NBA All-Star Weekend is almost here, and there's a jam-packed weekend featuring various events to bet on. In this article, I will specifically break down the three-point contest odds and predictions, which headlines Damian Lillard and Jalen Brunson.
One of the most popular and exciting events on NBA All-Star weekend, the three-point contest is heavily bet on. With All-Star weekend set to take place in the Bay, this year's three-point contest will feature eight contestants.
The back-to-back reigning three-point champion, Damian Lillard is the overwhelming favorite to win the event at +360 odds on FanDuel. Out of the participants, only one player ranks within the top 10 NBA three-point percentage. With that said, the contest is wide open this year.
Along with Lillard, the three-point contest will feature Buddy Hield (Warriors), Tyler Herro (Heat), Norman Powell (Clippers), Darius Garland (Cavaliers), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Cam Johnson (Nets), and Cade Cunningham (Pistons). Out of those players, five represent the Eastern Conference.
While Lillard will attempt for a three-peat, he has some elite competition in line to win the trophy. Let's take a look at the players participants, along with their odds to win the three-point contest.
NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest FanDuel Odds For Saturday, February 15
- Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks): +360
- Buddy Hield (Golden State Warriors): +480
- Tyler Herro (Miami Heat): +550
- Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers): +550
- Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers): +600
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks): +750
- Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets): +900
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons): +1100
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NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest Best Best & Predictions For Saturday, February 15
Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks):
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +360
The reigning back-to-back three-point champion, can Damian Lillard be headed for a three-peat? The first candidate to second consecutive awards since Jason Kapono in the 2007-2008, it was Lillard's 26 points that put him ahead of Trae Young in the finals.
In fact, it was Lillard's final shot that sealed the deal.
Now in his second season with the Bucks, Lillard is averaging a respectable 38.2 % from three with 25.8 points per game. Above his career three-point percentage of 37.1 %, Lillard is seemingly much more comfortable in his second year after the big trade from Portland.
Given the participants will shoot off a rack, we will see who's more efficient in the pull up vs the catch in shoot. In this case, Lillard ranks among the top 10 in NBA pull up three-pointers made (89).
Can Damian Lillard Capture A Three-Point Contest Three-Peat?
No. 11 in the NBA in three-pointers made, Lillard sits behind Darius Garland with 153 on the season. With that, we know Lillard likes to shoot from deep.
In fact, Lillard ranks no. 6 in the NBA in 25-29 foot field goals made with 2.7 per game. In addition, he's a 38.3 % shooter from that range.
With that said, don't expect Lillard to hold back from the Starry three-point shots. Last year there were two Starry balls, located deep behind the three-point line. Worth three points each, will the NBA add more of those this year?
Even so, Lillard is a great candidate to earn extra points given his range from long distance.
While Lillard has cooled off a bit over the last 10 games (34.9 %), he's coming off an impressive 41.1 three-point percentage over 15 January games. While his weakest spot is the right corner 3 (30 %), Dame's stronges side is the left corner at 57.1 percent.
- A veteran in his 13th season, Damian Lillard is a likely candidate to repeat at +360 odds. You know what time it is, it's Dame time.
Buddy Hield (Golden State Warriors)
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +480
With the second highest odds to win the three-point contest at +480 odds, Golden Warriors guard Buddy Hield is so stranger to the game.
In fact, Hield was crowned winner of the 2020 NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest, taken place in Chicago of 2020. Capturing his first ever trophy, Hield edged out Devin Booker 27 to 26.
Now in his 12th NBA season, it's Hield's first with the Warriors
Although Heid started off sizzling from three-point range, that has certainly cooled over the months. This was largely due to December and January, where Hield shot 30.5 % and 31.5 % from downtown.
Shooting 50 percent from deep in October, and 41.4 % in November, Hield is making comeack. Averaging a respectable 38.9 % from three in February, there's signs of life. Just last week, the guard shot 44.4 % vs the Bulls and Lakers.
With a career three-point average of 39.8 % throughout his career, Hield has become a respectable shooter from downtown. Averaging an overall 37 percent this year, he has the best by his side, Steph Curry.
Can The Warriors Home Crowd Fuel Buddy Hield?
While most shooters would seem to benefit from playing alongside Curry, Hield seems to be one of them. And let's look on the bright side, Heild gets to participate in front of the home fans in Golden State. Is this the year for Hield to capture his second three-point contest trophy?
While Hield ranks well outside the top 50 in terms of three-point percentage, the guard is averaging 2.6 trey balls made per game. Known to shoot deep balls on occasion, Hield is averaging 1.8 attempts from the 25-29 range. While still outside the top 20, he most likely isn't the strongest candidate to his those deep Starry balls.
One of the best shooters off the catch and shoot, Hield ranks within the top-ten in terms of catch and shoot threes made with 100.
Considering this isn't a catch and shoot type event, Hield is shooting 29.1 when attempting pull-up threes.
Overall, Hield may be shooting a respectable 37 percent from three this season
With that, we have to take into account he's a previous champion. Having the home crowd behind him may not be enough to win the competition.
Oddly enough, Hield has equal percentage of distribution around the three-point arc. Shooting his highest at the right corner 3 (44 %), Hield has a 36+ shooting percentage from the above the break 3 and left corner 3.
- Inconsistency and lack of range may be a factor in Saturday's Three-Point Contest.
Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +550
Miami Heat star Tyler Herro will once again compete in the Three-Point contest for the second-time. With the third best odds to capture the trophy at +550 odds, Herro is having a career-season.
Known for being one of the best sharpshooters in the NBA, Herro is averaging career-points with 23.7. The Miami Heat's leading scorer, Herro is averaging 38.8 percent from three-point range.
Having a career three-point average of 38.6 %, this is a solid pick at +550 odds
I will point out, Herro did not make the trip with the Heat to Puerto Rico due to a stomach illness. Hopefully that will pass in time for Saturday's activities.
There's no doubt Herro had an incredible month of November and December, shooting above 40 percent from three. Although January was good to Herro, February has not. Shooting 25 percent from deep, Herro has been horrendous. Shooting 2-11 and 3-11 certainly won't win you three-point contests.
With that said, Herro's three-point production has massively cooled off as off late
Shooting 29.8 % from deep over the last 10 games, will he be locked in for Saturday? The current stats are not keeping me hopeful.
One of the best in the NBA in pull up shooting, Herro has put up 235 pull up threes. What's more interesting is Herro is shooting respectfully 39.7 % off pull up threes, and 39.7 % off catch and shoot threes.
With such high percentages, we all know Tyler Herro has that dog in him. One of the best shooters from long distance, Herro ranks No. 8 in the NBA in 2.7 field goals made from the 25-29 foot range.
Arguably one of the best corner shooters in the game, Herro is shooting 46.5 from left, and 43.8 percent from right corner 3.
- It all will come down to his current health and whether Herro can break out of a massive shooting slump.
Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +550
If you're a casual basketball fan, you may be wondering about this next three-point contestant, Norman Powell.
Now in his 12th NBA season, Powell's career has exploded. Holding a career average of 13.1 points per game, Powell has always been a decent three-point shooter (39.9 %).
In fact, Powell is coming off a career-high 43.5 % from deep in his second year with the Clippers last season. With the absence of Paul George, his role with the Clippers has expanded immensely.
Having blossomed to 24 points per game, Powell is shooting an incredible 42.9 % from beyond the arc. Top 11 in three-point percentage, Powell knows how to shoot the rock efficiently from deep. For +550 odds, Powell is shooting 43+ % and up from above the break 3, right and left corner 3. If that doesn't speak volumes, I don't know what does.
For +550, this is a sneaky good pick to bet on and here's why
One of the better shooters, Powell is shooting 41.3 percent from the 25-29 foot range. Again, this may come in handy with this Starry bonus shots.
While Powell has been incredible off ball, he's shooting well over 47 % from catch and shoots. Interestingly enough, the guard is shooting 38.3 percent from pull up threes.
Having shot 53.4 % beyond the arc in November, he's cooled off a bit this month. Even so, Powell is still drilling 37.3 percent of his shots in the last 10 games.
While Powell is considered one of the biggest 2025 NBA All-Star snubs, perhaps he will get justice in the three-point contest. He's been one of the most reliable, consistent three-pointers throughout his entire career. With this, the odds should be lower.
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +600
I'm not sure why Darius Garland is projected at +600 odds to win this year's three-point shooting contest. Arguably my top option for the event, Garland ranks No. 7 in NBA three-point percentage (43.8 %).
A primary reason for the Cavaliers success aside from Donovan Mitchell, Garland 43.8 three-point percentage is a career-high. How in his sixth NBA season, his 21.8 points per game is also a career-high.
The Cavaliers are loaded with talent top to bottom, which may be contributing factor why Garland's three-point efficiency has been so high.
Shooting an incredible 46.5 percent and catch and shoot threes, Garland has been equally as effective from the pull up. Tallying 41.7 percent in pull up threes, it's safe to say Garland is a threat anywhere on the floor.
Garland is a speedt guard, who should have no problem rounding the arc.
Making the 10th most three-point shots from that range (155), I'm a big Darius Garland fan.
At just 25 years old, he ranks second among the three-point contestants in shooting percentage. One of the craftiest rising floor generals, no one's been hotter than Garland.
Over the last 10 games, Garland is shooting 47.8 percent over the last 10 games. This is my most obvious choice to win the NBA All-Star three-point contest. All I have to say is don't sleep on Darius Garland.
Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +750
Knicks star Jalen Brunson is returning to the three-point contesting, this time boasting +750 odds to win it all.
After dropping to sixth place in last year's three-point shootout, Brunson is at it again. 9th in the NBA in points per game (26.8 PPG), Brunson is definition of a player with grit. Off the catch, off the dribble, Brunson can shoot three-pointers from anywhere.
A career 39.2 % three-point shooter, Brunson is having another respectable career
This time, shooting 39.8 % from downtown. Now in his third season with the Knicks, Brunson gives bettors great reasons to bet on him.
Excellent in the catch and shoot threes (43.1 %), Brunson is more than capable of pulling up from the rack. Shooting nearly 40 % from 25-29 foot range, I'm predicting Brunson to be one of the last men standing.
Jalen Brunson Will Seek Redemption From Last Year's Three-Point Contest
At just 28 years old, Brunson and Garland have been equally hot from the three-point line. Shooting over 44 % in the last 10 games, he's cooled off a bit this month. Shooting 30 % this month may have something to do with the odds. With that, we've seen Brunson struggle against the Raptors, Rockets, and Lakers.
Overall, this isn't Brunson's first rodeo
Having participated in the three-point contest, he has more of a feel in terms of movement, time management, and shot timing. Shooting an impeccable 41.1 % in January,
Ranked N0.45 in terms of three-point percentage in the NBA, Brunson is shooting the most efficient (51.7 %) percent at right corner threes. Shooting a respectable 39.4 % from above the break 3, Brunson has great struggled from the left corner 3 (26.3 %). Is this all because he's a left.
- At +750 odds, there's some great value here for Jalen Brunson to make a deep run.
Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets)
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +900
For +900 odds, Brooklyn Nets forward has the second highest odds to win the NBA All-Star three-point contest. While the Nets opted to retain him at the trade deadline, Johnson is putting up an impressive career-high 19.2 points per game.
With that, Johnson has always been a viable option from the three-point line, and that dates back to when he was a member of the Phoenix Suns. A career 39.6 % three-point shooter, can Johnson handle the pressure? For now he plays for a team that's had zero expectations of playoff contention with a rebuild
Shooting an impeccable 41.7 % from deep
Johnson has been one of the few bright spots on the Nets roster this season. Dealing with injuries and ailments, it's difficult to say how his shooting percentages would shift had he not been hurt.
There's been far and few between, however, we've seen Johnson make the occasional deep ball this season. I'm not talking 25 feet, I'm taking 30-35 feet. Shooting 60 percent from this range, is there a possibility he can earn some points from the Starry spot?
One of the best in the catch and shoot threes, Johnson is shooting 38.4 % in pull up three pointers.
While it's unlikely at +900 odds, I'm not predicting Johnson to make it deep in the contest.
Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
- Three-Point Contest Winner Odds: +1100
I'll be honest, I'm a huge
Cade Cunningham
fan. With that said, he has the highest odds to win the three-point contest, and I couldn't agree more. A rising star in the NBA, this selection is quite the head scratcher.
Making a massive leap in his fourth season with the Pistons, Cunningham is a primarily reason for turning the franchise around. Averaging the 12th most points in the NBA (25.5), he's become a double-double, and triple-double machine.
While Cunningham is averaging a career-high in points, he ranks bottom of the pack in terms of three-point percentage (35.2 %). A career 33.6 % three-point shooter, Cunningham has yet to give me reason to put coin on this. Although +1100 odds is enticing.
Overall, Cunningham is shooting a respectable 38.1 % in catch and shoot threes
As far as pull up threes go, that's another story. Shooting 33.1 percent in the pull up, this may affect his ability when shooting off the rack.
Given the Pistons guard is shooting 35.6 percent from the 25-29 foot range, he's hit only 16.7 % of shots outside that range. While CC doesn't strike me as the greatest deep ball threat, I don't believe the Starry balls will be in the equation for him Saturday.
Considering the three-point contest will feature shot selection from around the arc, Cunningham has had equal percentages all the way around. Shooting 36.4 and 33.3 from the left and corner 3, he's been averaging 35.5 from above the break three (which is his favorite spot to shoot).
- I have a ton of respect for Cade Cunningham, but the talent pool is too deep this year. I'll pass on this bet.
Final NBA All-Star Three- Point Contest Predictions: Darius Garland +600
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