LOS ANGELES – The Intuit Dome is set to host a compelling NBA 3-Point Contest on Saturday, , as part of NBA All-Star Weekend. The field boasts a mix of established stars and rising talents, all vying for the coveted title of the league’s premier sharpshooter. Among the eight competitors are two former champions, Damian Lillard and Devin Booker, alongside a group of All-Stars including Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, and Jamal Murray. Rounding out the field are Norman Powell, Bobby Portis, and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel.
FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists Knueppel (+380) and Lillard (+390) as the frontrunners, followed by Booker at +550. Maxey and Murray are both at +600, while Mitchell comes in at +650. Powell (+950) and Portis (+1700) represent longer shots, though Portis currently leads the field in 3-point percentage this season.
However, according to SportsLine expert Mike Barner, a seasoned analyst whose predictions have appeared in publications like Sports Illustrated and on platforms such as Yahoo and ESPN Radio, there’s a strategic fade to consider. Barner, currently on a remarkable 40-17 run in his NBA picks, is advising against betting on Damian Lillard despite his pedigree.
Barner’s reasoning centers on Lillard’s prolonged absence from competitive play due to a torn Achilles. While a two-time winner of the contest (2023, 2024), Lillard’s recovery and lack of recent game action raise concerns about his rhythm and movement around the 3-point arc. His performance in last season’s contest at the Intuit Dome – a dismal 1-for-9 from beyond the arc – further fuels this caution. That performance was, notably, his worst shooting display in 50 games where he attempted at least seven three-pointers.
Barner’s success isn’t simply based on luck. He’s known for a data-driven approach, meticulously examining team trends and projecting game outcomes. His recent track record speaks for itself, having finished last season with a 239-178-2 record, generating a substantial return for those following his advice at sportsbooks and betting apps.
The contest field is undeniably strong. Mitchell, Knueppel, Maxey, and Murray are all averaging over three made three-pointers per game. Powell boasts an impressive eight consecutive seasons shooting above 39% from beyond the arc, and Portis’s current 45% 3-point percentage is a standout statistic. Even Booker, despite a relatively down year from distance, has demonstrated the ability to catch fire from deep, with nine games this season where he’s made at least three triples.
The emergence of Kon Knueppel as a legitimate contender is particularly noteworthy. The rookie’s combination of volume (3.4 three-pointers per game) and efficiency (43.1% shooting) is drawing comparisons to Stephen Curry’s best seasons. Barner’s analysis suggests a potential historic performance from a player who could redefine the standard for 3-point shooting in the contest.
For those looking to place a wager, Barner’s insights offer a valuable perspective beyond the surface-level odds. He’s identified a player poised to “make history” in the contest, a pick he’s exclusively sharing with SportsLine subscribers. The contest promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, precision, and the ever-evolving art of the 3-point shot, and Barner’s expertise provides a compelling angle for those seeking an edge in predicting the outcome.
2026 NBA 3-Point Contest Odds
(via FanDuel)
- Kon Knueppel +380
- Damian Lillard +390
- Devin Booker +550
- Jamal Murray +600
- Tyrese Maxey +600
- Donovan Mitchell +650
- Norman Powell +950
- Bobby Portis +1700
