It’s going to be raining threes at the Smoothie King Center this coming Saturday, as eight of the league’s deadliest shooters take part in the 2017 staging of the JBL Three-Point Contest. It promises to be an event for the ages as this year’s field of participants is one of the deepest in the 31-year history of the competition.
Read on below as we preview this year’s three-point shooting event and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the Slam Dunk Contest and the 2017 NBA All-Star Game itself.
Favorites – Klay Thompson (+110) and Kyrie Irving (+550)
Klay Thompson will be looking to create some history this weekend as he aims to become the first player since Jason Kapono in 2007 and 2008 to win the Three-Point contest in back-to-back years. Thompson shot the lights out in last year’s competition, knocking down all six money balls in the championship round to defeat fellow Splash Brother Stephen Curry. His shooting stroke is tailor-made for this particular event, so it isn’t far-fetched to see Thompson winning the tournament once again this year. The Golden State star is pegged at +110 to do just that.
One guy who can steal his thunder, though, is Kyrie Irving. He has already proven that he can handle the big stage, knocking down the crucial 3-pointer that knocked out the 73-win Warriors in last year’s epic NBA Finals. Irving, who won this competition back in 2013, is making nearly 39 percent of his three-point attempts this campaign — roughly matching what he shot for the Cavs during the 2012-13 season. His odds of winning the Three-Point Contest are priced at +550.
Sleepers – Kyle Lowry (+750) and Eric Gordon (+800)
Looking for a worthy sleeper this weekend? How about Kyle Lowry? The Toronto star’s shooting percentage from beyond the arc this season is a career-best 42 percent. Lowry also ranks second among the field of competitors in total triples made this campaign. He may be more of an off-the-dribble three-point shooter, but Lowry’s more than capable of springing a surprise this weekend. He is pegged at +750to win the Three-Point Contest for the first time in his career.
Another player who’s primed for a great showing this weekend is Eric Gordon. He has been a revelation for Houston this season, making over 38 percent of his 3-point attempts this campaign. One guy who believes deeply in Gordon is Houston teammate James Harden. The 2015 participant believes Gordon has the tools and firepower necessary to bring home the crown this weekend. Gordon is pegged at +800 to become the first Rocket to win the 3-point contest.
One long shot who can definitely make a run at the title this weekend is Kemba Walker. He will enter this competion averaging career highs in threes per game (2.7) and three-point shooting percentage (39.5). Walker is third in the Eastern Conference and eighth in the NBA in 3-pointers made this season at 149. The Charlotte guard has made a dramatic improvement with his outside shot this season and is a definite threat to capture the 3-point title this weekend. His odds of winning the Three-Point Contest are priced at +1,000.
Writer’s Prediction
Eric Gordon (+800) wins the Three-Point Contest for the first time in his career.
