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The NBA reimagines All-Star weekend in 2026 with a new competitive format and a few revived classics. A three-team tournament replaces the traditional exhibition, and the weekend mixes veterans, rookies and fan-favorite contests across three packed days from Feb. 13–15.
Rising Stars rosters, game plan and my pick
The Rising Stars slate opens Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. ET. Four teams of rookies, sophomores and standout G League players will play a three-game mini-tournament. Each squad is captained by a former star.
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Team Melo (captain: Carmelo Anthony)
- Cooper Flagg — Mavericks
- Stephon Castle — Spurs
- Jeremiah Fears — Pelicans
- Collin Murray-Boyles — Raptors
- Reed Sheppard — Rockets
- Dylan Harper — Spurs
- Donovan Clingan — Blazers
Team T-Mac (captain: Tracy McGrady)
- Kon Knueppel — Hornets
- Tre Johnson — Wizards
- Ajay Mitchell — Thunder
- Cam Spencer — Grizzlies
- Kel’el Ware — Heat
- Alex Sarr — Wizards
- Jaylon Tyson — Cavaliers
Team Vince (captain: Vince Carter)
- VJ Edgecombe — Sixers
- Kyshawn George — Wizards
- Egor Demin — Nets
- Jaylen Wells — Grizzlies
- Derik Queen — Pelicans
- Matas Buzelis — Bulls
- Cedric Coward — Grizzlies
Team Austin (captain: Austin Rivers)
- Sean East II — SLC Stars
- Yanic Konan Niederhauser — San Diego Clippers
- Tristen Newton — RGV Vipers
- Mac McClung — Windy City Bulls
- Ron Harper Jr. — Maine Celtics
- Alijah Martin — Raptors 905
- Yang Hansen — Rip City Remix
- David Jones Garcia — Austin Spurs
Team Melo arrives with the headline name in Cooper Flagg and a rim side presence in Donovan Clingan. Team Vince looks the most balanced, with Kyshawn George and multiple glue players. Team T-Mac has playmakers and the rookie sharpshooter Knueppel. Team Austin leans on G League talent and athleticism.
Prediction: Team Vince. Carter’s crew has depth and defensive instincts. That balance should be the edge in short tournament play.
Shooting Stars returns — lineups and forecast
The NBA brings back the Shooting Stars contest on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. ET. Each team pairs two current NBA players with a retired star. The format rewards spot-up shooting and quick transition shots.
- All-Star: Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Rip Hamilton
- Cameron: Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel, Corey Maggette
- Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston
The Knicks package the most pure shooting on paper. Towns and Brunson have proven range, and Houston brings veteran accuracy. Team All-Star mixes streaky shooters. Cameron’s squad has one elite shooter in Knueppel but less depth.
Prediction: Team Knicks. Their shooting profile and veteran presence make them the safest bet in a timed station format.
3-Point Contest entrants and who will win
The 3-Point Contest follows Shooting Stars on Saturday night. Here are the challengers and career percentages:
- Devin Booker — 35.1%
- Kon Knueppel — 42.8%
- Damian Lillard — 37.1%
- Tyrese Maxey — 38.0%
- Donovan Mitchell — 36.7%
- Jamal Murray — 38.7%
- Bobby Portis Jr. — 39.0%
- Norman Powell — 39.8%
Booker is a long shot given a down season from deep. Knueppel is the rookie with crazy accuracy so far. Lillard brings past contest experience and the narrative angle as he rehabs from a torn Achilles.
Prediction: Damian Lillard. Experience in the format and a focused practice window make him a strong favorite despite limited game minutes this season.
Dunk Contest field and my upset pick
Saturday’s dunk contest lacks a marquee name, but it could still produce highlights. Four competitors will try to energize the crowd.
- Carter Bryant — Spurs
- Jaxson Hayes — Lakers
- Keshad Johnson — Heat
- Jase Richardson — Magic
Hayes is a high-up athlete but carries baggage and rarely wins dunk contests as a taller big. Jase Richardson has a family legacy; his dad won twice. Bryant and Johnson bring impressive measured verticals from the draft process.
Prediction: Keshad Johnson. His nickname “showtime” fits, and his explosive vertical and midseason highlight dunks give him the momentum to win.
The new All-Star tournament: rosters, dynamics and MVP pick
The centerpiece is a three-team All-Star tournament featuring two U.S. teams against a World squad. This format aims to raise competition and produce meaningful minutes.
Team USA Stars
- Scottie Barnes
- Devin Booker
- Cade Cunningham
- Jalen Duren
- Anthony Edwards
- Chet Holmgren
- Jalen Johnson
- Tyrese Maxey
Team USA Stripes
- Jaylen Brown
- Jalen Brunson
- Stephen Curry
- Kevin Durant
- LeBron James
- Brandon Ingram
- Kawhi Leonard
- Donovan Mitchell
- Norman Powell
Team World
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Deni Avdija
- Luka Doncic
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Nikola Jokic
- Jamal Murray
- Alperen Sengun
- Pascal Siakam
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Victor Wembanyama
The World team arguably has the deepest star power. But injuries cloud the outlook. Giannis and Shai are not expected to suit up. Jokic has a history of low-effort All-Star showings, which is a variable.
The Stripes roster stacks top domestic performers, though reports indicate Stephen Curry may not play. USA Stars still packs dynamic young talent that can push pace and create highlights.
Prediction: Team World. Victor Wembanyama’s commitment to competing in All-Star events and his highlight-making play should tilt a short-format tournament in World’s favor.
For the game MVP, I’m backing Victor Wembanyama. He has become a nightly highlight machine and matches the All-Star stage with blocks and rim threats. This setting fits his skill set and star rise.
