2025 NBA Rising Stars Challenge: Predictions and Odds

SAN FRANCISCO, California — The 2025 NBA Rising Stars Challenge is set to take place on Friday night at Chase Center as part of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend festivities. This annual showcase will feature up-and-coming players, including the league’s top rookies, sophomores, and G League talents.

The event is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. ET and consists of three games featuring four teams coached by NBA legends Tim Hardaway Sr., Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, and Jeremy Lin. Notable participants include Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets, Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs, Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat, and Bub Carrington of the Washington Wizards. Notably, Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls has been brought in to replace Yves Missi, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury.

Team Mitch Richmond enters the competition as the betting favorite with odds of +140, meaning a $100 bet would return $140 if successful. They are followed closely by Team Chris Mullin at +180, Team Tim Hardaway at +330, and Team Jeremy Lin at +650.

Mike Barner, an experienced analyst well-respected in the sports betting community, has been on an impressive run this season, entering the All-Star break with an 80-52 record on NBA prop picks, translating to a +1836 profit. Barner emphasizes thorough data analysis to inform his predictions, which has led to significant returns for those following his insights.

The Rising Stars Challenge is structured as a three-game tournament played to a Final Target Score rather than a set time limit, allowing for more dynamic play styles. The opening game is set to feature Team Chris Mullin (-3.5, O/U 75.5) against Team Tim Hardaway, followed by a matchup between Team Jeremy Lin (+4.5, O/U 73.5) and Team Mitch Richmond.

Despite all teams showcasing talent, Barner is cautious about Team Jeremy Lin due to its reliance on G League players, pointing out their lack of overall NBA experience. “The inexperience of players like Mac McClung and J.D. Davison raises concerns about their competitive edge against seasoned rookies and sophomores,” Barner explained.

The tournament format involves the first two games being played to 40 points, while the final will conclude at 25 points, highlighting the need for strategic play and adaptability. Barner believes the depth and experience of the other teams create a significant challenge for Team Jeremy Lin, which he views as an underdog.

As experts prepare to analyze team lineups and betting odds, the question remains: Which team will rise above the rest to claim victory in the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Challenge? With compelling matchups and emerging talents on display, fans and bettors alike are anticipated for an exciting night of basketball.