The 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled from February 17 to February 19 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. While the All-Star festivities are exhibition events, this is one of the biggest dates on the NBA calendar each year.
Along with the NBA All-Star Game odds, we’re also examining the NBA 3-Point Contest, NBA Dunk Contest, and NBA Skills Challenge odds found at the top NBA betting sites.
The NBA All-Star Weekend is not meant to be the most serious basketball event. It’s more of an excuse to put the best basketball players in the world on display.
However, it is a serious event for those looking to bet on these basketball competitions. Let’s pick and roll these NBA All-Star Game odds, courtesy of BetOnline, and posterize these predictions.
When Is The NBA All-Star Game?
The NBA All-Star Game is expected to tip off on Sunday evening at 8:30 p.m. EST. This is the first time that the All-Star Game has been in Salt Lake City since 19931.
Here’s a quick look at the NBA All-Star Weekend dates and times2.
Friday, February 17 Main Events:
7:00 p.m. EST – NBA All-Star Celebrity Game – TV: ESPN
9:00 p.m. EST – Jordan Rising Stars – TV: TNT
Saturday, February 18 Main Events:
8:00 p.m. EST – All-Star Saturday Night (Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Dunk Contest) – TV: TNT
Sunday, February 19 Main Events:
7:30 p.m. EST – NBA All-Star Game Draft – TV: TNT
8:30 p.m. EST – 72nd NBA All-Star Game – TV: TNT
Team Captains @KingJames and @Giannis_An34 will select from the Player Pool in the 2023 #NBAAllStar Draft presented by Jordan Brand.
It will air as a new, live pregame segment at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 pm ET from Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. pic.twitter.com/fkl1kg3adQ
— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2023
NBA All-Star Game Betting Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Giannis | +108 |
| LeBron | -126 |
The NBA All-Star teams will not be drafted until an hour before tip-off on Sunday night3. This is a new format for the All-Star Game and it’s definitely put oddsmakers on their backfoot as they try to handicap two teams that have no rosters.
Keep a vigil watch on these odds if you want to place NBA bets on this All-Star game. Sportsbooks have been tweaking their All-Star game lines or even pulling them off the boards throughout the week.
Team LeBron will have the first pick because James had the highest total of All-Star votes. This is the sixth straight season that LeBron has been an All-Star Game captain4.
Why is Team LeBron favored without knowing who will be on his team? First, LeBron has the top pick in the draft. Second, there is a bias in the public toward LeBron over Giannis.
We can’t provide an accurate NBA All-Star Game prediction without knowing the rosters. But, since the teams will be pretty even, we like the value with Team Giannis at +108. These odds will definitely change once the draft is completed. Right now, might be the best time to wager on the underdogs.
Player Selected 1st Overall In NBA All-Star Game Draft
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | +250 |
| Joel Embiid | +350 |
| Nikola Jokic | +400 |
| Kyrie Irving | +475 |
| Jayson Tatum | +475 |
| Ja Morant | +800 |
| Donovan Mitchell | +1400 |
| Lauri Markkanen | +4000 |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | +4000 |
| Anthony Edwards | +4000 |
LeBron has the rights to the first overall selection. Who is he going to select to get the NBA All-Star Draft started?
The first three candidates on the odds board: Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic are all worthy choices. However, there is also a chance he goes in another direction.
LeBron could opt to go with his friend Kyrie Irving. If you have played schoolyard basketball, there is oftentimes a bias toward friends.
Kyrie on hearing how LeBron wanted him to be a Laker pic.twitter.com/D2wOtM9Bwm
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 7, 2023
We know that he likes Irving as a player, too. LeBron recently stated he was disappointed that the Lakers were unable to land Irving at the trade deadline5.
Obviously, Doncic would make the most sense. That said, in an exhibition contest LeBron will likely side with a friend. It isn’t as if Irving has been playing poorly, either.
Irving has scored 27.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in the 2022-23 season. He is also shooting at an impressive clip, with a 49% field goal percentage from the field6.
The first pick in the NBA All-Star Game Draft is going to be a Dallas Maverick. Doncic or Irving? Consider the better value bet at +475.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds and Pick
| Player | odds |
|---|---|
| Kenyon Martin Jr. | +175 |
| Mac McClung | +200 |
| Jericho Sims | +225 |
| Trey Murphy III | +300 |
The NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest does not feature any superstars this year. However, this is a nice opportunity for these players to showcase their dunking skills through creative, athletic slams.
For the first time ever, a G-League player will enter the NBA Dunk Contest7. The Delaware Blue Coats’ 6’2” guard, Mac McClung, is on the NBA Slam Dunk Contest odds board at BetOnline.
McClung is here for a very good reason. The fact that the NBA invited a G-League player pretty much says it all. McClung can jump out of the gym and should make a name for himself on Saturday.
He initially gained attention in high school as a result of his spectacular dunks. His mixtapes have racked up millions of views on YouTube.
McClung hasn’t been shy about throwing down an All-Star-worthy dunk in games. If he has the chance, McClung looks to put on a show. With the nation watching, expect him to shine in primetime.
Fresh off signing a two-way contract with the 76ers… Mac McClung shares why he’s honored to participate in the #ATTSlamDunk Contest!
Get to know more about him in the NBA App!
👀 https://t.co/4uK92YV2Tv#StateFarmSaturday: 8:00pm/et Saturday on TNT! pic.twitter.com/Ywt8uC1VLA— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2023
There is also an added incentive for McClung to win the NBA Dunk Contest. The winner of the Dunk Contest is awarded $100,0008. That is a decent chunk of change for a G-League player.
Kenyon Martin Jr. can get up off the ground, too. He has showcased some impressive dunks in games this season. However, McClung is going to steal the show in Utah.
At +200 to win the NBA Dunk Contest, there is plenty of value with the 6’2” Blue Coat. Look for him to join NBA Slam Dunk winners such as Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Zach LaVine9.
NBA 3-Point Contest Odds and Pick
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Anfernee Simons | +425 |
| Damian Lillard | +450 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | +450 |
| Buddy Hield | +475 |
| Jayson Tatum | +550 |
| Kevin Huerter | +550 |
| Lauri Markkanen | +600 |
| Tyler Herro | +675 |
There are eight players signed up to participate in the NBA 3-Point Contest in 2023. Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard are the most prominent players involved in this event. However, unlike the Slam Dunk Contest, there are some big names competing to be the top sharpshooter this weekend.
⭐️ The 2023 #Starry3PT field! ⭐️@TyHaliburton22@raf_tyler@buddyhield @KevinHuerter @Dame_Lillard@MarkkanenLauri@AnferneeSimons@jaytatum0 #StateFarmSaturday: Feb. 18, TNT pic.twitter.com/IBPPSJlAq3
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2023
We are shortlisting Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton as top contenders to win. The former members of the Sacramento Kings should be in the mix. Haliburton is a consistent 3-point shooter, while Hield has the best 3-point percentage of these players in 2022-23.
Hield is 11th in the NBA with a success rate of 42.3% from beyond the arc10. Through seven games in February, Hield has shot 40.3% as of February 1411.
However, this is the first year Hield has had a 3-point percentage better than 40% since 201812. If you want a player that has consistently been above 40% from three in his career, then Haliburton is a good bet.
In three seasons, Haliburton has a career 3-point percentage of 40.7%. He is only a tick off the pace this season, with a 39.8% 3-point percentage.
In 51 games with the Kings last year, he notched a 41.3% 3-point percentage. Following a trade to the Pacers, Haliburton shot 41.6% from three in 26 games.
Tyrese Haliburton with 30 PTS, 12 AST, 3 STL and this wild stepback tonight 👀 pic.twitter.com/9fDzhTCFqr
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2023
Haliburton has been hot recently, as well. He has shot better than 50% in two of his last three games13. The best value in the NBA 3-Point Contest is on Haliburton at +450.
He should join a list of NBA 3-Point Contest winners that includes Steph Curry, Ray Allen, and Peja Stojakovic14.
NBA Skills Challenge Odds and Pick
2023 NBA Skills Challenge Betting Odds Courtesy of BetOnline:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Team Jazz | -120 |
| Team Rookies | +130 |
| Team Antetokounmpo | +475 |
The NBA Skills Challenge is the most comprehensive event on Saturday night. There are three teams, of three players per squad, competing through a three-round contest. The team with the most points at the end of the third round will be declared the winner15.
The Skills Challenge will test each team’s ability to pass, dribble, and shoot. There are multiple elements, with speed and timing being very critical to having success in this contest.
Team Antetokounmpo:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Alex Antetokounmpo (Wisconsin Herd)
Team Rookies:
- Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
- Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons)
- Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets)
Team Jazz:
- Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz)
- Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz)
- Collin Sexton (Utah Jazz)
In a multi-faceted event where players have to work together, chemistry is going to be important. The Antetokounmpo brothers check this box as they know each other better than the others do.
However, speed and ball handling are going to be important, too. Do not expect Team Antetokounmpo to fly through this course. There isn’t a guard on their roster to handle the ball like the other squads.
That leaves us with Team Jazz, who work together in practice every day. Along with being familiar with one another, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson should get up and down the floor. Team Rookies should be tough, but the chemistry on Team Jazz should ultimately be the difference maker.
The home crowd in Utah likely has something to celebrate on Saturday night. Look for Team Jazz to prevail on their court at Vivint Arena.
Jordan Rising Stars Odds and Pick
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Team Pau | +175 |
| Team Deron | +200 |
| Team Joakim | +275 |
| Team Jason | +425 |
For the second consecutive year, the Jordan Rising Stars game will be a three-game tournament between four teams. The teams are made up of G League players, sophomores, and rookies16.
The game will be completed on Friday night at Vivint Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EST on TNT.
Note that there is no running clock for these games. The first team to 40 points wins the first two semifinal games. In the championship game, the winner of the tournament must get to 25 points first.
Rising Stars rosters are in.
Who got the best roster between Deron Williams, Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol and Jason Terry? pic.twitter.com/NLhcHpWyfN
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 7, 2023
The Rising Stars odds at BetOnline have Team Pau favored to win the small tournament. We like Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah’s squads to be the front runners for the Rising Stars crown in 2023.
Jason Terry’s team is comprised of four G League players, including Mac McClung, who is known for his ability to dunk. Team Deron should be competitive, but equal to team Joakim.
You are better off taking the +275 odds on Team Joakim instead of +200 on Team Deron. However, Team Pau is expected to be the toughest team to beat in Utah.
The fact that Paolo Banchero, Bennedict Mathurin, Jaden Ivey, Scottie Barnes, and Keegan Murray are on a team together is a bit unfair. Expect these five to run up and down the floor on the competition.
Team Pau had the first pick of the Rising Stars’ draft, and Gasol didn’t miss by selecting Banchero. The 20-year-old product of Duke has scored 19.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game with the Magic17.
Banchero and Barnes in the frontcourt have the potential to take this game over. Both are athletic and can handle the ball, unlike most big men in the league.
Ivey and Mathruin are strong options at guard for this team in the backcourt. Ivey has scored 15.2 points per game18. Mathruin is averaging 17.2 points per game going into All-Star Weekend19.
Team Pau is the most complete and balanced team in the Jordan Rising Stars event. They should be heavily considered to win on Friday night.
NBA All-Star Game MVP Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | +500 |
| LeBron James | +550 |
| Damian Lillard | +600 |
| Luka Doncic | +650 |
| Kyrie Irving | +800 |
| Jayson Tatum | +900 |
| Ja Morant | +1000 |
| Donovan Mitchell | +1200 |
| Nikola Jokic | +1800 |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | +2000 |
| Lauri Markkanen | +3300 |
| Anthony Edwards | +3300 |
| De’Aaron Fox | +4000 |
| Paul George | +4000 |
| Pascal Siakam | +5000 |
| Bam Adebayo | +7500 |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | +7500 |
| DeMar Derozan | +7500 |
| Jrue Holiday | +7500 |
There are several players on the NBA All-Star Game MVP odds board that could win this award. In an exhibition All-Star event, it is important to avoid players that are likely to go through the motions.
There are players that will just be there and not give much effort. Conversely, there are players that play hard regardless of it is a playoff game, streetball, or the NBA All-Star Game.
With the number of seasons shortening for LeBron James in his career, there are fewer All-Star Game trips ahead of him than behind. He has won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award three times in his career.
In his first MVP, he won all the way back in 2006. He won the MVP two years later, and then most recently in 201820. Expect the captain of Team Lebron to put on an impressive performance on Sunday night.
17 points in 12 minutes for Luka Magic 🪄@luka7doncic // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/lOquDTVVEs
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 16, 2023
Giannis is favored to win the MVP of the All-Star Game. His NBA All-Star Game MVP odds are currently at +500 to win. The Greek Freak won the MVP two years ago at the 2021 NBA All-Star Game21.
One of the best players in the league that hasn’t won an All-Star MVP is Luka Doncic. He could have very well won the season MVP award last year. Doncic is back at it again this season, as he enters the 72nd All-Star Game with spectacular numbers.
The native of Slovenia has scored 33.3, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. He has been a standout from the field, with a 50.5% field goal percentage22.
Despite suffering a heel injury earlier this month, he returned on Saturday and has been on fire since then. In three games, Doncic has averaged 32.3 points per game on 53% shooting23.
Doncic will play hard no matter the circumstance. As the likely first or second pick of the draft, expect Doncic to be an impact player on Sunday night. There is solid value on Doncic’s NBA All-Star Game MVP odds at +650.
Sources
1 2023 NBA All-Star starters announced. Retrieved From https://www.nba.com/news/2023-nba-all-star-starters-announced
2 NBA All-Star 2023 Schedule of Events | NBA.com. Retrieved From https://www.nba.com/news/2023-all-star-schedule-of-events
3 NBA All-Star teams to be picked on game night | NBA.com. Retrieved From https://www.nba.com/news/nba-all-star-rosters-to-be-picked-on-game-night
4 NBA 2023 All-Star Game starters: LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo named captains. Retrieved From https://theathletic.com/4127894/2023/01/26/nba-all-star-game-starters-analysis/
5 LeBron James disappointed by losing out on Kyrie Irving, but ‘focus is shifted’. Retrieved From https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35603129/lebron-james-disappointed-losing-kyrie-irving-focus-shifted
6 Kyrie Irving | Dallas Mavericks | NBA.com. Retrieved From https://www.nba.com/stats/player/202681
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8 How Much Money Do NBA Players Get Paid at the All-Star Game? Retrieved From https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/sports/how-much-do-nba-players-get-paid-at-the-all-star-game/2976880/
9 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest Winners. Retrieved From https://www.nba.com/news/history-slam-dunk-contest
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12 Buddy Hield Stats | ESPN. Retrieved From https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2990984/buddy-hield
13 Tyrese Haliburton Game by Game Stats and Performance. Retrieved From https://www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/4396993/tyrese-haliburton
14 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest Winners. Retrieved From https://www.nba.com/news/history-3-point-contest
15 2023 KIA Skills Challenge | NBA.com. Retrieved From https://www.nba.com/news/2023-skills-challenge
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19 Jaden Ivey | Detroit Pistons | NBA.com. Retrieved From “https://www.nba.com/player/1631093/jaden-ivey”
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21 NBA Awards – All-Star MVP – National Basketball Association. Retrieved From “http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/id/53”
22 Luka Doncic Stats, News, Bio | ESPN. Retrived From “https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3945274/luka-doncic”
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