The NBA announced the 2026 Rising Stars Game roster. Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg headline the selections. The winning team gets to face the league’s All-Stars on February 15.
Sheppard earned the spot with his shooting
Sheppard is averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in his second season. He’s shooting 44% from the field and 40.7% from three. After Houston traded for Kevin Durant and lost Fred VanVleet to injury, Sheppard moved into a larger role. The Rockets have a top-five offensive rating this season, and Sheppard’s efficiency has been part of that.
Carmelo, Vince Carter, and T-Mac are coaching
The format features four teams of seven players competing in a mini-tournament. Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady will coach three of the teams. Austin Rivers coaches the fourth team, composed of G League players. The tournament winner advances to play against the actual All-Stars on February 15.
Cooper Flagg headlines the rookie class
Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, made the roster after becoming a central piece for the Dallas Mavericks following the Luka Doncic trade. Other rookies include Memphis’ Cedric Coward and New Orleans’ Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Sophomores like Stephon Castle, who has developed alongside Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, are also included.
21 players selected for February 13
The roster includes 10 rookies, 11 sophomores, and seven G League players. The event tips off at 9 p.m. ET on February 13 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The winner advancing to face the All-Stars adds stakes that the Rising Stars Game hasn’t had before.