The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles is buzzing with anticipation as the NBA descends on Inglewood for a historic 75th anniversary All-Star Weekend. While the new NBA All-Star Game round-robin odds for Sunday are drawing attention, the immediate action is on the floor tonight. NBA All-Star Saturday Night bets have flooded sportsbooks, with handle reaching record highs for the Starry 3-Point Contest and AT&T Slam Dunk competition. Sharps and casual bettors alike are locking in their positions for what promises to be an electric night of precision and power.

3-Point Contest Betting Picks: The Rookie vs. The Vet

The 3-Point Contest field is stacked this year, but the narrative driving the NBA All-Star odds 2026 centers on two distinct players: a rookie sensation with a flamethrower for a jump shot and a gritty veteran putting up career-best numbers. The rack format rewards rhythm and consistency, and our analysis points to significant value on both ends of the board.

The Favorite: Kon Knueppel (+270)

It is rare for a rookie to enter All-Star Saturday Night as the betting favorite, but Kon Knueppel 3-point favorite status is well-earned. The Charlotte Hornets' sharpshooter has been a revelation this season, translating his elite Duke pedigree to the pros with seamless efficiency. Knueppel is currently shooting 41% from deep on high volume, but it's his mechanics that have oddsmakers convinced. His compact, repeatable release is tailor-made for the 70-second time limit, allowing him to clear racks with minimal wasted motion.

Knueppel's performance in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, where he drained four triples in the semifinal, showcased his comfort shooting in the Intuit Dome's visual backdrop. At +270, he represents the safest play on the board for 3-Point Contest betting picks.

The Dark Horse: Bobby Portis (+1600)

While the guards usually dominate the headlines, smart money is quietly flowing toward the Milwaukee Bucks' big man. The Bobby Portis 3-point longshot narrative isn't just a fun story; it's backed by cold, hard data. Portis is having a career shooting year, knocking down a blistering 45% of his attempts from beyond the arc in the 2025-26 season. His high release point makes him immune to the "rim blindness" that sometimes plagues shooters on the rack system.

At +1600, Portis offers massive implied value. Big men like Karl-Anthony Towns have proven that frontcourt players can win this event, and Portis's intensity suggests he isn't here just for a vacation. If he finds his rhythm early on the moneyball rack, he could easily upset the field.

Slam Dunk Contest Odds: Hometown Hero favored

The Slam Dunk Contest odds this year favor the home team, with Los Angeles Lakers high-flyer Jaxson Hayes listed as the +150 favorite. Hayes has revitalized his career in LA, and his combination of length and vertical pop is suited for the contest's modern judging criteria. The "home court" advantage at Intuit Dome—technically Clippers territory, but still LA—should provide him with the crowd energy needed to secure high scores.

However, bettors should look closely at the challenger, Jase Richardson (+350). The Orlando Magic rookie and son of two-time dunk champion Jason Richardson has creativity in his DNA. Reports from practice indicate Richardson has been working on a 360-degree variation that hasn't been seen in competition before. While Hayes has the power, Richardson has the finesse and lineage to steal the trophy.

Sunday's Format: NBA All-Star Game Round-Robin Odds

Looking ahead to Sunday, the league's new format has shaken up the betting landscape. The NBA All-Star Game round-robin odds favor Team USA Stars (-130) to win the tournament, given their depth of scoring talent. The new "USA vs. World" three-team format creates a sprint-style dynamic, with 12-minute mini-games replacing the traditional marathon.

Bettors should be wary of the Team World (+160) lines. Despite having heavy hitters like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, the format requires quick chemistry, something the meticulously constructed USA rosters might have in spades. For value, look at the "USA Stripes" squad (+210) as a potential upset winner if the main USA team starts slow.

Final Betting Verdict

For tonight's action, the best value lies in splitting your unit size. Place a standard wager on Kon Knueppel to win the 3-Point Contest as the rightful favorite, but sprinkle a quarter-unit on Bobby Portis to hedge with high upside. In the Dunk Contest, fade the public favorite Hayes and take a shot on Jase Richardson to continue the family legacy. As always, shop around for the best NBA All-Star odds 2026 before lock.