The Step Back's Official Guide to All-Star Weekend prop bets

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3-Point Shootout

Although the Dunk Contest sees players attempt a host of dunks they may never even consider attempting in an NBA game, there’s a valid argument to be made for the 3-Point Shootout being the All-Star Weekend event that takes the players furthest out of their regular in-game comfort zone.

For as much as it seems to draw on one of the most conventional weapons in the modern NBA, the 3-Point Shootout adds an extra dynamic to the long shot that its best marksmen aren’t always fully equipped for.

The repetition of taking shot after shot from distance makes the Shootout a test of endurance as much as it’s a test of accuracy. As such, it’s not enough to be the sharpest shooter in the field, but you also have to be comfortable with the strain of taking on a high volume in a short space of time.

As the event’s defending champion and the player tied with Kyle Lowry for the highest 3-point percentage this season, it’s unsurprising that Klay Thompson is the man who is heavily favored by oddsmakers. At close to even money, the reward of picking Thompson as the winner from an eight-man field doesn’t necessarily balance the risk this unpredictable event can provide.

Value may be found in the likes of Nick Young or Eric Gordon, who not only are boasting strong percentages from behind the arc, but also lead this field in terms of 3-point attempts per 36 minutes. If either of those two get hot, they’re less likely to tire due to the volume.

(All odds for this market are accurate as of 2/15, and can be found listed at bet365, Bovada, and Paddy Power)

Klay Thompson

Odds: +175 (bet365), +110 (Bovada), +250 (Paddy Power)

Kyle Lowry

Odds: +500 (bet365), +850 (Bovada), +500 (Paddy Power)

Kyrie Irving

Odds: +500 (bet365), +400 (Bovada), +500 (Paddy Power)

Eric Gordon

Odds: +600 (bet365), +850 (Bovada), +500 (Paddy Power)

C.J. McCollum

Odds: +550 (bet365), +800 (Bovada), +500 (Paddy Power)

Nick Young