NBA Rising Stars Games Predictions: Melo's Team Favored, T-Mac vs. Vince Matchup

The annual NBA Rising Stars tournament features some of the league's top young talent facing off in a series of exhibition games.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The NBA Rising Stars tournament, featuring some of the league's top young talent, is set to take place on Friday, February 13th. In the semi-final matchups, Team Melo is heavily favored against Team Austin Rivers, while the matchup between Team Vince Carter and Team Tracy McGrady is expected to be more competitive. The author predicts that Team Melo will ultimately win the tournament, despite potential concerns about them overlooking their G-League heavy opponent.

Why it matters

The Rising Stars tournament provides a platform for the NBA's up-and-coming stars to showcase their skills in an exhibition setting. While the games may not count in the standings, they offer valuable experience and exposure for the participating players as they look to establish themselves in the league.

The details

In the first semi-final matchup, Team Melo, led by players like Cooper Flagg, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, is heavily favored against Team Austin Rivers, which is composed primarily of G-League players. The author expects Team Melo to roll to victory, as long as they don't overlook their opponent. The other semi-final features a matchup between cousins Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, with the author leaning towards Team T-Mac due to the perceived talent advantage on their roster.

  • The Rising Stars tournament is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 13th, 2026.
  • The first semi-final game is set to tip off at 9:00 PM EST.
  • The second semi-final game is scheduled for 9:55 PM EST.

The players

Carmelo Anthony

A former NBA All-Star and one of the league's most recognizable players, Melo is serving as the head coach for one of the teams in the Rising Stars tournament.

Austin Rivers

The son of former NBA player and coach Doc Rivers, Austin Rivers is the head coach of the opposing team in the first semi-final matchup.

Vince Carter

A legendary NBA player and eight-time All-Star, Vince Carter is the head coach of one of the teams in the second semi-final game.

Tracy McGrady

A seven-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, Tracy McGrady is the head coach of the opposing team in the second semi-final matchup.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so over All-Star Games, especially what the NBA offers up each year. But there are technically games going on tomorrow, and we can bet on them, so I'll pay attention.”

— Jeff Fox, Author (sportsgamblingpodcast.com)

What’s next

The winners of the two semi-final matchups will advance to the final game, where the champion of the 2026 NBA Rising Stars tournament will be determined.

The takeaway

The NBA Rising Stars tournament provides a unique opportunity for the league's up-and-coming talent to showcase their skills in an exhibition setting. While the games may not count in the standings, they offer valuable experience and exposure for the participating players as they look to establish themselves in the NBA.