NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: Lillard Returns, Knueppel Favorites in Three-Point Contest; Bryant Leads Dunk Contest Predictions
Three-Point Contest: Lillard Eyes Third Crown, Knueppel Favored
The three-point contest headlines the 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday night, featuring eight sharpshooters vying for the title. Damian Lillard, the two-time champ, returns to defend his honor after missing the season due to injury, aiming to equal legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges with his third win (Larry Bird, Craig Hodges).
Standing in his way is Kon Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets’ rookie sensation, who leads the odds as the bookmakers’ favorite. With an impressive 43% plus from beyond the arc and a knack for catch-and-shoot situations, Knueppel is the man to beat. Joining them are established marksmen like Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell, eying their first three-point title (Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell).
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Kon Knueppel | Charlotte Hornets |
| Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets |
| Norman Powell | Miami Heat |
| Bobby Portis | Milwaukee Bucks |
Format: One Minute, Five Racks, Four One-Pointers, One Five-Pointer
The three-point contest’s objective is to score as many points as possible within one minute using five racks of balls along the three-point arc. Four balls are worth one point each, while the multicolored ball is worth five.
Slam Dunk Contest: Bryant Leads Predictions, Richardsonfamily Legacy on the Line
This year’s dunk contest features a mix of youth and athleticism, with Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs leading initial predictions as the player to beat. Bryant’s versatility and familiarity with the rim give him an edge (Carter Bryant).
Adding intrigue is the participation of Jase Richardson, son of two-time contest champ Jason Richardson, seeking to follow in his father’s footsteps on the same stage where the Richardson surname became legendary (Jason Richardson). Jaxson Hayes and Keshad Johnson will also showcase their high-flying abilities, with Hayes providing a home-field advantage as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and Johnson representing the explosive power of the Miami Heat (Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson).
- Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs): Favorited with odds of +170
- Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers): Home field advantage and 2.13m wingspan
- Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat): Vertical jumping ability and explosiveness
- Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic): Seeks to emulate his father’s glory
Two-Round Format, Legendary Jury
The dunk contest maintains its two-round structure, with four participants making two attempts each in the first round. The best two scores advance to the final. This year’s jury consists of NBA All-Star legends: Nate Robinson, Dominique Wilkins, Brent Barry, and Dwight Howard (Nate Robinson, Dominique Wilkins, Brent Barry, Dwight Howard).
Luka and Jokic
Jokic and Luka
Other #NBAAllStar
Other #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/3Ef05MjvKx
— NBASpain (@NBAspain)
As the NBA All-Star Saturday night approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the high-flying action and thrilling competitions that promise to captivate and entertain. With experienced champions and rising stars set to face off, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown at the modern Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.