One of the most anticipated events of NBA All-Star Weekend is the 3-Point Contest. This competition pits some of the league’s most elite shooters against each other in a test of both accuracy and endurance.
Damian Lillard, the back-to-back reigning champion, is returning to defend his crown in San Francisco. He’s favored to take the title once again, but he’ll have his work cut out for him against a deep field.
Here’s a look at the latest odds ahead of the Starry 3-Point Contest.
All NBA odds are current as of Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. ET, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
NBA 3-Point Contest Odds
- Damian Lillard (+400)
- Darius Garland (+450)
- Norman Powell (+500)
- Tyler Herro (+650)
- Buddy Hield (+650)
- Jalen Brunson (+700)
- Cameron Johnson (+750)
- Cade Cunningham (+1000)
Lillard stands out from the crowd at (+400), but don’t sleep on Buddy Hield (+650), who won the event in 2020. The Warriors’ shooting guard has gone 37% from beyond the arc, continuing to maintain his status as one of the league’s most efficient volume sharpshooters. Hield will be well-supported by his home crowd.
Darius Garland is also a viable contender, as the Cavs’ guard has shot an impressive 43.8% from three-point range. Norman Powell (42.9% from long range) is also having a phenomenal season.
As with any skills competition, it’s a good idea to target value when placing your wagers. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at my NBA 3-point contest best bets.
NBA 3-Point Contest Best Bet
Buddy Hield (+650)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
Even though Hield hasn’t been as productive as other sharpshooters on this list, I can’t help but taking him for three reasons.
For one, we’re getting a nice price compared to the other shooters at (+650). I prefer to target a longshot with these competitions, so Hield fits the bill here.
Secondly, it helps that we’ve seen Hield have success in this competition, winning it back in 2020.
Lastly, it’s a bonus that Hield plays in front of the home crowd Warriors fans. That could give him the boost that he needs to win this one.
Back Hield to win his second 3-Point Contest with your NBA bet of the day.
NBA 3-Point Contest Contenders
Damian Lillard (+400)
As the back-to-back reigning champion and one of the NBA’s all-time great three-point shooters, it’s reasonable to see Lillard listed as the odds-on favorite to win the 3-Point Contest. Dame is also notorious for his limitless range, which he used to his advantage by knocking down both “Starry" shots throughout his career.
If Lillard wins, he would join Craig Hodges (1990-1992) and Larry Bird (1986-1988) as the only players to win the three-point contest three years in a row.
Darius Garland (+450)
Darius Garland looks like a terrific candidate to win this contest because of how efficient he’s been from beyond the arc this season.
Shooting 43.8% on 6.9 three-point attempts per game is highly impressive. This is why he’s second in odds behind Damian Lillard — rightfully so.
Check out the rest of our NBA All-Star predictions and best bets:
- NBA Rising Stars
- NBA Skills Challenge
- NBA Dunk Contest
- NBA All-Star Game
- NBA All-Star Game Props
- NBA All-Star Game MVP
NBA 3-Point Contest Format
Players competing in the 3-Point Contest will get 70 seconds to make as many shots as possible, with a maximum of 27 shots. Five ball racks are positioned at various spots around the three-point line, each loaded with five balls, and two “Starry Range" spots are positioned well behind the three-point line.
At the end of each rack is a money ball, which is worth two points instead of one. Additionally, one ball rack is made up entirely of money balls. The position of this rack is chosen by each player before they begin their round.
The “Starry Range" spots have one ball apiece, and because these shots are significantly deeper than a regular three-point shot, they’re worth three points each.
Once all eight competitors have finished the first round, the top three scorers will advance to the final round, where they’ll compete for the trophy. Tiebreaker rounds will take place between competitors when necessary.
