In a worthy opener, NBA All-Star Weekend 2017 gets underway with the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge. This annual showcase pits the league's top first-and second-year talent against one another for global bragging rights.

OKC fans will celebrate the inclusion of Domantas Sabonis and Alex Abrines as key members of Team World’s roster. The up-and-coming Oklahoma City duo will attempt to shine before a pulsating NBA epicenter in New Orleans, Lousiana.

At just 20 years of age, Thunder-mainstay Sabonis is the only rookie to have started each of his team's outings this season.

In 57 appearances, the 6'11 power forward averages 6.1 ppg (#14 among rookies), 3.7 rebs (#6 rookie), and 1.1 apg while playing 21.7 mpg (#9 rookie).

Sabonis’ signature performance (20 points, 8-11 FGM) occurred during a 117-112 victory against Boston. Overall, as a Thunder, the Lithuanian has reached double-figure scoring on ten occasions.

Meanwhile, teammate Abrines joins the World squad as a late-replacement for injured Philadelphia center Joel Embiid. The sharp-shooting 23-year-old Spaniard contributes 5.4 ppg (#19 rookie) in 14 mpg for Oklahoma City.

Abrines netted a season-best 18 points vs. New Orleans on Dec. 21. The 6’6 shooting guard (.375) currently ranks fourth in three-point percentage among rookies. Oklahoma City’s 2nd round 2014 draft selection has emerged as a valuable reserve contributor.

Game Information

BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge

Time: 9 PM ET

Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

TV: TNT

Team Rosters

World Team

Alex Abrines (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Dante Exum (Utah Jazz)

Buddy Hield (New Orleans Pelicans)

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Willy Hernangomez (New York Knicks)

Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

Kristaps Porzingis (New York Knicks)

Domantas Sabonis (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Dario Saric (Philadelphia 76ers)

U.S. Team

Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)

Malcolm Brogdon (Milwaukee Bucks)

Marqueese Chriss (Phoenix Suns)

Brandon Ingram (Los Angeles Lakers)

Frank Kaminsky (Charlotte Hornets)

Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers)

D’Angelo Russell (Los Angeles Lakers)

Jonathon Simmons (San Antonio Spurs)

Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)

ODDS:

Team U.S. -5

Team U.S. is a strong favorite heading into tonight’s anticipated rookie-sophomore classic. Both Joel Embiid (Knee) and Emmanuel Mudiay (back) were replaced by Abrines and Hernangomez on Team World’s roster.

Each team will be coached by a lead assistant from the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors’ coaching staffs.

In last season’s BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge, the U.S.A. team defeated the World Team 157-154.

Participants in the Rising Stars Challenge are selected by a voting panel comprised of NBA assistant coaches.