The NBA Rising Stars Challenge will continue its tournament format this season, with the game taking place in San Francisco.
The three teams of rookies and sophomores will be coached by the legendary Run TMC trio — featuring Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin. They will once again be joined by a G League team, which will be coached by Jeremy Lin.
The semifinal matchups are a race to the target score of 40 before a finals matchup with a target score of 25. I break down all the rosters and bring you my NBA picks for the Rising Stars showcase on Friday, February 14.
NBA Rising Stars team odds
Odds as of 2-14
2025 Rising Stars Challenge Picks
Team Chris Mullin vs. Team Tim Hardaway predictions
| Team Chris Mullin | Team Tim Hardaway | |
|---|---|---|
| -150 | Moneyline | +125 |
| -2.5 (-115) | Spread | +2.5 (-105) |
| Over 75.5 (-110) | Total | Under 75.5 (-110) |
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Chris Mullen’s squad is favored in this semi-final matchup because it boasts the flashiest group of rookies among the four teams, including three of the Top 5 favorites to win Rookie of the Year.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle leads the way, averaging 12.9 points and 3.5 assists per game this season. Castle will pair nicely with Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey, while Jaylen Wells and Dalton Knecht should provide some shooting for this team.
However, don’t overlook Tim Hardaway’s team. Hardaway's team features the top two picks in the NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandin Podziemski were also both named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, while Gradey Dick is enjoying a breakout sophomore season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 15.0 ppg.
Not only does Team Tim Hardaway have more experience, but they have the shooting and defensive versatility to get the job done in this semi-final matchup. Give me the underdogs to win this one outright.
My best bet: Team Tim Hardaway moneyline (+125 at bet365)
Team Jeremy Lin vs. Team Mitch Richmond predictions
| Team Jeremy Lin | Team Mitch Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| +180 | Moneyline | -220 |
| +4.5 (-110) | Spread | -4.5 (-110) |
| Over 73.5 (-110) | Total | Under 73.5 (-110) |
Odds courtesy of bet365.
This year’s G League team will once again be led by honorary coach Jeremy Lin. However, unlike past years with standout prospects like Scoot Henderson or Ron Holland, this year’s crop isn’t as highly touted.
Speaking of Henderson, he was on Mitch Richmond’s team, before being ruled out with an injury. But even without him, the Hall of Fame shooting guard has built himself a strong squad.
Richmond's team is led by the Thompson Twins, Amen and Ausar. Both are playing great basketball this season, but Amen in particular has taken a leap with the Rockets, averaging 16.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.4 rebounds per game since becoming a starter at the beginning of January.
Team Mitch also rosters Washington Wizards youngsters Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly. Combined with his team's familiarity with each other, they should overmatch this G League team and cover the spread.
My best bet: Team Mitch Richmond -4.5 (-110 at bet365)
Rising Stars outright pick
The Thompson Twins are going to be unstoppable on Friday night. The roster is full of wings who can switch everywhere on defense, and they are dynamic when it comes to getting buckets.
Team Mitch has the easiest path to the Rising Stars Challenge final. They face one of the weaker G League squads in recent years, while the matchup between Team Mullin and Team Hardaway should be much more competitive.
If Team Hardaway pulls off the upset, Team Mitch will be a clear favorite. And if Team Mullin advances, Mitch’s squad still holds the matchup advantage — especially with Yves Missi going head-to-head against Edey.
The Thompson Twins shine here with Amen capturing MVP, bringing home the trophy for Coach Mitch.
My best bet: Team Mitch Richmond (+150 at bet365)
