SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey has been selected to participate in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge as an injury replacement for Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg. This addition keeps Utah’s streak of having a player in the Rising Stars event alive for the fourth year running, showcasing the team’s emerging talent.
Bailey’s Season Performance Highlights
In 48 games this season, including 37 starts, Bailey has averaged 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Shooting efficiently at 44.9 percent from the field and 34.3 percent beyond the three-point line, the Rutgers standout has demonstrated his capabilities on both ends of the court. His scoring ability has been evident with seven games scoring over 20 points, highlighted by a career-high 25-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on January 22.
Bailey’s well-rounded play—combining his scoring potential with defensive effort and rebounding—reflects why he was chosen as a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. As the Jazz prepare to move beyond their rebuilding phase, Bailey is rapidly becoming a key figure in their future plans.
Joining Former College Teammate and Other Rising Stars
Bailey will team up with his former Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper during the Rising Stars Challenge. They will compete alongside players such as Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears, Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan, and Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles on Team Melo.
The event features four squads composed of NBA rookies, sophomores, and G-League standouts. The first round’s two victorious teams will advance to a final matchup, adding a competitive edge among the league’s promising young talent.
Schedule and Broadcast Details for the Rising Stars Game
The Rising Stars Challenge is set to take place on Friday, February 13, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. Mountain Time. Basketball fans can watch the event live on Peacock, providing an opportunity to see the league’s next generation showcase their skills on a national stage.
“Jazz forward Ace Bailey will replace Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg on Team Melo in the 2026 @CastrolUSA Rising Stars (Friday, 2/13, 9pm/et, Peacock). pic.twitter.com/WnWLK6RRmp”
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar)
“Ace Bailey will be playing in the Rising Stars Challenge after all. https://t.co/eXXH9n13J1”
— Ben Anderson
Jazz forward Ace Bailey will replace Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg on Team Melo in the 2026 @CastrolUSA Rising Stars (Friday, 2/13, 9pm/et, Peacock). pic.twitter.com/WnWLK6RRmp
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 12, 2026
Ace Bailey will be playing in the Rising Stars Challenge after all. https://t.co/eXXH9n13J1
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 12, 2026
