Articles

2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds ? NBC Saturday

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (officially the AT&T Slam Dunk) is part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, taking place on Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California (home of the LA Clippers). Specifically, it starts at 5 p.m. ET (as the third event of the night) and airs on NBC and Peacock.

This year's contest features a fresh field of four first-time participants, meaning a new champion will be crowned. Consider that there will be no repeat of Mac McClung's three-peat from recent years (he opted not to defend his title). The event uses a two-round format: Each dunker attempts two slams in the first round, with judges scoring them. Finally, the two highest combined scores advance to the final round for one more dunk each, and the top score wins.

The contest caps off a night of skills events (including the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars Challenge). As always, fans and gamblers can expect viral moments from these athletic newcomers!

Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Contest Betting at Bookmaker

Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, will host the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET, with television coverage on NBC.

Oddsmakers opened with Slam Dunk Contest winning odds of Jaxson Hayes +175, Carter Bryant +175, Keshad Johnson +450, Jase Richardson +500.

Jaxson Hayes is likely the early co-favorite due to his size (7'0" frame for unique high-rim dunks), athleticism, and home crowd boost. Previously, contests show taller/ explosive bigs can impress (e.g., Dwight Howard's wins), though creativity is key.

Correlate that Jase Richardson could offer value as the other co-favorite. His family legacy (dad's iconic dunks) might inspire creative entries, and smaller guards often excel with flair and speed.

Meanwhile, Carter Bryant and Keshad Johnson are long shots but could surprise with raw athleticism or innovative props.

Gamblers may find it useful that favorites often win with experience, but this year lacks that advantage?expect tighter odds. Additionally, there is value in creativity. Sharps will look for players hinting at props/tributes (e.g., Richardson family nods). No stars means potential for lower energy/judges' scores; past "weak" fields have produced upsets.

Newer gamblers should remember that dunk contests are novelty bets; judge hype, practice dunks (via social media), and panel tendencies (they reward innovation over repetition).

Wise Guys believe that if the odds drop, Hayes might be the safest play for his physical tools and location. But Richardson could be a fun longshot for narrative upside.

2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Participants

Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs) ? Rookie Forward, 6'6"

Strengths: Elite leaper with quick-twitch explosiveness; already flashing highlight dunks in limited rookie action, including windmills and powerful finishes.

Outlook: High upside; could steal the show if he channels his pre-draft hype into polished performances.

Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers) ? Center, 7'0"

Strengths: Rare size for a dunker (7-footer attempting to become the first of that height to win?Dwight Howard at 6'11" is the closest). Known for powerful, high-flying in-game slams, including a viral between-the-legs "Eastbay" dunk on a fast break vs. the Bulls in January 2026.

Outlook: Fan favorite due to local ties and raw power; many see him as the frontrunner for sheer spectacle and "wow" factor.

Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat) ? Second-Year Forward, 6'6"

Strengths: Dynamic leaper with strong vertical and body control; has delivered highlight-reel dunks in games despite modest role.

Outlook: Sleeper pick; his flashes suggest he might deliver clean, high-scoring attempts if he brings his A-game.

Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic) ? Rookie Guard, 6'1"

Strengths: Carries family legacy with quickness, elevation, and flair. Despite shorter stature, he has the tools for flashy, high-degree-of-difficulty slams.

Outlook: Emotional favorite for many; if he nails tribute dunks or innovative moves, he could go viral and contend for the crown.

2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Best Bets

This is a wide-open contest with no clear favorite?Jaxson Hayes brings the most raw power and size advantage (plus home crowd boost). At the same time, Carter Bryant and Jase Richardson offer rookie explosiveness and legacy appeal. Finally, Keshad Johnson provides solid underdog potential.

Main Pick: Jaxson Hayes

Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don?t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!

2026 NBA Three Point Shooting Contest ? NBC Saturday

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

The 2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest (officially the State Farm 3-Point Contest) is part of NBA All-Star Weekend, taking place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m. ET. It will air on NBC and Peacock as the first event of All-Star Saturday night. Specifically, the event is held at the Intuit Dome (home of the LA Clippers) in Inglewood, CA.

Damian Lillard is apparently going to wear his Portland uniform again, in a most unexpected manner. Lillard has not played this season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Yet he will participate in the 3-point contest on All-Star Saturday, the NBA announced.

Lillard is joining 2018 3-point contest champion Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns in the field. Additionally, Charlotte's Kon Knueppel, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey, Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, Denver's Jamal Murray, Milwaukee's Bobby Portis Jr., and Miami's Norman Powell will compete.

Certainly, this lineup features a strong mix of established stars and volume shooters. Betting odds have favored Lillard as a top contender, followed by Knueppel and Murray at the top.

Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

NBA Three-Point Contest Betting at Bookmaker

Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, will host the 2026 NBA Three Point Shooting Contest on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET, with television coverage on NBC.

Oddsmakers opened with Three Point Shooting Contest winning odds of Damian Lillard +280, Jamal Murray +490, Kon Knueppel +500, Tyrese Maxey +550, Donovan Mitchell +650, Norman Powell +700, Devin Booker +800, Bobby Portis +2200.

The contest follows the standard format: players have 70 seconds to shoot from various spots around the arc (including money balls worth double points), with the top scorers advancing to a final round.

2026 NBA Three-Point Shooting Contestants

The lineup includes five 2026 NBA All-Stars, two former champions (Devin Booker from 2018, and Damian Lillard from 2023 and 2024), and a mix of volume shooters and rising talents:

Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) ? The two-time defending champion (2023, 2024) is a surprise entry while recovering from a torn Achilles (he's missed the 2025-26 season so far). But he could become a three-time winner to tie the record (held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges).

Lillard offers strong value as the favorite. He's a two-time defending champion (2023, 2024) with an elite shooting pedigree (career ~37-39% from three, high volume). Although he's missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a torn Achilles, his pure shooting form often holds up in exhibition settings.

A win would tie him with legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for three titles. Wise Guys value his experience and book him short for a reason.

Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets) ? Murray is a clutch performer with an excellent shooting percentage this season (around 43%). Murray is a strong contender with career-best shooting this season (~43% on 7+ attempts per game). Correlate that he's a clutch performer, and his scoring form (averaging 26+ PPG) translates well to the fast-paced contest.

Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) ? Knueppel is a standout rookie sharpshooter, on pace for a historic season in threes made. In turn, he could become the first rookie winner. Sharps see Knueppel as a best-value play and a potential breakout star. As a rookie, he's having a historic shooting season (around 42-43% from three, high volume), leading in some three-point categories among young players. If he adapts quickly to the contest's unique racks and pressure, he could become the first rookie winner ever.

To conclude, he has high upside at these odds?great for a hedge or outright bet.

Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) ? Booker is the 2018 champion, known for his smooth shooting form.

Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) ? Maxey is an explosive scorer and consistent three-point threat.

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) ? Mitchell is a high-volume shooter with strong career numbers from deep.

Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks) ? Portis is a big man who's been highly efficient from three this year (around 45% in some reports).

Norman Powell (Miami Heat) ? Powell is a veteran scorer and first-time All-Star this year, adding depth as a volume shooter.

2026 NBA Three-Point Shooting Best Bets

As a first-time participant and potential first-ever rookie winner, Kon Knueppel has massive breakout potential. Specifically, the contest often rewards hot streaks and pure shooters over pure experience, especially in a small 8-player field where variance is high. He offers strong implied probability with far more upside than the shorter-priced favorite.

Main Pick: Kon Knueppel

Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don?t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!

North Carolina Hosts Duke in Saturday ESPN Rivalry Showdown

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

The North Carolina vs. Duke college basketball rivalry, often called the Battle of the Blues or Tobacco Road rivalry, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most intense in all of sports. To illuminate, it is frequently ranked among the top rivalries in college basketball. Additionally, it ranks among the top North American sports overall. In fact, ESPN has called it one of the fiercest ever.

The two schools?the University of North Carolina (UNC Tar Heels) in Chapel Hill and Duke University (Blue Devils) in Durham?are just about 8 miles apart. Hence, that proximity fuels a deep, passionate feud that extends beyond the court into academics, recruiting battles, and fan culture. It's not just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon in North Carolina. Specifically, there is massive statewide attention, packed arenas, and national TV audiences every time they meet.

Duke is rolling: 20-1 overall, 9-0 in ACC, ranked No. 4 nationally, on a 9-game win streak, and clear ACC favorites under coach Jon Scheyer (who's 5-2 vs. UNC in his tenure so far). By contrast, North Carolina is competitive but looking to upset its hated rival. UNC is ranked around No. 14-18 in recent polls and is coming off a big recent win over Syracuse on Feb. 2.

Get the latest College Basketball news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

Duke Blue Devils at North Carolina Tar Heels Odds at Bookmaker

Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC, will host the ACC rivalry matchup between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Tipoff time is at 6:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

This is the first matchup of the season in this rivalry. Duke has won the last three meetings (including a 74-71 win in March 2025, likely the ACC tournament), and is 6-4 in the past 10. In turn, UNC's last home win over Duke was a couple of years back, but the Dean Dome crowd could flip the momentum.

Both teams enter relatively healthy, compared to past rivalry games, with only nagging issues. Duke's health edge (minimal absences beyond the known season-ender) aligns with their dominance. In like manner, UNC does not have any major injuries either.

Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils are 20-1 straight up, 13-8 against the spread, and 7-14 over/under the total. Late on, Duke has covered six out of their last seven games. At the same time, the Blue Devils have gone under the total in four of their previous five matchups.

Duke has NCAABB metrics of 13th in scoring offense, 19th in field goal percentage, 188th in 3-point field goal percentage, 204th in free throw percentage, and 7th in offensive rebounding.

The Tar Heels have NCAABB metrics of 35th in scoring defense, 11th in field goal percentage allowed, 63rd in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 33rd in defensive rebounding.

North Carolina Tar Heels

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 18-4 straight up, 12-10 against the spread, and 11-11 over/under the total. Late on, North Carolina has covered three out of their last four games. At the same time, the Tar Heels have gone over the total in nine of their previous ten matchups.

North Carolina has NCAABB metrics of 77th for scoring offense, 46th for field goal percentage, 165th for 3-point field goal percentage, 312th for free throw percentage, and 39th for offensive rebounding.

North Carolina has NCAABB metrics of 77th for scoring defense, 30th for field goal percentage permitted, 211th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 70th for defensive rebounding.

Duke at North Carolina Betting Trends

Duke has covered three of its last four away games against North Carolina.

The Tar Heels and Blue Devils went over the total in four of their last six meetings at North Carolina.

Duke got the cash in 16 of their last 19 away games.

North Carolina failed to cover two of its most recent three home games.

Duke at North Carolina Bookmaker Best Bets

Duke is in good recent form and has been the more profitable team this year. Additionally, Duke is the stronger and deeper team. Finally, the Blue Devils print cash on the road.

Main Pick: Duke Blue Devils

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Cameron Boozer Over the Total Points Total

Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don?t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!

Michigan State Hosts Michigan in Friday FOX Rivalry Showdown

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

On Friday night, one of the best coaching matchups in any sport will take place on the hardwood of Michigan State?s Breslin Center.

The Michigan State Spartans will host the Michigan Wolverines in a game that has everything.

The Spartans are led by the venerable Tom Izzo, a Hall of Fame coach who was written off as past his prime just a couple of years ago. Instead, Izzo is enjoying a career renaissance and is priming his team for a deep March Madness run.

Dusty May led Florida Atlantic to the 2023 Final Four, which he later parlayed into the Michigan Wolverines head coaching position two years ago. May has wasted no time putting Michigan back on the national map.

The Spartans and Wolverines are bitter ancient rivals and ranked in the Top 10 nationally.

Friday night?s game on FOX is a guaranteed ratings winner and certain to draw heavy betting traffic.

Get the latest College Basketball news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans Odds at Bookmaker

The Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI, will host the matchup between the Michigan State Spartans and the visiting Michigan Wolverines on Friday, January 30, 2026. Tipoff time is at 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on FOX.

Michigan will get a more favorable price than usual because it is playing on the road against a team of a similar rating.

Michigan State may be overvalued in this spot, playing at home against what could be the best team in the country.

The Spartans face a potentially higher price than warranted as the power home team.

Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are 19-1 straight up, 9-11 against the spread, and 7-13 over/under the total. Michigan has covered one out of its last eight games. The Wolverines have gone under the total in seven of their previous eight matchups.

Michigan ranks 11th in scoring offense, 5th in field goal percentage, 128th in 3-point field goal percentage, 198th in free throw percentage, and 10th in offensive rebounding.

On defense, the Wolverines rank 39th in scoring defense, 2nd in field goal percentage allowed, 42nd in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 29th in defensive rebounding.

Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State Spartans are 19-2 straight up, 12-9 against the spread, and 6-15 over/under the total. Michigan State has covered six out of its last eight games. The Spartans have gone under the total in seven of their previous eight matchups.

Michigan State ranks 173rd in scoring offense, 55th in field goal percentage, 89th in 3-point field goal percentage, 160th in free throw percentage, and 22nd in offensive rebounding.

On defense, the Spartans rank 4th in scoring defense, 11th in field goal percentage allowed, 24th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 1st in defensive rebounding.

Michigan at Michigan State Betting Trends

Michigan has splashed gamblers with red ink in road games with a mark of 5-15 against the spread. The Wolverines went under the total in eight of their last ten away tilts.

Michigan State lost only one of its last seven home games against the spread. The Spartans went under the total in 15 of their last 19 home games.

Michigan State has bossed the payout window against Michigan with a mark of 7-2 against the spread. The last four meetings between Michigan and Michigan State went under the total.

Michigan State has dominated Michigan at the Breslin Center with a mark of 13-5 against the spread. The Wolverines and Spartans went under the total in 13 of their last 20 games at the Breslin Center.

Michigan at Michigan State Bookmaker Best Bets

Despite many favorable trends in this matchup for Michigan State, this is a bad spot for the Spartans.

The Wolverines are coming off a major victory over Nebraska, giving them a much-needed shot in the arm and a reboot of momentum.

Michigan will be more than ready for this rivalry road matchup. The Wolverines will not overlook a quality Spartan team.

Gamblers have been annoyed by Michigan recently, which will lower the resurgent Wolverines? price and elevate their value.

Main Pick: Michigan Wolverines

Over/Under Pick: Over the Total

Player Prop Picks: Yazel Lendeborg Over the Points and Rebounds Total

Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don?t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!

Basketball Betting ? FIBA Odds Analysis

Moay, Augu 5, 2019

The United States has won the last two titles at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball, but the international gap is closing. And the U.S. has seen a number of its best players decline an invitation to the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The country that invented the game still has the biggest talent pool to pick from and thus the U.S. is a negative odds favorite at online sportsbooks to add to its record number of gold medals at the games.

A record 32 countries will participate in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, which starts on Saturday, August 31, with pool play and concludes on Sunday, September 15, with the gold and bronze medal games. The favorite to win a third straight gold medal, Team USA isn?t the can?t-miss pick it often is in international tournaments.

With 92 games played over 16 days, the FIBA World Cup offers plenty of betting options. And BookMaker.eu has you covered when you?re ready to make that wager.

2019 FIBA World Cup Odds at BookMaker.eu

USA -255

Serbia +325

Spain +1802

Greece +1802

France +3005

Australia +3858

Canada +5000

Lithuania +6000

Argentina +8000

Russia +10000

Italy +12500

Turkey +15000

Germany +15000

Brazil +15000

Poland +20000

Puerto Rico +25000

Montenegro +25000

New Zealand +30000

Czech Republic +40000

China +50000

Nigeria +50000

Dominican Republic +50000

Philippines +75000

Jordan +75000

South Korea +75000

Venezuela +75000

Japan +75000

Angola +75000

Iran +75000

Tunisia +75000

Ivory Coast +85000

Senegal +85000

Team USA -255

Let?s face it the guys make too much money playing in the NBA to risk injury in a tournament that?s not very highly regarded by U.S. standards. In addition to a number of NBA starts declining an invitation, the team recently saw James Harden, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal withdraw their names. This isn?t the star-studded group we?ve seen in past competitions and the odds are likely to increase over the coming weeks as roster movement is fluid.

Of the players currently on the roster, only one ? Kemba Walker ? was an All-NBA pick last season. Walker and Khris Middleton were the only All-Stars, and only Walker, Julius Randle and Donovan Mitchell scored more than 20 points per game last NBA season. One area this group can be special is on defense. With Gregg Popovich coaching, you know Team USA is going to be strong, but can it topple the field for a third straight time?

Serbia +325

They are the second favorite for a reason. With an abundance of NBA talent and fiery national team stars, the Serbs might have the best chance of upsetting the Americans if and when they play. Nikola Jokic is the centerpiece of the squad, but Bogdan Bogdanovich, Nemanja Bjelica and Milos Teodosic can all fill it up. Playing in a group with Angola, the Phillippines and Italy, shouldn?t offer much resistance, but there are few easy outs in this tournament.

Spain +1802

The Spaniards aren?t as deep as Team USA and Serbia, but they have a strong cast of starters. Pau Gasol, a mainstay on the national team, is out with an injury, but toss in his brother Marc, Ricky Rubio and the Hernangomez brothers, and you have a potent group. A few big names won?t be playing when Serge Ibaka and Nikola Mirotic backed out of the games, and that?s a huge loss for a team without much depth.

France +3005

Much like Spain, France has a definite NBA feel at the top of the roster but lacks depth the deeper you go. Rudy Gobert is the biggest name on the national team and he?s been the team?s ambassador leading up to the games. Gobert made a name for himself at the last FIBA World Cup with his defensive prowess helping France win its only medal in the history of the tournament. Now an established NBA veteran, he?ll be flanked by Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier to give the French balance in the starting five.

Greece +1802

Basketball is a team sport, but it certainly helps when the best player in the NBA is on your side. If you?re looking for a team to back why not throw down on Greece, which has the best all-around player in the tournament on its side. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the best record in the NBA last season, claiming league MVP honors along the way. They were stopped short of a Finals appearance making this another chance for Antetokounmpo to come out a winner. The hill is much tougher to climb than Spain or France, but this is a rare opportunity for
Giannis to play with his brothers Thanasis and Kostas, and that?s pretty frightening.

BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!