Long shot picks for the NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest

Cooper Albers breaks down the best underdog bets for the 3-Point Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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With the NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest featuring a loaded field, Cooper Albers highlights a few long shot picks that could pull off the upset, including Jamal Murray, Donovan Mitchell, and Bobby Portis.

Why it matters

The 3-Point Contest is one of the most anticipated events of NBA All-Star Weekend, with the crown often going to a surprise winner rather than the best shooter. This year's field features several All-Stars and past champions, making the long shot picks even more enticing.

The details

Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks are being highlighted as potential long shot winners of the 3-Point Contest. Murray is having a career year from deep, Mitchell is the NBA's leading 3-point shooter, and Portis would look to become just the fourth big man to win the event.

  • The 3-Point Contest will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

The players

Jamal Murray

A guard for the Denver Nuggets who is making his first All-Star appearance and is looking to win the 3-Point Contest for the first time in his career.

Donovan Mitchell

A guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who is making his third appearance in the 3-Point Contest after falling short in 2021 and 2024.

Bobby Portis

A forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who is looking to become just the fourth ever big man to win the 3-Point Contest.

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What they’re saying

“When he finds a groove, he becomes a lead guitarist ripping a solo: Facing the Pacers in December, Murray drilled a career-high 10 treys on just 11 attempts in a 52-point explosion.”

— Cooper Albers, Author (draftkings.com)

“The speed of the contest could present a slight hitch, but Portis's impeccable upside at the event's longest odds is hard to ignore.”

— Cooper Albers, Author (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The State Farm 3-Point Contest will kick off NBA All-Star Saturday night at 5 p.m. ET. Catch the action on NBC and Peacock.

The takeaway

The 3-Point Contest is always full of surprises, and this year's field is stacked with talent. While the favorites like Kon Knueppel have the best odds, long shot picks like Jamal Murray, Donovan Mitchell, and Bobby Portis present intriguing value for bettors looking to cash in on an upset.