NBA Skills Challenge Contest 2/18/23 – All-Star Saturday’s first event will be the skills challenge. The NBA All-Star Weekend takes place every year. This event features a different format than what we have seen in the past few years, with three teams. NBA Skills challenge betting odds are up for online bettors to place their bets.
Betting Odds
Team Antetokounmpo +500
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Alex Antetokounmpo
Team Rooks +150
Paulo Banchero
Jaden Ivey
Jabari Smith Jr
Team Jazz -130
Jordan Clarkson
Walker Kessler
Collin Sexton
Skills Challenge Rules
1. Shooting round: There are five spots that can be used for shooting, ranging from 10-feet to 30-feet. Each location will be shot from by the players with their team members rounding. Each location will have a different value for each shot. Players cannot shoot the same shot twice. The team score will be 100 points if the winner of the first round wins.
2. Passing round: Each player will have 30 seconds to pass three moving targets. Based on the difficulty of the passes, they will have different values. Each team must attempt at least one pass at each target. Individual players cannot make consecutive passes at the target. The team that wins will receive 100 points toward their score.
3. Relay round: All players must complete a relay course. The fastest time wins. The course includes outlet passing to a moving target from a baseline, a challenge through cones, short shots near the basket, a three pointer from the corner against a defender and a full court sprint in order to score. The score will be 200 points for the winning team.
4. Final round – Half-court shot: Only the two highest scoring teams will progress to the championship round. Each team will need to complete a halfcourt shot in as little time as possible. The time will be set by the first team and then the second team must beat it. The clock will be limited to 90 seconds.
Analysis
Team Antetokounmpo is almost an afterthought at +500 Their experience spans an entire year, with them having participated in the 2022 event, and finishing last in 2022. Their squad is much less experienced than the rest. While Giannis is an excellent player, Thanasis is often far away from Bucks. Alex, the younger brother, is a small player in the G League.
Banchero, the Rookie of Year favorite, and a few first-year players such as Smith and Ivey should make for an entertaining team. Ivey’s ball handling makes him an ideal choice for this event. Even large men such as Smith and Paolo Banchero are able to run the floor and shoot long distances.
It is clear why Team Jazz is the favorite. They will be a hit with their home fans and will be motivated to put on a great show. The dynamic guards of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson should perform well in each round. Kessler is the weakest member of this group. Although the 7-foot rookie is a good rebounder and shot blocker, he’s not well-known for his ability to run or shoot.
Skills Challenge Free Pick
Team Jazz was the best bet according to the best NBA Skill Challenge picks. Team Jazz were having a good line up and it’s their advantage.
Free Pick: Team Jazz -130
