The first half of the NBA season is officially over. This weekend, the NBA will feature its All-Star events.
Tomorrow’s article will discuss Sunday’s new All-Star game format. However, today, we’ll look at the best value for Saturday’s events, including the three-point contest, skills challenge, and slam dunk contest.
Let’s jump in and take a look at the odds at the top sportsbooks!
Picks Summary
- Three-Point Contest – Jalen Brunson (+750)Â
- Skills Challenge – Team Spurs (+220)Â
- Slam-Dunk Contest – Matas Buzelis (+700)Â
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Three-Point Contest
Saturday, February 15, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Chase Center
The Contestants
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Damian Lillard | +300 |
| Buddy Hield | +450 |
| Darius Garland | +500 |
| Norman Powell | +650 |
| Cam Johnson | +700 |
| Tyler Herro | +750 |
| Jalen Brunson | +850 |
| Cade Cunningham | +1200 |
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard has won the three-point contest in two consecutive years. He’ll look to win it for a third straight time on Saturday. Ultimately, he’d be just the third player in NBA history to win three consecutive three-point contests. Larry Bird and Craig Hodges were The only two players to do it.
Therefore, of course, Lillard is the favorite to win it again. He’s shown so much consistency over the last two years and will participate in his hometown, the Bay Area. He’ll likely see family and friends and be in a good state of mind, which could help or hurt him with many distractions.
Meanwhile, Lillard was ruled out of a regular season game on Wednesday with a hamstring injury. Was that because he was preparing for All-Star Weekend, or was it because he was actually hurt?
That injury news is a bit concerning heading into this game.
Sleeper: Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson didn’t even make the finals last year. But he talked to the media about being bummed that he lost last season. He’s certainly more motivated to perform better this year and has shot nearly 40% from downtown during the regular season.
The super-competitive Brunson is an interesting play at +750 odds.
NBA Pick: Jalen Brunson (+750) at Bet365
Skills Challenge
Saturday, February 15, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Chase Center
The Skills Challenge Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Team Cavs | +200 |
| Team Spurs | +220 |
| Team Warriors | +230 |
| Team Rooks | +430 |
The Skills Challenge Format
The NBA has used the same skills challenge format since 2022. Multiple teams participate in a four-round competition of different skills. These teams also participate in team relay, passing, and shooting. The tiebreaker usually includes a half-court shot.
After Round 3, the team earning the most challenge points will win.
The Cavaliers have a duo of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. They’re probably the most balanced duo. Meanwhile, the Spurs have Chris Paul and Victory Wembanyama. That’s an interesting pair that could do damage.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have Draymond Green and Moses Moody, which isn’t so appealing, and then the rookies have Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, who were the top two picks from the most recent draft.
The Cavaliers seem to be the most balanced with a veteran duo. However, Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyma seem very sneaky at +220.
NBA Pick: Team Spurs (+220) at Bet365
Slam-Dunk Contest
Saturday, February 15, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Chase Center
Slam-Dunk Competitors
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mac McClung | -200 |
| Matas Buzelis | +450 |
| Andre Jackson | +550 |
| Stephon Castle | +900 |
McClung Is -210!
Mac McClung is a massive favorite to win this year’s NBA Slam-Dunk Contest. He’s already won the event twice and would be the second player in NBA history to win the competition thrice.
He’s only one of 28 players to attain a perfect score of 50. He’s also had four 50s in the last two years and has been rated the highest dunker in the previous decade.
That said, he’s doing it for a third time. Spectators and judges want to see different dunks out of McClung. That could hurt his chances.
At -210, he’s not worth the gamble. Instead, consider the sleeper mentioned below.
Sleeper: Matas Buzelis (+700)
Matas Buzelis of the Bulls already told the media that he’s not going to the dunk contest to lose. He has every intention of winning. Plus, he worked with Zach LaVine on some dunks before LaVine was shipped to Sacramento. Lavine was also one of the best dunkers in the NBA over the last decade.
In the McDonald’s All-American format a couple of years ago, Buzelis went to the tournament’s final round but eventually lost to Duke’s Sean Stewart. But he had some incredible dunks and has likely grown from that experience.
He’s not afraid of the spotlight. Consider Buzelis at +700.
NBA Pick: Matas Buzelis (+700) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
