Bettors, the NFL season is over, MLB hasn’t yet started and the 2022-23 NBA regular season is about to go over a week without games. What in the world are we supposed to bet on? I’ll tell you what — NBA ALL-Star Weekend.
That’s right, the league’s best will gather in Salt Lake City this weekend to participate in a number of events. But today, we’re focusing on Saturday’s lineup, which includes the Rising Stars Tournament, the Skills Challenge, the 3-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest.
Here is a look at each participant’s odds, as well as insight on who to bet on.
Rising Stars Tournament
Odds via BetMGM
Team Deron (+175)
Team Pau (+175)
Team Joakim (+325)
Team Jason (+475)
Winner: Team Joakim
I love that Jeremy Sochan is on Joakim Noah’s team. Putting the two of them together should create some fireworks. I also like Josh Giddey running the show quite a bit. Sign me up.
Skills Challenge
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Team Jazz (-120)
Team Rookies (+140)
Team Antetokounmpo (+475)
Winner: Team Jazz
Last year, the hometown team (Team Cavaliers) won this event, and I think the home team will win again on Saturday. The Jazz players know this court and know the rims better than the competition. Don’t sleep on how important that is.
3-Point Contest
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Damian Lillard (+425)
Buddy Hield (+425)
Jayson Tatum (+500)
Kevin Huerter (+550)
Tyler Herro (+550)
Tyrese Haliburton (+600)
Julius Randle (+650)
Lauri Markkanen (+700)
Winner: Lauri Markkanen
Am I doing this because of the long odds? Maybe. But also because I think Lauri has one of the most effortless shots in the league, and it shouldn’t take much effort for him to get up the shots in a timely manner. Let’s see if he can win it for the big men for a second-straight year.
Slam Dunk Contest
Odds via BetMGM
Jericho Sims (+170)
Kenyon Martin Jr. (+210)
Mac McClung (+250)
Trey Murphy (+320)
Winner: Trey Murphy III
There’s a lot of hype for Mac McClung, so I’m prepared to be disappointed in his Dunk Contest showing. Trey Murphy, on the other hand? I love a tall and athletic wing that can throw it down. I’ll take that bet.
