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NBA All-Star Weekend Betting

NBA All-Star Betting Guide

Every year, the best players in the NBA combine to play on All-Star teams in February. The best 24 players from the league are selected and teams are made up of players from both conferences. Each team creates a starting lineup using a voting process from fans, players, and media sources. Once players are selected, the top players from each team will be named the Captain and have the option to select reserve players.

While the NBA All-Star event attracts thousands of bettors, odds are not available until a few weeks before the event. Keep reading to learn about the various betting options for the NBA All-Star Weekend and pick up some useful strategies.

NBA All-Star Game

This exciting game is played following the same NBA rules as during the regular season The difference is the level of excitement. Since teams are made up of the stars of the league, one can expect more slam dunks along with a higher ending score. This match is unique as it features an Elam Ending, similar to the G League. During this time, the clock is turned off for the final four minutes. A target score will then be set and the team that achieves that target will be the winner. Check out some of the great NBA bets that can be placed on this annual matchup.

Moneyline, Point Spread, and Totals

Moneyline bets are the most popular bets offered for the All-Star game. These bets are simple and bettors will just have to choose what team will be the winner.

Coming in at a close second, point spreads or spread betting is also available for the All-Star game.The sportsbook will provide an amount and bettors will bet on whether the team chosen will be over or under that amount. Favorites will have to win the game by the stated amount while the underdog will have to lose by less than the listed spread.

Another popular bet for the All-Star game is the point spread bet. Here, bettors will decide whether the final score will be lower or higher than the amount predicted by the sportsbook. There are different totals bets that can be placed, including totals for each quarter.

Player Prop Bets

Prop betting is always exciting as there are many options provided. With the NBA All-Star game, there are more prop bets than with the regular season.

These bets are on anything that could possibly happen during the game such as who will score the first basket in a quarter or whether a specific player will dunk the ball. One of the top prop bets placed is on who will be the All-Star game MVP.

All-Star MVP

hometown players often get an edge when it comes to selecting the MVP

As mentioned, one prop bet that can be placed is on who will be named the MVP of the game. Each year, personnel from media sources vote on the MVP. In the past, this award has been won by 18 guards, 4 forwards, and 10 centers. One thing to know is that hometown players often get an edge when it comes to selecting the MVP. 

NBA All-Star Contests

While the NBA All-Star game is the highlight, there are other contests that are offered during the All-Star weekend. These provide additional chances to bet and win. During these contests, the best players in the league are able to showcase their talents. These events have some great odds and there are many sportsbooks that feature exclusive promotions during contests as well as for the main All-Star game.

How it Works

With contests, players are selected to enter the event and compete for the title of being the best. With various contests available, there are endless betting options. To get in on the action head to the NBA All-Star betting section. Here, there will be a list of all contests being offered, along with a list of who is involved and the associated odds. Simply make a choice, place a bet, and watch the excitement.

Strategies

Betting on contests will require some strategy to ensure the best bets are being placed. Research is key here. It is important to know what players are able to excel in the contest. For example, checking the three-point stats for those entered in the contest can provide a slight edge when choosing a winner. Just like with any other betting strategy, it is essential to gather as much knowledge about the contest as well as all participants before selecting a wager.

Three-Point Contest

The three-point contest has been a part of the NBA All-Star weekend since 1986. In 2014, the Money Ball was added to the contest, creating another layer of excitement as well as additional betting opportunities. The contest attracts many spectators and a number of NBA fans tune in to watch the contests more than those who actually watch the entire All-Star game!

How it Works

This contest has simple rules. Players will try to make as many three-point shots as possible during a designated timeframe. There are five shooting stations located behind the three-point line, which contain a rack of 4 standard balls and one Money Ball, which is worth 2 points. The maximum score is 40 points and players have a total of 70 seconds to complete all shots.

Strategies

It is not easy to predict the winner of this contest. The winner is usually the one who is on a hot streak and is able to routinely sink shots. There are some things that can help when placing bets. Always consider player mechanics and watch for those that use little jumping motion. These players stay stronger longer and they perform better than those that have classic jump shots. It will also be beneficial to do some research and find out who the hottest shooter in the contest is. Watch stats to see how players have performed during the season and keep an eye on those that have a great three-point record.

Rising Stars Challenge

The Rising Stars contest was initially called the Rookie Challenge and is one of the main contests during All-Star Weekend. It is aired on prime time on Friday and it highlights the most promising rookie players in the league.

the Rising Stars contest is a great time to get some insight into who to keep an eye on for the rest of the season

This is a mini-tournament where first and second-year players are able to compete and show off their skills and athleticism. For those who plan on betting on future NBA games, this contest can provide some great insight into who to watch during the remainder of the season.

How it Works

During the Rising Stars contest, there will be four teams featured, each containing 7 players. These teams compete in a small three-game tournament and there is a target score. Teams must achieve the target of 40 points during the semifinals and 25 points in the final. This contest provides these rookie players with more playing time and the chance to show what they can do. Team members are selected by NBA assistant coaches and that selection is based on potential and performance.

Strategies

As with all types of bets, placing wagers on the Rising Stars contest will require research and knowledge. One useful strategy that many bettors employ is betting on the team with players who have won the Rookie of the Year award. However, do not overlook team composition. It is important for all players to be able to mesh and perform well together to succeed. Also, it will be useful to look at the teams with players who have higher point averages.

Skills Challenge

On Saturday, preceding the All-Star game, the Skills Challenge is hosted. This contest was first held in 2003 and has since been a top event during the NBA All-Star weekend. Here, a competition between players is conducted and focuses on ball-handling, shooting ability, and passing.

How it Works

During the Skills Challenge, there are three different rounds that take place. These include a relay with passing, dribbling through obstacles, shots, and other skills. During the first round, players will compete in a relay with passes. The winner of the round will receive 100 points. The next stage is a passing drill, where players pass through targets that are moving. Points are scored for completing each pass within 30 seconds and 100 points will be awarded to the winner. 

The final round is a shooting drill. Within 1 minute, players will shoot from various spots on the court, and more points are awarded for higher-difficulty shots. The winner will receive 200 points. Should there be a tie at the end of the event, there is a half-court shootout.

Strategies

When betting on the Skills Challenge, it is important to look for the team that has quality shooting skills. The team shooting round is the most important since it offers the winner 200 points. Analyzing the individual skills of the players involved will help to make educated bets. Speed and agility are also things to look for when choosing a team to bet on. Watch for the team that has a well-rounded offering of skill sets and players that have shown athletic ability and endurance.

Conclusion

With a weekend full of excitement, the NBA All-Star weekend provides great opportunities for bettors. While placing wagers on the main All-Star game is popular, many like to place wagers on the unique contests that are held. These contests make the weekend exciting and there are excellent odds on various markets. Whether bettors like to wager on the best three-point shooter or are looking to wager on rookies just getting started in the league, these contests cover it all.

Online sportsbooks provide excellent odds as well as many betting promotions during the All-Star weekend. Take time to shop lines for the best odds and start doing research now. The more information bettors can gather on players, the better chances they will have of placing winning All-Star bets.

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