We previously focused on players you should root for to make the NBA All-Star Game. We fortunately hit, so you already know who to place money on for MVP.
As you’re preparing to bet on NBA All-Star Saturday Night, don’t look at the names. Rather, look at the odds.
Over the past five years, there have been numerous instances of underdogs (players in the bottom-half of odds for their respective competition) emerge victorious in one of the three main events:
2015
- Patrick Beverley, +575, Skills Challenge
2016
- *Karl-Anthony Towns, +1500, Skills Challenge
2017
- Kristaps Porzingis, +1000, Skills Challenge
- Eric Gordon, +900, 3-Point Contest
- *Glenn Robinson, +800, Slam Dunk Contest
2018
- *Spencer Dinwiddie, +1300, Skills Challenge
- Devin Booker, +1000, 3-Point Contest
- Donovan Mitchell, +350, Slam Dunk Contest
2019
- Jayson Tatum, +600, Skills Challenge
- Joe Harris, +1000, 3-Point Contest
- *Hamidou Diallo, +300, Slam Dunk Contest
See those players with asterisks next to their name? Those players were the underdogs in their competitions, meaning one long-shot has won an event over the past four years.
This actually makes sense when you think about. These players are the best-of-the-best at their particular skill set, and assigning odds to any of them is a bit shortsighted. For instance, we’re not shocked that Trae Young is the favorite for this year’s 3-Point Contest, but that’s based on his ability in-game. This is a controlled competition, and that basically puts all the players on an even playing ground.
So, with that said, who should you be betting for next Saturday? As we said: just look at the odds…
3-Point Contest
Devonte Graham (+1000) has been a revelation in Charlotte this season, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see this be his coming out party. As the underdog for the event, we’re naturally placing money on him. Zach LaVine (+900) is another intriguing choice, especially since he’ll be playing in front of his home crowd.
Skills Challenge
Since they’ve gone to the guard vs. frontcourt format for the Skills Challenge, we’ve seen an even split. Therefore, you shouldn’t be afraid of opting for Heat big man Bam Adebayo (+1200), even if Vegas has determined that he’s a long shot to win. If you’d like to hedge your bets with a guard, then opt for Patrick Beverley (+700).
Slam Dunk Contest
For two of the past three years, the underdog has won the Slam Dunk Contest. This year, that player is future Hall of Famer (and former Dunk champion) Dwight Howard (+475).
The Dunk Contest is ultimately a popularity contest, as fans vote for the winner in the final round. With all respect to the other competitors (including Aaron Gordon), Dwight is the biggest name in the contest (he also plays for the most-popular team), making him a great pick to win.
