The actual game is kind of a joke, but the entire All-Star weekend in the NBA is the best All-Star experience of any sport. Today’s slate of activities includes the Skills Challenge, the 3 Point Contest and of course the Dunk Contest. We’re here to preview these contests and give you our best bets to win them.
Skills Challenge
Isaiah Thomas +215
C.J. McCollum +350
Draymond Green +450
Jordan Clarkson +550
Emmanuel Mudiay +900
DeMarcus Cousins +1000
Anthony Davis +1200
Karl-Anthony Towns +1500
Best Value Bet: Emmanuel Mudiay
Mudiay is arguably the fastest player in this competition, so him being at 9/1 odds is very good value. He struggles with his jump shot but that shouldn’t hold him back too much in this competition.
Who Will Win: C.J. McCollum
He’s the best shooter in this competition and he’s a good passer and ball handler. He’s the most complete guard in this competition and that should give him an edge to win.
Three-Point Contest
Stephen Curry -110
Klay Thompson +300
JJ Redick +500
Devin Booker +1100
Kyle Lowry +1100
James Harden +1500
Khris Middleton +1900
Best Value Bet: Kyle Lowry
Lowry has shot very well from 3 this season ranking 5th in the NBA with 145 made. He’ll also have the home crowd behind him which should help him to perform better.
Who Will Win: Stephen Curry
Curry has had an amazing season this year and most of his damage is done from behind the 3 point line. He’s already taken 540 three pointers this year and is shooting 45%. He won it last season and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t win it again this year.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Zach LaVine -300
Aaron Gordon +400
Will Barton +550
Andre Drummond +850
Best Value Bet: Aaron Gordon
Gordon is a crazy athlete and he’s bigger guy which could lead to more creative dunks. There’s not a lot of repeats in the Dunk Contest so Gordon at 4/1 is great odds.
Who Will Win: Aaron Gordon
Gordon is our best value bet and he’s our pick to win too. He’s been in the Dunk Contest before so he’ll want to take LaVine’s crown from him. As we mentioned, he’s a freakish athlete and should be able to put on a good show. Also, LaVine will have the pressure of trying to repeat and should be tired after winning the Rising Stars MVP last night.