Indiana Pacers

Sabonis named to Rising Stars Challenge, set to join Oladipo at NBA All-Star weekend

Published Jan. 24, 2018 7:11 p.m. ET

Domantas Sabonis is heading to NBA All-Star weekend after being named to the Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars Challenge on Wednesday.

Sabonis is the Pacers’ leading rebounder this season at 8.4 rebounds per game and is averaging 12.3 points per game. He has played in 45 of the Pacers’ 47 games this season with 15 starts.

Sabonis will join Pacers teammate Victor Oladipo at the NBA All-Star Game festivities. Oladipo was named to his first All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Make that TWO @Pacers heading to the #NBAAllStar events. Sabonis named to #KickStartRisingStars.

"Not bad for a couple of 'throw-ins.'" ? #ThunderUp #Pacers pic.twitter.com/KGt3177i3e
— FOX Sports Indiana (@FSIndiana) January 24, 2018

“It’s great to be going back to be a part of All-Star Weekend,” said Sabonis. “I’m happy to represent the Pacers and the state of Indiana. To be able to join Vic makes it even more special.”

Both Sabonis and Oladipo were brought to Indiana in the offseason after the Pacers traded Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Rising Stars Challenge will take place the Friday night of All-Star Weekend, Feb. 16-18, in Los Angeles. The game will feature first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against first- and second-year NBA players from around the world.