Jaylon Tyson Set to Represent Cavs in 2026 Rising Stars Game
The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading into the All-Star break with some well-earned momentum, sitting at 32-21. With no games on the schedule until next Thursday, the team gets a chance to catch its breath-and so do the fans. But while the Cavs may be on pause, one of their own is just getting started on the national stage.
Second-year wing Jaylon Tyson will be suiting up in tonight’s 2026 Castrol Rising Stars Game, tipping off at 9 PM ET on Peacock. The annual showcase, which kicks off NBA All-Star Weekend, gives fans a glimpse of the league’s future-and Tyson is right in the mix.
A New Format, Familiar Faces
The Rising Stars Game continues with its tournament-style format, splitting 28 players across four squads: Team Melo, Team T-Mac, Team Vince, and Team G League. Each team is coached by a former NBA star, and each roster is loaded with young talent, including top rookies, second-year standouts, and select G League prospects.
Tyson, representing the Cavs on Team T-Mac, joins a group that includes:
- Kon Knueppel (Hornets) - the second overall pick in the draft for this event
- Kel’el Ware (Heat)
- Tre Johnson (Wizards)
- Alex Sarr (Wizards)
- Ajay Mitchell (Thunder)
- Cam Spencer (Grizzlies)
It’s a balanced lineup with size, shooting, and versatility-and Tyson fits right in. His ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable piece in a short-format tournament like this. Expect him to get plenty of run and show off the skill set that’s helped elevate Cleveland’s second unit this season.
The Competition
Tyson and Team T-Mac will have their hands full. Team Melo, led by projected Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg (Mavericks), is stacked with high-upside talent like Reed Sheppard (Rockets) and Donovan Clingan (Trail Blazers).
Team Vince features VJ Edgecombe (76ers), Derik Queen (Pelicans), and Matas Buzelis (Bulls)-a trio that can fill it up in a hurry. And don’t sleep on Team G League, a group of hungry prospects from the NBA’s developmental pipeline, including Ron Harper Jr. (Maine Celtics) and Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley Vipers).
This format is fast-paced and competitive. It’s designed to showcase individual talent, but also rewards the teams that can gel quickly. That’s where players like Tyson-who’s used to playing within a system and making smart reads-can thrive.
What It Means for Cleveland
While the All-Star break is a time for rest, it’s also a spotlight moment for young players like Tyson to make their mark. For the Cavaliers, it’s another sign that their youth movement is paying off. Tyson’s presence in this game not only highlights his development but also signals that Cleveland has a real foundation for the future.
With the Cavs pushing toward the playoffs, performances like tonight’s can be a confidence booster heading into the second half of the season. Tyson has already shown he belongs in the league. Now, he gets a chance to show he belongs among the best of his class.
So while there may not be a Cavs game on the calendar tonight, there’s still something for Cleveland fans to tune into. Jaylon Tyson is representing the Wine and Gold on All-Star Weekend-and that’s worth watching.