Rarely does the “best” shooter win the NBA 3-Point Contest.
If that were the case, Stephen Curry — who has competed in the event seven times throughout his career — would have more than just two trophies.
The crown jewel of All-Star Saturday, which will this year feature a loaded field with five All-Stars and a pair of returning contest champions, is simply about who gets hot at the right time.
Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel is currently the overwhelming favorite to win the 3-Point Contest with +260 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook — but here are a few “long shot” picks that are well-positioned to make a statement at All-Star Weekend.
Top long shot picks for the 3-Point Contest
Jamal Murray | Guard, Denver Nuggets (+550)
Jamal Murray has been waiting for this moment. After nine long seasons, the Nuggets guard heads to Inglewood for his first career All-Star Game — and he’s immersing himself in all the festivities.
Already an NBA champion, Murray now eyes more hardware in the 3-Point Contest. This season, he’s averaging 3.2 triples per game at a scorching 42.5% clip, both of which are career highs.
When he finds a groove, he becomes a lead guitarist ripping a solo: Facing the Pacers in December, Murray drilled a career-high 10 treys on just 11 attempts in a 52-point explosion.
Donovan Mitchell | Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers (+750)
No stranger to the 3-Point Contest, Donovan Mitchell makes his third trip to the event after falling short in 2021 and 2024.
The Cavaliers superstar heads into the All-Star break leading the NBA in total made threes (185), burying a career-high 3.6 triples per game with impressive 37.6% accuracy.
Bobby Portis | Forward, Milwaukee Bucks (+1400)
The heaviest underdog on the list, Bobby Portis, is looking to become just the fourth ever big man to win the 3-Point Contest behind Karl-Anthony Towns (2022), Kevin Love (2012), and Dirk Nowitzki (2006).
A risky play at first glance, the Bucks forward has been absolutely automatic from deep this season. He’s averaging a career-best 1.9 threes per game at a blistering 45.1% rate — comfortably leading the eight-man field.
The speed of the contest could present a slight hitch, but Portis’s impeccable upside at the event’s longest odds is hard to ignore.
The State Farm 3-Point Contest will kick off NBA All-Star Saturday night at 5 p.m. ET. Catch the action on NBC and Peacock.
