Anshari Taslim
NBA’s Elite Sharpshooters Converge in Los Angeles for Highly Anticipated 2026 3-Point Contest.
The National Basketball Association’s annual All-Star Saturday festivities are set to ignite the Inuit Dome in Los Angeles this Saturday, February 15, 2026, with the much-anticipated 3-Point Contest kicking off the evening’s events at 5 p.m. ET. Eight of the league’s most prolific perimeter threats will vie for the coveted 3-point crown, a competition renowned for its blend of precision, speed, and nerve under pressure. The field features a compelling mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and even a two-time champion making a surprising return from injury.
Among the eight competitors, all eyes are on Damian Lillard, who enters the contest aiming for an unprecedented third title. Lillard, currently listed on the Portland Trail Blazers’ active roster, has faced a challenging season, having been sidelined since early November with a severe Achilles injury. Despite his recent return to the team’s practice facilities and active roster status, he has yet to play in a competitive game this season, raising questions about his rhythm and conditioning for such a high-stakes shooting exhibition. His participation marks a significant moment, as he attempts to add another historical achievement to his decorated career, following his previous victories. The veteran guard, known for his deep range and clutch shooting, is currently positioned as the second favorite by oddsmakers at +400.
The top favorite in the tightly contested field is Kon Knueppel, the promising rookie from the Charlotte Hornets, priced at +240. Knueppel has burst onto the NBA scene this season, showcasing an exceptional shooting touch that has quickly established him as one of the league’s premier long-range threats. He boasts an impressive 42.8% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, a remarkable feat for a player in his inaugural professional campaign. However, history presents a notable challenge for Knueppel, as no rookie has ever claimed victory in the 3-Point Contest since its inception. Furthermore, while his percentage is elite, it is not the highest among all rookies this season, a distinction currently held by Cam Spencer of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has also demonstrated outstanding perimeter efficiency.
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Beyond the two frontrunners, the odds board remains congested, reflecting the high caliber of shooting talent assembled for the event. Jamal Murray, the dynamic guard for the Denver Nuggets, shares the third-best odds at +650. Murray has consistently proven his ability to perform under pressure, particularly in playoff scenarios where his clutch shooting from deep has been instrumental in the Nuggets’ success. His smooth stroke and ability to hit contested shots make him a formidable contender in this format.
Also at +650 is Devin Booker, the prolific scorer for the Phoenix Suns. Booker is no stranger to All-Star Saturday, having previously participated in and won the 3-Point Contest in 2018. His refined shooting mechanics and unwavering confidence make him a perennial threat in any shooting competition. This season, Booker has maintained his status as a high-volume, high-efficiency scorer, continuing to lead the Suns’ potent offensive attack.
Philadelphia 76ers’ rising star Tyrese Maxey is listed at +700. Maxey has enjoyed a breakout season, solidifying his role as a primary offensive weapon and demonstrating significant improvement in his outside shooting. His quick release and ability to create space for his shot could prove advantageous in the timed competition format. Maxey’s journey from a promising young guard to an All-Star caliber player has been marked by a relentless dedication to refining his offensive game, particularly his perimeter efficiency.
Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers follows closely at +750. Mitchell is celebrated for his explosive scoring ability and propensity for hitting crucial three-pointers in critical moments. While often known for his acrobatic finishes and mid-range game, Mitchell has progressively expanded his range and volume from deep, making him a dangerous competitor capable of getting hot quickly. His experience in high-pressure situations, including multiple playoff runs, could serve him well on the All-Star stage.
Rounding out the field are two strong contenders offering slightly longer odds. Norman Powell, the consistent scoring wing for the Los Angeles Clippers, is listed at +950. Powell’s role as a vital contributor off the bench, providing instant offense and reliable shooting, underscores his capabilities. His disciplined approach to shooting and ability to knock down open looks consistently make him a dark horse, especially with the potential for a home-crowd advantage in Los Angeles.
The biggest longshot among the eight participants is Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks, priced at +1400. Portis, primarily known for his tenacious rebounding and energetic play, has steadily developed into a credible stretch-four option for the Bucks. His evolution as an outside shooter has been a key component of Milwaukee’s offensive spacing, showcasing his versatility. While perhaps not the most traditional 3-point contest participant, Portis’s improved accuracy and competitive spirit could lead to an unexpected performance.
The 3-Point Contest format requires contestants to shoot 25 basketballs from five different stations around the arc within 70 seconds. Each station has four standard balls (worth one point each) and one "money ball" (worth two points). Additionally, two "Starry Range" zones, located several feet beyond the arc between the second and third, and third and fourth traditional stations, offer one "Starry ball" each, worth three points. This structure demands not only accuracy but also quick transitions and strategic shot selection, particularly with the high-value money balls and Starry balls.
For those looking for an edge in predicting the outcome, SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein has provided his comprehensive analysis and betting advice. Hartstein, a senior analyst for SportsLine and a founding member of the popular Early Edge podcast, brings a proven track record to his NBA predictions. He enters the All-Star break on an impressive 8-5 run on NBA props, demonstrating his acumen in identifying value in various betting markets. His consistent success in NBA betting has made him a respected voice among sports handicappers.
Hartstein has meticulously evaluated the 2026 3-Point Contest field and has locked in his picks for NBA All-Star Saturday. Notably, his analysis diverges from the public sentiment regarding the top two favorites. He has opted against backing Damian Lillard, citing significant concerns about Lillard’s lack of game rhythm this season due to his prolonged Achilles injury. The expert suggests that even a shooter of Lillard’s caliber might struggle to regain peak form in a high-pressure, timed competition without having played a single competitive minute.
Similarly, Hartstein is not endorsing rookie sensation Kon Knueppel. While acknowledging Knueppel’s impressive 42.8% 3-point shooting this season, Hartstein points to the historical precedent that no rookie has ever won the 3-Point Contest. Furthermore, he highlights that Knueppel’s percentage, while excellent, is not the best among all NBA rookies this season, with Cam Spencer of the Grizzlies currently holding that distinction. These factors lead Hartstein to believe that Knueppel, despite his promise, may face an uphill battle against more experienced competitors.
Given what he considers a wide-open field where any participant theoretically has a path to victory, Hartstein’s strategy focuses on identifying value in players with longer odds. His extensive research has uncovered a critical "x-factor" that he believes will significantly influence the contest’s outcome, leading him to back a surprising longshot. Details of Hartstein’s specific pick and the underlying analysis are available exclusively to SportsLine subscribers.
The 2026 3-Point Contest promises to be a showcase of elite shooting talent and a thrilling start to NBA All-Star Saturday. With a blend of established champions, breakout stars, and compelling narratives, the competition at the Inuit Dome is poised to deliver a memorable display of perimeter marksmanship, keeping fans and bettors alike on the edge of their seats. The full list of participants and their current odds, subject to change, are as follows: Kon Knueppel (+240), Damian Lillard (+400), Jamal Murray (+650), Devin Booker (+650), Tyrese Maxey (+700), Donovan Mitchell (+750), Norman Powell (+950), and Bobby Portis (+1400).
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