Steve Starr
- Damian Lillard (+450) and Buddy Hield (+475) are the favorites to win the 3-Point Contest
- Jayson Tatum (+550) will partake in the competition for the second time in his career
- The event will take place at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, February 18th at 8:30 pm ET
With the sad decline of the Slam Dunk competition, the 3-Point Contest is now the signature event of NBA All-Star Saturday Night. This year’s shooting exhibition is also loaded with superstars and a past winner.
Let’s examine the odds and break down the field. But, first, check out our tips for NBA All Star Betting and our 2023 guide for betting on NBA Basketball.
3-Point Contest
| Player |  |  |  |
| Anfernee Simons | +425 | +425 | +450 |
| Damian Lillard | +450 | +450 | +400 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | +450 | +450 | +650 |
| Buddy Hield | +475 | +475 | +425 |
| Jayson Tatum | +550 | +550 | +500 |
| Kevin Huerter | +550 | +550 | +600 |
| Lauri Markkanen | +600 | +600 | +550 |
| Tyler Herro | +675 | +675 | +600 |
Lilard and Hield the favorites
Buyer beware on Anfernee Simons (+425). The Blazers guard is having an MRI on his ankle on Thursday and his participation is in jeopardy. Instead, consider his teammate Damian Lillard (+450). Making his third appearance in the event, the 32-year-old sits fourth in the NBA with 191 three-pointers and narrowly missed the final back in 2014.
Buddy Hield (+475) hit a walk off three to win the 2020 contest as a Sacramento King. Since he declined an invitation in 2021 and didn’t compete last year, the 30-year-old will essentially be defending his title. Now in Indiana, Hield leads the league with 230 triples.
DAMIAN LILLARD. 🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 14, 2023
Tatum adds star power
Jayson Tatum (+550) is sixth in NBA scoring (30.5 points per game) with the seventh-most 3’s (177). That trails the aforementioned Lillard in both categories as Dame is averaging 31.4 ppg with 191 triples.
Having a MVP-quality season, the 24-year-old has led the Celtics to the best record in the league at the All-Star break. He advanced to the second round of the 3-Point Contest in 2021. But, he’s only shooting 35.3% from beyond the arc this year – one of the lowest marks of his career.
Analyzing the rest of the field
Tyrese Haliburton (+650) has shot 39.8% from deep this season. Among 3-Point Contest competitors, that ranks behind only his Pacers teammate Hield (a league-leading 42.3%) and Lauri Markkanen (+600). The 25-year-old Finland native is draining 3’s at a 41.2% clip and will be playing in front of a hometown Utah Jazz crowd.
Kevin Huerter (+600) is shooting the best 3-point percentage (39.2) of his five-year career. The Kings guard-forward has shown the ability to get red hot from outside, knocking down five or more 3s in seven contests this season. A knee contusion isn’t expected to keep Tyler Herro (+675) out of the event. However, at 36.9%, the Miami guard’s 3-point shooting percentage is three points off last year’s career high (39.9).
FRANCHISE RECORD.🎯
Buddy Hield has passed Reggie Miller for the most three-pointers made in a single season in franchise history with 230. pic.twitter.com/UDy4pd010A
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 16, 2023
Best Bet
Buddy Hield (+475) should be entering NBA All-Star Saturday Night as the clear favorite. The Pacers guard is the best 3-point shooter in the league in 22-23 and already has a 3-Point Contest championship under his belt.
Available at +600 odds or longer, Huerter, Markkanen and Haliburton are also worthy bets. But, we would stay away from Lillard and Tatum, as you’re trading 3-point shooting percentage for star power.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
