Mountain Dew Rising Stars Game 2/16/18 - NBA Picks & Predictions

The 2018 Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars game will take place on Friday night from Staples Center between the World Team and United States Team. The game will feature ten first or second year players on each squad and will be the fourth year in a row that the league has followed this format.

The World Team is highlighted by Philadelphia starters Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, and Ben Simmons. Embiid, who will also be making his All-Star debut on Sunday, leads all players in this game in scoring (23.8 ppg), rebounding (11.0 rpg), and blocked shots (1.88 bpg). Chicago rookie F Lauri Markkanen became the fastest player to knock down 100 three-pointers to start a career, doing so in just 41 games. Denver G Jamal Murray scored 36 points in last year’s Rising Stars game and took home the MVP honors. The host Los Angeles Lakers will be well represented in this contest, with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma all being selected to represent the United States. The flashy rookie PG Ball, will not play in this game due to a knee injury and is scheduled to make his return on February 23rd versus Dallas.

The Boston Celtics should be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference over the next few years, with Jaylen Brown (14.2 ppg) and Jayson Tatum (13.5 ppg) manning the wings. Utah G Donovan Mitchell leads all rookies with 19.2 ppg and is in the running for Rookie of the Year. Chicago G Kris Dunn has raised his average almost 10 points during his second campaign in the league.