NBA Skills Challenge Betting

Written by: Alonzo Solano, The Boss of Betting, Editor-in-Chief & Sports Analyst
Last updated:
3 minute read

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.

Taco Bell Skills Challenge Odds

Bet At MyBookie Sportsbook Bovada Sportsbook SportsBetting Sportsbook
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? 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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 Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 Highlights
  • VIP Program
  • Low Rollover
  • Lots Of Futures
Bet Now
2 Deposit Bonus 100% Up To $2,500 Highlights
  • Lots of bonuses
  • Offers VIP program
  • Reliable software
Bet Now
3 Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 Highlights
  • Best In Class
  • Speedy Payouts
  • NBA Bonuses
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.

About the Author

Alonzo Solano

Alonzo Solano

The Boss of Betting, Editor-in-Chief & Sports Analyst

Alonzo Solano is an author, sports analyst, Editor in Chief of BossofBetting.com, and host of the 'NFL Latino TV' podcast.

Outside of family, his biggest passion is NFL football. Perhaps he is best known for his podcast 'NFL Latino TV,' where he shares his analysis and perspectives on the game with a worldwide Spanish-speaking audience.

This content is not available in your location

We apologize for the inconvenience, but this content is not available.
Go Back