2023 NBA Skills Challenge Odds, Picks and Predictions
Yesterday, we delivered a perfect bracket in the Rising Stars Tournament. On Saturday, we have information for the NBA Skills Challenge, as we break down odds and picks for today’s event.
2023 NBA Skills Challenge Odds
- Team Jazz Odds -120
- Team Rookies Odds +140
- Team Antetokounmpo Odds +475
Team Jazz (-120)
- Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
- Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
- Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
As of this writing, Team Jazz is listed as the favorites to win this event, but a number of sportsbooks have removed the odds for the Skills Challenge due to the uncertain status of Collin Sexton, who left his final game prior to the All-Star break with an injury. If Sexton participates in the festivities, he is unlikely to be at 100%. If he doesn’t participate, Team Jazz is likely to be hampered by a last minute addition to their team. In this situation, there is little reason to pay for juice.
Team Rookies (+140)
- Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
- Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons
- Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Team Rookies are an underrated group in this contest on Saturday. Jaden Ivey showcased his elite speed on Friday during the Rising Stars Tournament, which will undoubtedly come in handy during the team relay portion of this event. Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. are both capable passers, each of whom are capable of making shots from beyond-the-arc in the team shooting aspect of the contest as well. Assuming that Banchero and Ivey are not out too late celebrating their tournament victory on Friday, this is a dangerous group in the Skills Challenge.
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Team Antetokounmpo (+475)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Alex Antetokounmpo, Wisconsin Herd
The Skills Challenge lacks a clear favorite, but it certainly has a clear longshot. In last year’s competition in Cleveland, Team Antetokounmpo played with good tempo in the team relay, but went 0-for-9 from beyond-the-arc, which kept them from beating Team Rooks. During the team shooting round, Giannis and Alex were the only two brothers to make more than one attempt, which led to a last place finish in that leg. Simply, this is a challenge that requires too much skill shooting from the perimeter for this group of brothers to compete with any hope of winning.
NBA Skills Challenge Picks & Predictions
Last year, the Cavaliers defended their home territory, earning a win in this competition. However, the Jazz seem unlikely to carry the torch in 2023, with the health of Sexton in question and it being unclear who will step in for him if he is unable to participate.
The main risk factor for Team Rookies is a potentially late night of celebration after two of the three participants were on the winning team in the Rising Stars Tournament on Friday. If Banchero and Ivey are well-rested ahead of this competition, they have an excellent opportunity to win this event.
By far, the most worthwhile wager in the Skills Challenge this year is on the young fellas at plus-money. In a contest where only two of the three teams have a realistic opportunity to win, taking the group at longer odds makes the most sense.
PICK: Team Rookies (+140, DraftKings)
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