:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7866523/20120224_ajw_sv7_176.0.jpg)
The Rising Stars Challenge kicks off All-Star weekend on Friday, and the rosters suggest that this won't be the last time that many of these players are included in the festivities.
As was the case last year, the game no longer features rookies against the sophomores but instead the teams are picked by Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley.
The drafting of those teams took place on Feb. 7, and with the first pick O'Neal selected Portland's Damian Lillard. Barkley countered by taking fellow rookie, Anthony Davis, with his top choice.
The way that the draft played out suggests that Friday's game should feature a distinct contrast in styles. O'Neal's team is centered around its backcourt of Lillard and Kyrie Irving. On the other hand, Barkley's first three picks were frontcourt players -- Davis, Kenneth Faried and Kawhi Leonard.
Fans have the opportunity to vote for who is in the starting lineup for each team.
A year ago, Barkley's team knocked off O'Neal's, 146-133. Irving won the MVP for Barkley's team, scoring 34 points in the victory. He was 8-for-8 beyond he arc in that game. This year, Irving will also be participating in Sunday's All-Star game.
Other returning players who shined in last year's game were Tristan Thompson, who scored 20 points, and Kemba Walker, who had 10 assists. Walker is second in the NBA scoring behind among returning players.
Lillard was the first player chosen in the draft for good reason. The top rookie in scoring and assists, he has proven to be the reason why Portland has a chance to make the postseason.
The event has featured some memorable performances in past years. In 2010, Russell Westbrook scored 40 points in defeat. A year prior, Kevin Durant scored 46 points. From 2000-2011, the game pitted the rookies against the sophomores.
The game dates back to 1994 and has seen players like Durant, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony pick up MVP honors.
Houston, which hosted All-Star weekend in 2006, will have a familiar face to cheer for on Friday night. Chandler Parsons was the lone representative chosen for the game. In his second season, Parson has helped form a young nucleus for Houston with his play at small forward.
Last time the game was in Houston, the sophomores beat the rookies and Andre Iguodala was the MVP.
Game time: 9 p.m. ET
TV schedule: TNT
Radio schedule: ESPN Radio
Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Chris Webber and Mike Fratello.
Participants:
TEAM SHAQ: Damian Lillard (Portland), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), Andre Drummond (Detroit), Klay Thompson (Golden State), Harrison Barnes (Golden State), Chandler Parsons (Houston), Dion Waiters (Cleveland), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Charlotte), Tyler Zeller (Cleveland), Kemba Walker (Charlotte)
TEAM CHUCK: Anthony Davis (New Orlenas), Kenneth Faried (Denver), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio), Bradley Beal (Washington), Ricky Rubio (Minnesota), Tristan Thompson (Cleveland), Nikola Vucevic (Orlando), Brandon Knight (Detroit), Isaiah Thomas (Sacramento), Alexey Shved (Minnesota)