NBA 3-Point Contest Odds: Booker a Smart Pick to Reach Final Round

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend is increasingly becoming a showcase for sharpshooting, and the 3-point contest has emerged as a premier event. This year’s competition, set to tip off Saturday at February 14 as the first event of All-Star Saturday, features a compelling mix of established stars and rising rookies, all vying for the crown.

Among the eight competitors is Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, a past winner of the event, having secured the title in 2018. Despite a statistically challenging season from beyond the arc – currently shooting 31.1 percent – Booker remains a favorite among analysts and fans alike. His career 35 percent shooting average and reputation for difficult shot-making suggest a potential for a strong showing, even if his recent form has been inconsistent.

Booker’s odds currently stand at +650, according to bet365, placing him alongside Tyrese Maxey as a mid-tier contender. However, some observers believe his experience and natural shooting form could give him an edge in the timed format, where consistency is key.

“There’s a difference between shooting with a defender in front of you and shooting off the rack,” one analyst noted. “The fact that he hasn’t done the former well recently shouldn’t impact his ability to do the latter.”

Leading the field in betting odds is Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, at +280. Knueppel has quickly become a sensation in his first NBA season, currently leading the league with 183 three-pointers at a 43.1 percent clip. His volume and efficiency make him a logical favorite, but the pressure of being the frontrunner could prove to be a factor.

Two-time defending champion Damian Lillard, despite recently returning from an Achilles injury, is also a strong contender at +450. Lillard has the opportunity to tie Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most 3-Point Contest victories of all time, adding another layer of narrative to his participation.

Rounding out the field are Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (+600), Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (+700), Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (+1400), and Norman Powell (+850). Murray, Maxey, Portis, and Knueppel will all be making their 3-Point Contest debuts this year.

The contest format remains unchanged for the seventh consecutive year. Each participant will have 70 seconds to shoot 27 balls from five racks positioned around the 3-point arc. Players strategically choose the placement of their “money” rack, which is worth more points, adding a layer of tactical decision-making to the competition.

While Knueppel’s impressive regular-season performance makes him the clear favorite, the unique pressures of the All-Star stage and the experience of veterans like Booker and Lillard cannot be discounted. The event’s history is filled with unexpected outcomes, and the ability to perform under pressure will be crucial.

Analysts are suggesting that experience and a steady hand may be more valuable than sheer volume. Booker, despite his recent shooting struggles, possesses both qualities. His natural shooting form and past success in the competition make him a compelling dark horse candidate.

“I’m buying low on Booker to make the final,” one analyst stated. “He has the experience and the form to make a deep run.”

The 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the league’s most talented shooters. With a mix of established stars and rising rookies, the competition is wide open, and the outcome remains uncertain. The event will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, beginning at 5:00 PM ET.

The field is set, the odds are in, and the stage is prepared for a night of high-flying shots and intense competition. As the NBA’s sharpshooters prepare to take center stage, the 2026 3-Point Contest is poised to deliver another memorable chapter in All-Star Weekend history.