With the NBA teams off for a few days, one can idly pass the time by placing wagers on the action in downtown Phoenix Saturday night, while watching on TNT. The always popular Slam Dunk Contest will be shown, with Dwight Howard returning to defend title. The Skills Challenge and 3-Point Shooting Contest are still in the mix and a new fun event was added. Players will play the old-school game of H-O-R-S-E and though the corporate sponsor will have the naming rights, it doesn’t have to be mentioned here.Slam Dunk Contest Odds
Dwight Howard -135
J.R. Smith +235
Nate Robinson +500
Rudy Fernandez +500
Analysis – The last two of three Slam Dunk champions are in the field and the dynamics of this event have changed. Fans will be able to determine the winner for the second time in the history of the event, instead of a panel of judges. Fans will be able to cast their votes by sending a text message or by voting on NBA.com. This seems to lend the competition not so much to skill, rather to theatrics, like Howard had last year. Since Howard is the biggest name, you have to go with him, unless Robinson comes up with a ploy to excite texters.
Winner- Howard
Longshot - Robinson
3-Point Shooting Odds
Jason Kapono +120
Rashard Lewis +300
Danny Granger +300
Mike Bibby +800
Roger Mason +500
Daequan Cook +800
Analysis- Jason Kapono tries to become the first three-peat winner of the 3-point shootout since Craig Hodges (1990-92). Have to agree with oddsmakers, Bibby and Cook are longshots. Lewis is probably the most dangerous competitor to Kapono, since he can stroke it and stay hot for a period of time. Granger is proof of hard-working self-made player who developed an outside game. Unfortunately, it won’t matter much on this stage, running around the half circle. Mason has become a big time clutch shooter with the Spurs when they need a basket and is intriguing choice to pull the upset. Expect Kapono to be focused to tie Hodges and his boyhood hero Larry Bird as three-time long distance champion.
Winner- Kapono
Longshot - Mason
Skills Challenge Odds
Tony Parker +200
Derrick Rose +300
Devin Harris +200
Mo Williams +250
Analysis- A big part of this competition is desire. In the past, the winner is a proven commodity who wants to show the world his multiple skills or a player ready to take it to next level, like Deron Williams did last season. Parker doesn’t need the pub; however Harris and Williams are hungry for a taste. Rose certainly has the skills, look for next time.
Winner- Harris
Longshot - Williams
HORSE Competition Odds
O.J. Mayo +150
Kevin Durant +165
Joe Johnson +175
Analysis- The first thing everyone needs to know is no dunking, this is about shot making and creativity is important. Though this group is packed tightly together, Durant has range and is more of a gym rat player and probably has plenty of shimmy in his repertoire to have the other competitors chasing him.
Winner - Durant
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