NBA All-Star Weekend Starts Tonight with Sophomores vs. Rookies Challenge

The NBA will kickoff their All-Star weekend in Las Vegas tonight with the annual Sophomores vs. Rookies Challenge. For the Rookies, they will be looking to snap a four game losing streak. There are five players on the Sophomore squad that will be determined not to let that happen. Andrew Bogut, Danny Granger, Luther Head, Chris Paul and Deron Williams were all a part of the Rookie team that lost last year.

Toronto will have a chance to showcase their two rookie sensations in tonight’s game. Number one draft pick Andrea Bargnani and Jorge Garbajosa are both featured on the Rookie side.

Making things interesting, there are three NBA teams that have a player on each squad. The Los Angeles Lakers are represented by Jordan Farmar on the Rookie roster while Andrew Bynum was selected to the Sophomore team. Adam Morrison of the Charlotte Bobcats will play for the Rookies and his Charlotte teammate Raymond Felton will be playing for the Sophomores. The Utah Jazz are dually represented as well with Paul Millsap on the first year roster and Deron Williams playing for the Sophs.

Past  players who were named MVP of the Challenge are Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, and Allen Iverson. All but Iverson (out with an injury) will be playing in Sunday’s All-Star Game.

The game will be played in two 20-minute halves. Each team is allowed one full timeout and a 20-second timeout per half.

Tip-Off for the NBA All-Star Weekend Sophomore vs. Rookie Challenge is 9:00 p.m. EST.

Rookie Team Roster
 
Andrea Bargnani Toronto F
Jordan Farmar L.A. Lakers G 
Randy Foye Minnesota G  
Jorge Garbajosa Toronto C 
Rudy Gay Memphis G 
Paul Millsap Utah F
Adam Morrison Charlotte F 
Brandon Roy Portland G
Marcus Williams New Jersey G  
 
Sophomore Team Roster
 
Andrew Bogut Milwaukee F
Andrew Bynum L.A. Lakers C
Monta Ellis Golden State G
Raymond Felton Charlotte G
Danny Granger Indiana F
Luther Head Houston G
David Lee New York F
Chris Paul NOK G
Deron Williams Utah G
 
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