Sneak Peak at the NBA All-Star Events

Wait … what? The All-Star Break is already here?

It’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun. We are at that midway point of the season where it’s kind of a bummer that we have a week with no real NBA matchups, but we do get to watch the guys show off their skills in a more relaxed and fun environment.

So the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina is going to be booming this weekend. Let’s have a look at the latest odds.

All-Star Game MVP

This is the biggie … Who will be the MVP of the 2019 NBA All-Star Game? Can you guess who the odds on favorite is? I bet you can.

• LeBron James +301
• Giannis Antetokounmpo +553
• Steph Curry +659
• Kemba Walker +750
• Kevin Durant +756
• Joel Embiid +868
• Kyrie Irving +921
• Paul George +921
• Anthony Davis +1234
• James Harden +1234
• Kawhi Leonard +1234

After this, the odds start to get super long. That said, with James Harden putting on an epic season, his odds at +1234 are extremely valuable. LBJ won last year, so I am not sure if he’ll get back to back consideration. That said, Russell Westbrook won in both 2015 and 2016, so it isn’t outside of the realm of possibility that LBJ will snag the award again.

But, Harden just tied Wilt. He keeps extending his 30-point streak and is playing unstoppable ball. So, +1234 is too tempting to pass up.

Which Team Will Win?

Before the switch to schoolyard pick-up, the West dominated, winning 7 of the last 10. But Team Lebron won last year and whattaya know, King James is a team captain once again. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard all on the same team is hard to ignore. Sure, Team Freak has Giannis, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Kemba Walker starting … but they seem a bit outmatched, especially on the bench. Odds on the game are not out yet, but I am going with Team Lebron to win two years straight.

Mountain Dew 3-Pt Challenge

Seth, Steph, Lillard, Dirk, Walker, Middleton, and Nowitzki are some of the big names that will be competing for the title of King of Swish.

Stephen Curry is the favorite at +221 … and that is far ahead of the rest of the pack. The next closest is his brother, Seth at +466. Devin Booker is now at 521 along with Buddy Hield. Booker is the defending champion so he should be up for consideration … but winning two years straight is tough in this crowd. At +674, Joe Harris is a great sleeper, along with Damian Lillard at +739. Call it a hunch, but I’m leaning towards Joe Harris to splash his way to victory.

Taco Bell Skills Challenge

• Mike Conley, Grizzlies    +550
• Luka Doncic, Mavericks +400
• De’Aaron Fox, Kings    +300
• Nikola Jokic, Nuggets +500
• Kyle Kuzma, Lakers    +700
• Jayson Tatum, Celtics +550
• Nikola Vucevic, Magic +800
• Trae Young, Hawks    +400

De’Aaron Fox is the frontrunner on the odds boards. And of all the favorites listed, I actually agree with this assumption. But Don’t count out Mike Conley at +550 and Nikola Vucevic is a great sleeper at +800. There is a new trend of big men winning the skills contest and Nikola definitely has the skills. I am going to hedge with a small pick on De’Aaron Fox and Nikola Vucevic as well.

There will be plenty of fun to be had over the weekend, even if we aren’t watching any real games. Hopefully, your picks hit and you enjoy All-Star Weekend even more!