Sunday brings us the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, but everybody knows that the appetizers -- the Skills Challenge, Dunk Contest, and Three-Point Contest -- can be just as exciting. In fact, some of the players take more pride in those contests than winning the game itself, and they’re perfect for NBA fans to make a wager. Let’s take a closer look at each of the contests.

SKILLS CHALLENGE

For years, this was a guard-dominated event. However, Jayson Tatum won it two years ago while Bam Adebayo earned the distinction last year. Suddenly, this is now an event in which most of the contestants are wings or big men. In fact, Chris Paul is the only participant who’s shorter than 6-foot-7 this year, meaning he’ll be representing all of the little guys in the league.

Naturally, Paul is the second-leading favorite at +225, as he has long been one of the most skilled point guards in the league. However, the top betting favorite heading into the competition is Luka DonÄić, who boasts an incredible skill set for a 6-foot-7 player and is one of the league’s rising stars. In that sense, it’d be appropriate for DonÄić to steal the show during All-Star Weekend with +200 odds. That being said, look out for Domantas Sabonis, who’s listed at +400. He’s probably better skilled than Adebayo, who won last season. Finally, Julius Randle is not to be forgotten as a deep sleeper at +800.

Best Bet: Luka DonÄić, +200

THREE-POINT CONTEST

At first glance, Steph Curry would be the easy favorite at +190. He’s arguably the best three-point shooter in league history, and he won the Three-Point Contest in 2015. With the Warriors no longer a serious title contender, Curry figures to be hungry to win something in 2021, making the Three-Point Contest his best chance.

Devin Booker seemed like a compelling sleeper pick at +500, but now he’s no longer participating in this event or the All-Star Game due to a knee injury. Donovan Mitchell is another interesting option at +350. But if you’re looking for someone who can pull off an upset, Zach LaVine at +250 might be the most intriguing participant in this year’s Three-Point Contest. LaVine is known for his quick release, so in a timed competition, that could end up making a difference.

Best Bet: Zach LaVine, +250

DUNK CONTEST 

There will be just three participants in this year’s Dunk Contest, as opposed to the four we’ve seen in recent years. All three players are still trying to make a name for themselves in the league. Obi Toppin is a slight favorite at +150 while Anfernee Simons sits at +175, and Cassius Stanley completes the field at +200. 

While he has the longest odds, Stanley recorded one of the best vertical leaps the Combine has seen in the last 20 years, which could give him an edge. Of course, those who saw Toppin play at Dayton last season will know that he’s capable of spectacular things. Meanwhile, as the shortest contestant in the Dunk Contest, Simons could stand out a little more if he’s able to elevate as much as the other two.

Best Bet: Cassius Stanley, +200

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