All-Star Weekend Arrives in LA with Expanded Betting Options

NBA All-star dunk

NBA All Star logoThe 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend has officially tipped off in Los Angeles, bringing with it one of the league’s most anticipated midseason showcases. Beyond the on-court entertainment, the event has also generated significant activity across regulated and offshore online sportsbooks catering to bettors 18+.

With All-Star rosters finalized and the NBA introducing a revised three-team tournament format — featuring two United States squads and one World team competing in a round-robin before a championship game — sportsbooks have adjusted their markets accordingly. The updated structure has created increased interest in futures, MVP props, and specialty wagers.

According to current odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook, the tournament winner market stands as follows:

All-Star Game 2026 – Tournament Winner* 

  • World +135
  • USA Stripes +175
  • USA Stars +220

The World team enters as the betting favorite, largely due to the presence of international superstars Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić. Their global experience and high-usage offensive roles have positioned the squad as the most balanced option on the board.

Meanwhile, USA Stripes and USA Stars offer moderate plus-money returns, reflecting the exhibition nature of the event, where rotations and playing time can significantly influence outcomes.

NBA All-Star MVP Odds: Wembanyama Leads the Market

Individual performance markets are also drawing substantial interest, particularly the All-Star MVP prop. Given the fast-paced, offense-driven format of the game, bettors often gravitate toward high-volume scorers and players capable of producing highlight moments.

Current All-Star MVP odds*

  • Victor Wembanyama (SAS) +450
  • Jaylen Brown (BOS) +1000
  • Luka Dončić (LAL) +1000
  • Cade Cunningham (DET) +1100
  • Tyrese Maxey (PHI) +1200

Wembanyama’s +450 price reflects both market confidence and his growing status as one of the league’s premier attractions. However, longer odds on players such as Cunningham or Maxey may appeal to bettors seeking higher returns in a format that often rewards aggressive, high-scoring performances.

Because All-Star minutes can fluctuate depending on coaching strategy and player health, online bettors — particularly those using online NBA sportsbook sites — are closely monitoring line movement ahead of tipoff.

Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contest Betting Markets

While the All-Star Game garners the most attention, many bettors view the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest as potentially more attractive wagering opportunities due to their high-variance structure.

Slam Dunk Contest Winner*

  • Jase Richardson (ORL) +200
  • Carter Bryant (SAS) +225
  • Jaxson Hayes (LAL) +260
  • Keshad Johnson (MIA) +350

The Dunk Contest is heavily influenced by judging criteria, creativity, and execution under pressure. Athleticism alone does not guarantee success. Contestants who balance originality with technical precision often outperform expectations, creating potential value beyond the listed favorite.

Because scoring is subjective, sportsbooks may not fully account for judging tendencies, creating opportunities in outright winner markets and head-to-head matchups.

Three-Point Contest Winner*

  • Kon Knueppel (CHA) +275
  • Damian Lillard (BOS) +450
  • Jamal Murray (DEN) +600
  • Donovan Mitchell (CLE) +650
  • Tyrese Maxey (PHI) +700
  • Devin Booker (PHX) +750
  • Norman Powell (MIA) +800
  • Bobby Portis (MIL) +1200

The Three-Point Contest is generally viewed as more data-driven, yet volatility remains high due to rack sequencing, money-ball placement, and time constraints. While elite in-game shooters tend to attract heavy betting support, rhythm and release speed are often more predictive in a timed contest setting.

Favorites such as Knueppel and Lillard headline the market, but mid-tier and long-shot shooters can quickly gain momentum with one high-scoring round, making the format particularly unpredictable.

What To Expect

With a revised tournament format, expanded prop offerings, and competitive contest fields, NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 presents a broad betting landscape. As always, exhibition formats introduce added variance, and bettors are encouraged to monitor lineup updates and line movement leading up to each event.

*Odds via Bovada