The only event featuring a member of the Philadelphia 76ers this weekend takes place tonight in the firm of the Rising Stars Challenge. Nerlens Noel and Robert Covington will represent the Sixers on Team USA, as the game will take place in a “USA vs. the world” format. Both rosters are comprised of players either in their rookie or sophomore seasons.
Highlighting the roster for Team USA, aside from the two Sixers, will be Victor Oladipo of the Magic, Utah’s Trey Burke, and Dunk Contest participant Zach LaVine of Minnesota. The World’s top players include Canada’s Andrew Wiggins, the Minnesota rookie, the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo and Australian Dante Exum.
Michael Carter-Williams, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, was selected to be on Team USA, but had to withdraw due to his recent toe injury. As a result, his sharp-shooting teammate Robert Covington will replace him in the game.
The game starts after the Celebrity Game at 9 p.m. Below are the full rosters:
U.S.:
G Trey Burke, Jazz
G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Pistons
F Robert Covington, 76ers
G Zach LaVine, Timberwolves
C/F Nerlens Noels, 76ers
G Victor Oladipo, Magic
G Elfrid Payton, Magic
C/F Mason Plumlee, Nets
C Cody Zeller
Selected, but not playing:
G Michael-Carter-Williams, 76ers
World:
G/F Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
G/F Bojan Bogdanovic, Nets
G Matthew Dellavedova, Cavilers
C Gorgui Dieng, Timberwolves
G Dante Exum, Jazz
C Rudy Gobert, Jazz
F Nikola Mirotic, Bulls
F Kostas Papanikolaou, Rockets
G Dennis Schroder, Hawks
G/F Andrew Wiggins, Timberwolves
Selected, but not playing:
C Steven Adams, Thunder
C Jusuf Nurkic, Nuggets
C Kelly Olynyk, Celtics
Sixerdelphia Staff Predictions:
Will Rockenbach: Team USA, MVP: Robert Covington
Rob Bauer: World Team, MVP: Andrew Wiggins
Mike Angelina: Team USA, MVP: Victor Oladipo
