Rising Stars Challenge Pick
The best young stars in the NBA meet up tonight in Chicago for the Rising Stars Challenge at 9PM ET. Which team will come away with the victory?
531 World Team vs. 532 US Team
Friday, February 14, 2020
9PM ET – United Center
TV: TNT
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, the US team is favored for tonight, as they are getting odds of -5 points against the World Team. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 301 points. The public betting is unavailable for this game. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
World Team
This year’s World Team is comprised of 10 players from non-US countries. The roster is comprised of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Deandre Ayton, Nicolo Melli, RJ Barrett, Brandon Clarke, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Rui Hachimura, Josh Okogie, Svi Mykhailiuk and Moritz Wagner. Ayton is unable to play due to injury, so Melli is taking his place.
United States Team
Team USA will also have 10 players from around the country that are first or second-year players. The team consists of Miles Bridges, Devonte’ Graham, Wendell Carter Jr., Tyler Herro, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zion Williamson, Kendrick Nunn, Eric Paschall, P.J. Washington, Trae Young and Collin Sexton. Carter Jr. and Herro are out due to injuries, so Williamson and Sexton will be filling in.
NBA Betting Trends
This is the sixth year this format is being used and Team World is 3-2 through the first five games. Only twice in those five games has the total eclipsed 300 points.
Prediction:
Team USA can’t really complain about getting Williamson has a fill-in spot. He has looked great since coming off his injury and definitely is the player most people will want to see tonight. The World Team just doesn’t have the same explosiveness as Team USA. Doncic is certainly a stud, but he is likely to have his minutes tapered due to being in the actual All-Star Game on Sunday. With the likes of Trae Young, Ja Moran and Zion Williamson together, I expect a lot of highlights from Team USA.
NBA Prediction: Team USA -5