 All Star weekend betting info
If you’re riding a hot NBA betting streak, about the last thing you need is the All-Star weekend festivities messing with your wagering mojo. Sure there’s betting options, but how can you find value in the Rookies vs. Sophomores game or the Skills Competition? We weren’t sure either, so we decided to take a closer look.
Rookies vs. Sophomores Game
Odds: not yet available
Friday Feb. 15, 9 p.m. ET
Rookie roster:
Mike Conley Memphis G 6-foot-1 180 Ohio State
Kevin Durant Seattle G 6-foot-9 215 Texas
Al Horford Atlanta C 6-foot-9 246 Florida
Jamario Moon Toronto 6-foot-8 205 Meridian CC
Juan Carlos Navarro Memphis G 6-foot-3 170 Spain
Luis Scola Houston F 6-foot-9 245 Argentina
Sean Williams New Jersey F 6-foot-10 235 Boston College
Yi Jianlian Milwaukee F 6-foot-11 245 China
Jeff Green Seattle F 6-foot-8 228 Georgetown
Sophomore roster:
LaMarcus Aldridge Portland F 6- foot-11 245 Texas
Andrea Bargnani Toronto C 7-foot 250 Italy
Ronnie Brewer Utah G 6-foot-7 223 Arkansas
Jordan Farmar L.A. Lakers G 6-foot-2 180 UCLA
Daniel Gibson Cleveland G 6-foot-2 194 Texas
Rudy Gay Memphis F 6-foot-9 220 Connecticut
Paul Millsap Utah F 6-foot-8 258 Louisiana Tech
Rajon Rondo Boston G 6-foot-1 171 Kentucky
Brandon Roy Portland G 6- oot-6 229 Washington
Last year:
David Lee stole the show in last year’s game, hitting all 14 of his shots to finish with a game-high 30 points. The Sophomores ran away with a 155-114 win. Chris Paul scored 16 points and dished out 17 assists for the Rookies.
Quoting the handicapping world:
“The Rookies vs. Sophomores game brings very light action compared to a regular-season game and most of the action is usually on the Sophomores. Most of the weekend's action, however, is on the main event: East vs. West. I expect that trend to be the same this weekend.”
– Randy Scott, Sportsbook Manager, Beted.com
“The Rookies vs. Sophomores game has seen increased action every year, but it’s nothing great. It would have been great to see the interest of this game had Greg Oden been playing this year. Having him side-by-side with Kevin Durant would have made this the most-watched and most-bet Rookies vs. Sophomores game to date. Bettors usually side with the favorite - the sophomores - which makes sense. The sophomores are the ‘big brother’ in this competition and no big brother wants to lose to their little brother. The Sophomores have won the last five and I expect more of the same this year and I’m sure our bettors will be backing the Sophomores again this year.”
– Peter Childs, Belmont.com oddsmaker
“I tend to look toward the over in the Young Stars game. For whatever reason, oddsmakers often discount this total and the game is almost always a playground-type affair. Obviously the sophomores hold the advantage, but I don't find there is much value in either side, or there hasn't been in the past few years at least.”
– The Miller Group, Covers Experts handicapping
“I often find value in the side and total of the game itself, but normally do not find much value in the individual contests. The Sophomores do usually hold an edge in the Young Game as they have more experience in the setting, plus many played together as freshmen the previous season.”
– Steve Merril, Covers Experts handicapping
NBA Skills Competition
Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. ET
Slam Dunk Competition odds:
Dwight Howard (2-1)
Gerald Green (11-4)
Jamario Moon (3-1)
Rudy Gay (3-1)
3-point Competition Shootout:
Daniel Gibson (6-1)
Jason Kapono (7-2)
Kobe Bryant (3-1)
Peja Stojakovic (2-1)
Richard Hamilton (11-2)
Steve Nash (3-1)
Skills Challenge:
Chris Paul (11-4)
Deron Williams (7-2)
Dwyane Wade (9-5)
Jason Kidd (11-4)
Quoting the handicapping world:
“The individual skills competition is a fan favorite and many fans seem to come out to bet for the first time this weekend. The action is light and entertaining for both the player and the book.” - Randy Scott
“Of the three individual competitions, the Skills, Dunk and 3-Point Competitions, the Skills Competition attracts the least amount of action. First, it’s the newest of the competitions so it still has that 'novelty' feel. People just aren’t as familiar with it as the Dunk and 3-Point competitions. With that said, I expect a major increase in action for the Skills Competition this year. It’s loaded with stars and Chris Paul and Deron Williams have taken their games to the next level this year. They’ve become major superstars and will be going up against veteran superstars Jason Kidd and last year’s champion Dwyane Wade.” – Peter Childs
“I would have to give the nod to Dwight Howard in the dunk contest. He was robbed last year and has already made mention that he's in it to win it this time around. Gerald Green is the defending champ but I wasn't all that impressed by him in last year's contest. There are some big names in the 3-Point contest this year, but I wouldn't get too carried away betting on them. Kapono took home the title last year and he's back in it again. He's seen reduced minutes in Toronto this year, maybe it's affected his shot, who knows.” The Miller Group
“Dwight Howard is interesting in this year’s Dunk Contest as he apparently has a special performance to rival putting his custom-made sticker on the backboard last year.” – Steve Merril
“I like Dwight Howard. He just missed last season, so he has the experience in this type of atmosphere and competition. Supposedly Howard is promising to be even more creative this year after pinning a picture of himself at the top of the glass last season. It wouldn't shock me if this year he wore lipstick and kissed the rim when dunking. The cameras sure wouldn't miss that.” – Steven Nover, Covers Expert handicapping
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