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With the Sprint All-Star Celebrity Game and BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge out of the way, the NBA All-Star festivities continue tonight with the most notable event, the 3-Point Shooting Contest. Although the Dunk Contest is usually favored over the shootout, the star-studded lineup of 3-point shooters this year has fans more excited for the shootout than ever. Its actually somewhat surprising how the NBA managed to get 5 All-Stars to participate in the shootout. Although we have our favorites to win, click ahead to see who has the best chance at winning the Three Point Shooting title.
(PPG – Points per game, 3PM – 3-point FG made, 3PT% – 3-point percentage)
*2014-2015 NBA Statistics up to All-Star weekend*
Marco Belinelli SG, San Antonio Spurs – 2nd appearance – 14% chance
9.8 PPG – 45 3PM – 38.1% 3PT%
Despite limited playing time stemming from a groin injury, Belinelli has been a consistent 3-point shooter and scorer since joining the Spurs back in 2013. As the winner of the 3-point contest last year, it will be interesting to see if he can defend his title this year against the star-studded lineup in the 3-point contest. We give the defending champion Belinelli a 14% to win tonight’s title.
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Stephen Curry PG, Golden State Warriors – 4th appearance – 13% chance
23.6 PPG – 161 3PM – 39.9% 3PT%
Steph has led the league in 3-point field goals made in the last two years, making 272 and 261 3-pointers, respectfully. Although his 3PT% has gone down a bit this year, he has led the Warriors to an NBA best 41-9 record. Curry seems to be the favorite to win due to the quick release in his shot, which gives him the upper hand in this timed contest. We have Curry a 13% chance to win tonight.
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James Harden SG, Houston Rockets – 1st appearance – 12% chance
27.4 PPG – 140 3PM – 38.9% 3PT%
Harden has taken the league by storm this year, and he seems to have the edge in the MVP race so far this season. Despite being known for having a lethal euro-step, Harden is also known for having an above average 3-point shot. It will be interesting to see if his shot remains consistent without a step-back motion prior to each shot. Harden hadn’t been shooting too well as of late, but we still think there’s a 12% chance he’ll win the title tonight.
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Kyrie Irving PG, Cleveland Cavaliers – 3rd appearance – 14% chance
21.7 PPG – 113 3PM – 41.4% 3PT%
Despite being teamed with LeBron, Kyrie has really found himself this year. He has scored with ease, inside the paint and outside. He has also led the Cavs during LeBron’s extended absence, keeping the team afloat without their veteran leader. Kyrie won the 3-point shootout back in 2013, but was not as lucky last year. He probably has one of the best chances at winning again. We think Cleveland’s own can take tonight’s shooting title again, but in a tough field, Irving has a 14% of winning.
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Kyle Korver SG, Atlanta Hawks – 3rd appearance – 14% chance
12.7 PPG -161 3PM – 52.3% 3PT%
Kyle Korver has made headlines for not only assisting the Hawks to the top of the Eastern conference, but for potentially being the first player in NBA history not in a limited role to shoot 50% FG, 50% 3PT, and 90% FT. Due to this, it will be interesting to see if Korver can keep his hot streak going, and ultimately win him the 3-point trophy. Korver’s shooting ability had us giving hi ma 14% chance to win tonight’s contest.
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Wesley Matthews SG, Portland Trailblazers – 1st appearance – 11% chance
16.4 PPG – 161 3PM – 39.9% 3PT%
Teamed up with All-Star Damian Lillard, Matthews is a part of one of the best backcourts in the league. They are both very consistent three point shooters, and Matthews has really stepped up this season with his consistent play. Matthews could definitely be a sleeper in this contest due to his ability to shoot the 3-point ball. We think Matthews has an 11% chance to win the shooting title.
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J.J. Redick SG, Los Angeles Clippers – 1st appearance 10% chance
14.6 PPG – 119 3PM – 43.6% 3PT%
Redick is a seasoned veteran, now with the Clippers, with many years of experience under his belt. Despite being in his 30’s, JJ is still able to shoot the 3 ball consistently. While it may be his first appearance in the 3-point contest, his experience in the league give him a slight upper hand on Saturday night. We gave him a 10% chance to win tonight’s contest.
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Klay Thompson SG, Golden State Warriors – 1st appearance – 12% chance
22.1 PPG – 155 3PM – 44% 3PT%
Klay Thompson gained much fame this season for first signing a max contract extension prior to the beginning of the season and then shooting 13-13 from the field in the 3rd quarter of a game where he went off for 55 points. Despite going up against his backcourt-mate Curry, Thompson looks to be one of the sleepers in this contest. We think there’s a 12% chance Thompson win’s tonight contest.
