NBA Skills Challenge Betting
The NBA Skills Challenge is one of the most exciting events during All-Star Weekend—and it’s also a fun and unpredictable betting opportunity. Unlike regular season games, NBA Skills Challenge betting has you wagering on player-specific tests in passing, shooting, and dribbling in a fast-paced course. That makes for a tricky game, but also one full of value if you know what to look for.
You’ll want to focus focus on more than just big names. Past winners have often been underdogs—players with the right mix of speed and precision. Knowing which players have the right skill set gives you an edge in spotting value bets that the public might overlook.
In this guide, we’ll explain how NBA Skills Challenge betting works, what types of bets you can place, and key factors to consider when picking a winner. If you want to add action to All-Star Weekend and make smarter bets, this is where to start.
What Skills Are The NBA Players Challenged On?
Every year the players get tested in 3 primary categories.
#1Dribbling
Players have to dribble as quickly as they can around obstacles set in front of them. Many players are fast without the ball, but this event focuses on how fast they can be with the ball.
#2Passing
At the end of the dribbling, players have to pass the ball through a designated hole. Surprisingly, this trips up a lot of players since they’re not used to having to be that accurate in a regular game.
#3Three Point Shooting Skills
After the passing task, players have to run the length of the court and make a layup. Then they run back to the other end of the court and make a three-pointer. The player who finishes the entire course the fastest wins the round.
Odds To Win The NBA Skills Challenge
Since this is an individual contest, each player has their own odds of winning. Usually, there aren’t any basketball prop bets that go along with the NBA Skills Challenge.
As you can see, guards usually have a better chance to win according to the oddsmakers, with frontcourt players having longer odds.
| Bet At |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Paul | +250 | +225 | +225 |
| Luka Doncic | +200 | +250 | +200 |
| Nikola Vucevic | +500 | +500 | +650 |
| Julius Randle | +500 | +550 | +800 |
| Domantas Sabonis | +500 | +600 | +400 |
| Robert Covington | +600 | +700 | +500 |
Why You Should Bet On The NBA Skills Challenge?
- Players Are Tested On Their Raw Skills – Contrary to a regular game – players are tested on their raw skills. Passing, dribbling, and shooting are the core skills for every NBA player. Watching them go head to head in a bracket format is a can’t miss event.
- The Bracket Format – The new format for the NBA Skills Challenge involves an eight-man bracket. That means there are three rounds. Big men tend to face big men early, and the guard will face guards. This allows for great second-round matchups between big men and guards.
- Dark Horses Have A Shot To Win – These are all NBA players. Even though big men tend to be a bit weaker shooters and passers, they have become more versatile throughout the years. This means that the long-shot bets can actually pay off in this contest. Don’t think that a big man with +700 odds can’t take this down!
- Fun and Unique Way to Bet on the NBA – This event takes the basics of basketball betting and throws them out the window. It’s a whole new format that everyone loves to wager on since it breaks up the repetion of the regular season.
Top Sites To Bet On The NBA Skills Challenge
If you want to get in on this year’s action, I suggest shopping for the best lines at a few of the top-rated online sportsbooks.
| Rank | NBA Betting Site | Deposit Bonus | Highlights | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Bovada |
Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 |
Highlights
|
Bet Now |
| 2 |
BetUS |
Deposit Bonus 100% Up To $2,500 |
Highlights
|
Bet Now |
| 3 |
Betonline |
Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 |
Highlights
|
Bet Now |
Test Your Betting Skills on the Next NBA Skills Challenge
Betting on the NBA Skills Challenge is about knowing which players actually have the right mix of speed, accuracy, and control. The event’s fast pace and unique setup often lead to surprises, and that’s where smart bettors find value.
Now that you know how the Skills Challenge works and what to look for, you’re ready to spot those opportunities others miss. Focus on players with strong all-around skills, not just flashy reputations.
Whether you’re betting on the winner or head-to-head matchups, having a strategy can help you enjoy All-Star Weekend with a better shot at winning.
