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The stars come out as Domantas Sabonis and Alex Abrines look to shine in this year’s BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge

In a thrilling 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.

For this year’s edition, key Team World members include Oklahoma City Thunder up-and-comers Domantas Sabonis and Alex Abrines. OKC's capable rookie duo will attempt to shine before the NBA's epicenter in New Orleans, Lousiana.

At just 20 years of age, Thunder-cog 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.