NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2015 roster: Nerlens Noel, Victor Oladipo lead Team USA

While both teams are full of talented first- and second-year players, it's undeniable that Team USA has a disadvantage on paper entering the game. The team's lack of frontcourt talent is noticeable, and it's easy to wonder how exactly coach Alvin Gentry will try to keep up with a stacked World roster.

Trey Burke, Utah Jazz: It's been a rough sophomore year for Burke after finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting a year ago. No longer the starting point guard in Utah after losing the job to rookie (and World team member) Dante Exum, Burke is still figuring out to be effective at the NBA level despite his lack of size and elite athleticism, and it's resulted in some ugly shooting numbers. The former Michigan star is averaging 12.8 points and 4.8 assists per game, but it's hard to ignore that he's shooting 37 percent from the field.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons: Caldwell-Pope has rebounded from a disappointing rookie year to establish himself as Detroit's starting shooting guard. He's still a work-in-progress for the most part, doing little other than scoring, but he's taking over five three-pointers per game and hitting about 35 percent of them. That's a huge improvement from last season, and on a team lacking shooters, it'll give Caldwell-Pope the opportunities to refine the rest of his game. It's not a coincidence that Detroit plays much better when he's on the court, either.

Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers (INJURED): The 2014 Rookie of the Year may be the biggest name on the roster, but he's taken a clear step back in his sophomore season. Maybe it's playing for the hopeless 76ers, maybe it's just the usual struggles of a second-year player. Carter-Williams' numbers are down across the board, though, and it's hard to maintain that excitement we had a year ago. The point guard's per-game numbers -- 15 points, 7.4 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals -- remain impressive thanks to Philadelphia's quick pace, but MCW's career has hit a hiccup.

Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves: If the Rising Stars Challenge is mostly about highlights, it's a good thing LaVine is in the game. Few players in the league can get up and slam it home with as much flair, and he's one of the guys guaranteed to get you leaping off your couch. On the whole, LaVine is still a raw point guard who needs to improve his shot and defense before he can take the next step, but he's a good fit for this event.

Shabazz Muhammad, Minnesota Timberwolves: After showing some promise near the end of his rookie year, Muhammad has proven to be a solid wing scorer as a sophomore. The 22-year-old is averaging 13.7 points per game on 49 percent shooting, and is even hitting 41 percent of his limited attempts from three-point range. He may never be a strong playmaker or defender, but Muhammad is living up to expectations as someone who can get buckets.

Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers: The first half of the season saw Noel shaking off the rust from a major knee injury that ruined his debut season. He certainly looks the part of a raw, defensive-minded rookie, showing off some impressive athleticism but an offense game that's badly in need of reps. Noel might eventually tap into his potential as a two-way force, but for now, we'll have to hope for some sweet swats in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic: With an early-season eye injury behind him, Oladipo has been one of the sophomores to take a step forward this season. A year after finishing runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting, Oladipo has improved as both a shooter and playmaker in his second year with the Magic. Everyone knows what Oladipo can bring defensively, but his progress offensively makes him a quality cog in Orlando's future.

Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic: The second half of Orlando's young, unconventional backcourt, Payton has emerged since grabbing a starting spot in mid-December. He'll still have to learn how to shoot eventually -- he's only taken 20 three-pointers all season -- but the tools are clearly there for the soon-to-be 21-year-old to grow into an impressive two-way point guard. Man, he really needs to figure out how to hit some jumpers, though.

Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn Nets: The first year-plus of Plumlee's career has been full of ups and downs. He was a surprise contributor on last season's playoff team as a rookie, then managed to land on Team USA for the FIBA World Cup over more talented players. Plumlee then found himself struggling to earn playing time with Brooklyn's new coaching staff early this season before injuries forced the team's hand. Since being inserted into the starting lineup on Dec. 10, Plumlee is averaging 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds over 28 games.

Cody Zeller, Charlotte Hornets: With Josh McRoberts no longer blocking him on the depth chart, Zeller has seen his role expand significantly as a sophomore. He's averaging career highs in basically every statistic, and has also improved his shooting efficiency (46 percent) and defensive work. Living up to the expectations typically associated with a No. 4 overall pick will be tough, but Zeller has the tools to stick around as an NBA big man for a while.

Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers: Few thought much of the 76ers' decision to sign the former Tennessee State star to a 10-day contract in November, but Covington has emerged as a solid wing player. He takes lots of threes and makes a good percentage (39 percent), something the 76ers have badly lacked. His presence has helped turn the 76ers from the worst team of all time into a run-of-the-mill bad one.