2011 NBA All-Star Game Prop Bet Picks, 8:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, February 20, 2011, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA., TV: TNT
By Kyle, NBA Basketball Handicapper, Predictem.com
Prop bets are one of the most entertaining aspects of gambling. During highly commercialized events like the Super Bowl and various All-Star games, Prop betting provides more aspects of the game to bet on than just the over/under or final score of the game.
These side bets are not only fun, they can be lucrative when executed properly. While many prop bets involve a heavy amount of luck, they provide for an enjoyable experience and make otherwise virtually meaningless All-Star games somewhat meaningful.
Without further adieu, lets introduce the prop bets for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game:
Player to score the 1st basket of the game:
Amare Stoudemire +500
Carmelo Anthony +600
Chris Paul +500
Derrick Rose +500
Dwight Howard +400
Dwyane Wade +600
Kevin Durant +500
Kevin Love +600
Kobe Bryant +600
LeBron James +600
The East will most likely win the tipoff, with Dwight Howard taking it at midcourt. Defense is not of the utmost importance in All-Star games, which means the East are likely to score the first point. This narrows it down significantly. The West is comparatively weak in the paint, but rather than go with a big man to score the first bucket, Im going to say the Easts best lane penetrator, Dwyane Wade, is going to score the first bucket.
If not Wade, teammate Lebron James will probably touch the ball on most offensive possessions. Seeing as the two have a built in trust for one another, Wade getting the ball to James early on is certainly not out of the realm of possibilities.
Player to score the 1st 3 point basket:
Amare Stoudemire +1000
Carmelo Anthony +500
Chris Paul +400
Derrick Rose +500
Dwight Howard +1200
Dwyane Wade +600
Kevin Durant +600
Kevin Love +800
Kobe Bryant +400
LeBron James +600
Field (Any Other Player) +500
We can begin by eliminating Dwight Howard off of this list. Howard is 1-24 from three land in his pro career. Even +1200 isnt good enough to bite on. One intriguing player in this category is Kobe Bryant. Bryant is coming off of a series of humiliating losses. The Lakers are being scrutinized by every media outlet in the world. This is Bryants chance to cut loose and have fun. Dont be surprised if he chucks up an early three. Bryant shoots .339 behind the arch on his career, so you can expect it to have a solid shot at dropping if he puts it up.
If not Bryant, Carmelo Anthony stands a solid chance at draining an early three. Since the trade talks have begun to heat up, Anthony is on fire, perhaps moreso than any player in the entire league. His confidence has to be sky high at this point, which might lead to an early three.
To win 2011 All-Star MVP
Amare Stoudemire +800
Blake Griffin +1000
Carmelo Anthony +800
Chris Paul +900
Derrick Rose +600
Dirk Nowitzki +1400
Dwight Howard +900
Dwyane Wade +800
Joe Johnson +1400
Kevin Durant +600
Kevin Love +800
Kobe Bryant +400
LeBron James +500
Paul Pierce +1200
Ray Allen +1400
Field (Any Other Player) +700
Last year, Dwyane Wade was able to take home the MVP award with 28 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds. While Wade could enjoy similar production, the East is loaded with even more super star talent this year, that may take away from his point total.
A player to keep your eye on is Dwight Howard. If Howard can put up 20 or so points and double digit rebounds, he could easily walk away with player of the game. Even in All-Star events, Howard likes to put his defense on display. Look for multiple blocks, a ton of boards, and few flashy dunks to get the crowd going. Since I think the East will win, Im going with Howard as the MVP.
