NBA 3-Point Contest 2023: Highlights, Odds and Predictions for Participants

The NBA's increasing obsession with the perimeter has cemented the 3-Point Contest as perhaps the most anticipated event of All-Star Weekend.

The field is stacked with net-shredders, the format is fun—the all-money-ball rack is brilliant, and the two extra-long-distance shots increase the excitement—and the proficiency of these sharpshooters is breathtaking to watch.

If you somehow get super-squeezed for time and can only take in a single contest from All-Star Weekend, this might be the one.

Event Info, Odds

G Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 11: Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

What: 2023 Starry 3-Point Contest

When: Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET (second event)

Where: Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah

TV: TNT

Participants: Tyrese Haliburton (IND), Tyler Herro (MIA), Buddy Hield (IND), Kevin Huerter (SAC), Damian Lillard (POR), Lauri Markkanen (UTA), Anfernee Simons (POR), Jayson Tatum (BOS)

---

Odds

Buddy Hield +420

Damian Lillard +470

Jayson Tatum +550

Kevin Huerter +600

Lauri Markkanen +650

Tyrese Haliburton +650

Tyler Herro +800

Anfernee Simons +850

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

Participants

Brian Fluharty/Getty Images

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after scoring against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at the TD Garden on February 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Let's start with the stars, shall we?

Tatum and Lillard aren't known solely as shooters, but their sharpshooting credentials stack up with any of the Association's top marksmen. Lillard has the fourth-most threes this season (191), and Tatum is only two spots back (183). Both own career connection rates north of 37 percent.

Haliburton and Herro have both hit 10 threes in a game this season. Simons, who's nursing an ankle injury at the moment, has buried nine twice and sank the second-most threes (196) while converting 38.1 percent of his long-range looks.

Hield, the league-leader with 230 triples, is splashing an absurd 42.6 percent of his triples. Markkanen is at 164 threes on 41.3 percent shooting, and Huerter isn't far behind with 143 and 39.2, respectively.

This field is loaded.

Prediction

Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a three point basket during the game against the Indiana Pacers on February 13, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Anyone could win this event, and it wouldn't be shocking to see. Still, there are four shooters who, to me, stand as the likeliest to capture the crown.

Hield is the favorite for a reason. He's an all-caps ELITE shooter, and he has won this event before (2020, when he was a member of the Sacramento Kings).

Next, you have Lillard and Tatum. They are full-fledged stars, so doubting them in anything feels foolish. But, again, they're also top three-point threats, and they're comfortable in the spotlight. Lillard, in particular, intrigues as my pick, since he might view this event as a welcome respite from a disappointing season in Portland.

In the end, though, I see Markkanen giving the Utah faithful a contest triumph.

As long as the knee soreness that sidelined him Wednesday isn't an issue, he should put on a show inside his home arena and follow in Karl-Anthony Towns' footsteps as a big man being crowned king of the three-point land.

---

For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.

Must be 21+ and present in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, West Virginia, Colorado or Tennessee. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See sportsbook.fanduel.com for details.