2026 3-Point Contest predictions, odds, participants: NBA All-Star Saturday picks, bets by proven expert
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Lewis
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest is set to take place in Los Angeles as part of All-Star Saturday, with eight top shooters competing for the title. SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein has released his predictions and betting advice for the contest, surprising fans by not backing the two top favorites: Damian Lillard (+475) and Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel (+225). Hartstein highlights a wide-open field, noting that Lillard's extended absence due to injury makes it difficult to envision him returning to form quickly. Meanwhile, Knueppel, despite his impressive 42.8% shooting as a rookie, is seen as an underdog given the strong competition.
The field features a mix of established stars and rising talents, including Devin Booker (+700), Jamal Murray (+650), Tyrese Maxey (+750), and Donovan Mitchell (+750). Hartstein identifies "value at longer odds" as his key criteria for selecting a potential winner. Among the long shots, Norman Powell (+1000) and Bobby Portis (+1300) are seen as intriguing options, with Hartstein pinpointing a critical x-factor that could propel an unexpected player to victory.
The 3-Point Contest is the first event of All-Star Saturday at the Inuit Dome, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. ET. New users can take advantage of DraftKings' promo code for $300 in bonus bets if their first $5+ bet wins. Hartstein,
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026