Inside The Rockets

Two Rockets Competing in Rising Stars Challenge

The Rising Stars Challenge is tonight and the Houston Rockets are well-represented.
Jeremy Brener|
Feb 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Feb 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets

Some members of the Houston Rockets are participating in tonight's Rising Stars Challenge.

The 12 best rookies and 12 best sophomores were invited to compete in a four-team mini-tournament to kick off All-Star Weekend.

Each team will play a game to 50 points in the semifinals, where each winner will advance to the championship. This year, the stakes are higher as the team that wins the Rising Stars Challenge will be invited to compete in the All-Star Game as the fourth team in a similar format.

This raises the stakes for both the Rising Stars Challenge and the All-Star Game, so it will be interesting to see how things shake out.

Here's everything you need to know for the Rising Stars Challenge:

Here's everything you need to know ahead of tonight's game.

Rising Stars Challenge Information

  • Date: Friday, Feb. 14
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. CT
  • Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
  • TV: TNT, Max App
  • Betting Odds: Check out SI Sportsbook

Team T

Honorary coach Tim Hardaway

  • Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors)*
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat)
  • Gradey Dick (Toronto Raptors)
  • Anthony Black (Orlando Magic)*
  • Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)
  • Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)
  • Tristan da Silva (Orlando Magic)

Team M

Honorary coach Mitch Richmond

  • Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
  • Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)*
  • Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards)
  • Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
  • Toumani Camara (Portland Trail Blazers)*
  • Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans)
  • Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards)

Team C

Honorary coach Chris Mullin

  • Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
  • Dalton Knecht (L.A. Lakers)
  • Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
  • Keyonte George (Utah Jazz)
  • Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
  • Trayce Jackson-Davis (Golden State Warriors)
  • Ryan Dunn (Phoenix Suns)*

Team G League

Honorary coach Jeremy Lin

  • JD Davison (Maine Celtics)
  • Mac McClung (Osceola Magic)
  • Bryce McGowens (Rip City Remix)
  • Leonard Miller (Iowa Wolves)
  • Dink Pate (Mexico City Capitanes)
  • Reed Sheppard (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
  • Pat Spencer (Santa Cruz Warriors)

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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