Castle, and two other Top 5 picks in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey.
Team Melo is also super versatile. They can go with Donovan Clingan if they need a traditional big, or go with Collin Murray-Boyles in the middle, like the Raptors have done many times this season.
They get Austin Rivers’ G-League team in the opening round. Give me Team Melo to cover as favorites.
Pick: Team Melo -4.5 (-115 at bet365)
Team Vince vs. Team T-Mac
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Vince | +2.5 (-110) | O 74.5 (-110) | +125 |
| Team T-Mac | -2.5 (-110) | U 74.5 (-110) | -150 |
Oddsmakers are expecting fireworks with a total three points higher than the first matchup. And it should be entertaining, as cousins Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady face off as head coaches.
These rosters are built very differently. T-Mac has a star shooter in Kon Knueppel, but not a ton around him.
Team Vince has a much more balanced roster led by VJ Edgecombe and Derik Queen. Kyshawn George is a breakout star. Matas Buzelis is underrated. Heck, getting Jaylen Wells with your last pick is pretty solid.
Team Vince pulls off the upset.
Pick: Team Vince moneyline (+125 at bet365)
Rising Stars Challenge outright winner prediction
Some people are going to overlook Team Melo now that Flagg is out, but not me.
Bailey is playing the best basketball of his young career, and I’m not sure people are aware of the rookie season Murray-Boyles is having in Toronto.
He’s getting Draymond Green comparisons, and that’s not a crazy exaggeration at this point. In his last 10 full games as a starter, he has put up 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while playing lockdown defense.
CMB is the X-factor, so my money is on Team Melo to win the Rising Stars Challenge.
Pick: Team Melo (+200 at bet365)
