Giannis Anetetokompo – Everyone’s favourite young Euro, the Greek Freak is the first man off the bench. He’s played a lot more minutes for Milwakee this year, although his stats haven’t changed a lot. His rebounding is up considerably, although his assists have dropped even in more minutes. But he’s been more efficient as well and is already a guy who is versatile and can help out in a variety of ways. He’s also finding his way more on the defensive end. His only real struggle this year has been behind the ark, where he’s shooting a paltry 18%.

Rudy Gobert – The Stifle Tower, the second straight Euro who would also make the NBA All-Limbs team. Gobert’s numbers are actually down, but mostly due to the reduced roles he’s held this year. He’s only played about half the minutes, although there are rumours of him moving back into the starting lineup in ATL. Although his minutes may not change much, Gobert’s per36 numbers should hold quite steady, no matter his role.

Zach Lavine – One of the league’s most exciting young leaper should help provide the highlights for the Rising Star’s challenge. He’s had some difficulties adjusting to the rigors of a full NLL season, as he has certainly been hit by the Week 5 Wall like many rooks. He’s played the wing all season, but has been vocal about his desire to run the point. Will this week prove to be an opportunity for him to showcase his guard skills? Did we mention he jumps high?

KJ McDaniels – The rookie who maybe has surpassed expectations to the largest degree, McDaniels has been the unsung hero in Boston’s Cinderella season. He has filled in exceptionally well during KD’s many absences, and had been just as productive when asked to come off the pine. He has stayed relevant as the season has worn on, with week 10 being his best to date. With KD out again, expect to see him rise to the occasion as he has so often.

Trey Burke – Possibly the league’s least efficient player with a green light, Trey has shot treys all year long. And long twos. And lay-ups.  And just about any other shot he could get his hands on. But let’s not get it twisted, the man is scoring 20 points a night on teams this year that have desperately needed points and someone to take the tough shots. The bigger concern with his development comes as a ball handler, where his assists are down from 5.9 to 4.6 but his turnovers are up from 1.6 to a whopping 3.9. Let’s work on them  handles Trey.

Noah Vonleh: A bit of a surprise appearance for the rook. He has played only 8 games, less than 56 minutes, shot 18%... but he’s a top 10 pick I guess. So yeah. Three buckets so far this year, maybe he gets that many in the big game?