NBA All-Star Weekend Overview
As NBA All-Star Weekend draws near, sportsbooks have outlined their favorites and underdogs in various competitions, including the 3-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest, among other events. This celebratory period comes on the heels of an impressive $1.76 billion wagered on Super Bowl LX, ushering fans into a series of athletic showcases featuring the league’s premier talents.
Revamped All-Star Game Format
One highlight of the weekend will be the revamped All-Star Game format, marking the debut of a three-team tournament. This year’s festivities promise thrilling moments, from the exhilarating aerial feats seen in the Slam Dunk Contest to the sharpshooting precision displayed in the 3-Point Contest.
Slam Dunk Contest
In the Slam Dunk Contest, the top online betting platforms are uncertain about who to back as a clear favorite. The odds for the contestants reveal a strong field lacking the most prominent stars of the NBA, as three out of four participants are rookies. The current odds are as follows:
- Carter Bryant: +200 at FanDuel, +175 at DraftKings
- Jaxson Hayes: +220 at FanDuel, +175 at DraftKings
- Keshad Johnson: +280 at FanDuel, +450 at DraftKings
- Jase Richardson: +450 at FanDuel, +500 at DraftKings
Interestingly, Jaxson Hayes, a seasoned player at 25 years old, stands out in the contest as the most established participant, despite his average of just 6.5 points per game this season. Nevertheless, he has managed to impress with notable dunks throughout his career.
3-Point Contest
Turning to the 3-Point Contest, all eyes are on Damian Lillard, who has not played since suffering an Achilles injury during the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on April 27. Despite his absence from gameplay, he emerges as a favorite among bookmakers, holding odds that make him a key player to watch; he boasts a 54.5% implied chance to advance to the final round. Lillard, a two-time champion of the event (2023 and 2024), is currently listed with odds at:
- FanDuel: +360
- DraftKings: +400
Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel stands as Lillard’s most formidable competition, with the potential to become the first player in Charlotte Hornets history to win the contest, while other notable participants include Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, and Devin Booker.
Shooting Stars Competition
In a shift from previous years, the traditional Skills Challenge will be replaced by a revived Shooting Stars competition. Last seen in 2015, this event invites teams to score points by making shots from predefined court areas. The expected teams are:
- Team Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston
- Team Cameron: Kon Kneuppel, Jalen Johnson, Corey Maggette
- Team All-Stars: Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Richard Hamilton
- Team Harper: Dylan Harper, Ron Harper, Ron Harper Jr.
New All-Star Game Structure
As for the new All-Star Game structure, it replaces the typical showdown with a round-robin tournament format, where three teams will face off in multiple 12-minute games. The top two teams, decided by aggregate scores, will move on to the final game. Betting odds indicate that while USA Stars and World teams are seen as contenders, USA Stars are currently viewed as the long shots in this innovative format.
Participating rosters feature top-tier players like Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic among many others, marking what promises to be an unforgettable weekend for basketball fans.
