Late on Sunday, the NBA unveiled the roster for its 2025-2026 Rising Stars game. Reed Sheppard, alongside several of his peers from the draft class, received an invitation, joining a mix of rookies and G League players. Sheppard will take part in a mini-tournament, going head-to-head with 20 other rookies and second-year players. NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter will oversee the team selections, while Austin Rivers will coach the G League team. Among those joining Reed from the 2024
draft class are Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls), and Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards), to name just a few.
Even before the season began, the Houston Rockets and their supporters knew Reed Sheppard needed to step up his game in his second year. The Kevin Durant trade, which saw Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and some future draft choices leave town, left the Rockets a bit short-handed in the backcourt, and it was obvious Sheppard’s role was about to grow. That need became even more pressing when Fred VanVleet went down with a torn ACL in September. Sheppard has more than risen to the occasion, currently averaging 13 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s also been on fire from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 40.7%. He’s been a key contributor off the bench, providing several crucial performances this season, making this recognition completely deserved.
The winner of the Rising Stars tournament, scheduled for February 13, will then compete against the All-Stars on February 15. Amen Thompson took the court for the Rockets in last year’s Rising Stars game. He squared off against Alperen Sengun, his fellow Rocket, with Thompson’s squad ultimately taking the win in the San Francisco mini-tournament.
This year, Sheppard hopefully will be joined by Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun making the main All-Star game.
Houston’s next matchup is on Wednesday, a contest against Victor Wembenyama and the San Antonio Spurs at the Toyota Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM. As usual, keep an eye on The Dream Shake for pre- and post-game analysis.
