NBA Reveals Competitors for the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Shootout

NBA fans get a packed dose of midseason drama on Saturday, Feb. 14. The State Farm 3-Point Contest returns to All-Star Saturday at the Intuit Dome, live at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The league announced an eight-player field that blends veteran clutch shooters and fresh faces hungry to prove their range. Five players on the roster earned All-Star status this season, elevating the stakes for the Point Shootout and giving fans clear favorites to follow. A two-round format will test accuracy under pressure, with shooters allotted 70 seconds per round and the top three advancing to the final. Expect high drama, momentum swings, and shots that decide careers during a single possession. For players, this event offers exposure; for teams, it offers data on shooting form under stress. For you, as a hoops fan, this is the best stage to study elite shooting mechanics and late-game pacing. The lineup mixes proven contestants with first-time entrants, setting up narratives about experience versus freshness. Read on for the field breakdown, rules summary, tactical advice from a former pro, and a clear playbook you can use to sharpen your own shooting before the next local contest.

NBA reveals competitors for 2026 State Farm 3-Point Shootout

The league released the full group during an NBC segment, listing eight shooters for the Point Shootout. The field includes stars known for volume and efficiency, and newcomers who earned reputation for hot streaks this season. The announced contestants: Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis Jr., and Norman Powell. Five of these names hold current All-Star status, which raises expectations for tight scores and dramatic finals. This event will also track how veteran contest winners handle the pressure against debuting contestants.

Schedule, location, and broadcast details for the event

The competition takes place Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event starts at 5 p.m. ET and airs on NBC and Peacock. For analysts, the timing matters since shooters face a packed arena after a week of All-Star activity. Expect live commentary that highlights stroke tempo and rack selection during each round. Finalists will face a tense championship round where small margins decide the winner.

Why these contestants matter to basketball fans and players

Five participants hold All-Star honors, which changes expectations for scoring output and clutch performance. Devin Booker and Damian Lillard bring prior contest success. Booker won the event in 2018 and Lillard holds two recent titles, making him a top storyline. Rookie contender Kon Knueppel adds a rookie narrative, with potential to become the first first-year winner in event history. Four players will debut in this specific contest, increasing uncertainty and excitement. This balance between experience and debut pressure makes the Event useful study material for players aiming to replicate championship composure.

Field breakdown and key narratives for each contestant

Devin Booker arrives as a former champion known for quick release and deep range. Expect accuracy from multiple racks. Damian Lillard offers historical weight, holding two recent titles and chasing a third career win. A third title would tie the all-time record for this contest. Tyrese Maxey and Donovan Mitchell bring youth and rhythm from heavy offensive roles. Jamal Murray and Norman Powell provide proven playoff-level shooting under pressure. Bobby Portis Jr. gives a different look, using catch-and-shoot timing. Kon Knueppel stands out as the only rookie-level contestant with a fast ascent during the season.

Each name offers a unique competitive angle, shaping predictions about rack strategy and game tempo. Final insight: watch early round pacing to predict the ultimate champion.

How the State Farm 3-Point Contest format tests shooting skill under pressure

The competition uses a two-round format. Each shooter has 70 seconds to attempt shots from multiple spots behind the arc. The top three scorers from the first round advance to the championship round. Racks include standard balls and special high-value balls, demanding consistent rhythm across shot types. This format rewards efficient setup between spots and a controlled breathing pattern during the clocked session.

For contestants, the margin for error remains small because the clock forces quick transitions. For fans, this structure delivers dramatic swings where a single rack turns the leaderboard. Final insight: observe transitions to predict which shooter holds composure under pressure.

Practical shooting lessons drawn from the contest

As a former pro, I studied these contests to refine muscle memory and shot pacing. The contest offers direct lessons for local players and coaches trying to improve endgame shooting. Focus on setup, footwork, and pre-shot routine that repeats under fatigue. Emphasize breathing between racks and maintain a consistent release point.

• Repeatable routine: Use identical hop or gather and a fixed arc target.
• Timed transitions: Practice moving between spots in under 8 seconds to simulate contest speed.
• High-value shots: Train with heavier or game-speed balls to mimic contest feel.
• Pressure reps: Practice with crowd noise or a countdown to build clutch resilience.
• Recovery breath: Inhale through the nose, exhale on the shot to steady the release.

Apply these elements in practice. Final insight: rhythm beats raw range when the clock runs down.

Where to follow pregame analysis and past game context

For background on team and player form heading into All-Star Weekend, follow recent matchup reports and box scores. Analysis of the Trail Blazers game offers perspective on Damian Lillard's current shot rhythm, which affects his contest outlook. See a recent Trail Blazers Warriors recap for context on perimeter play. For a sense of opponent matchups and scoring trends useful for predicting momentum, check the Mavericks Trail Blazers score report which highlights late-game shooting patterns.

These resources provide concrete indicators about who enters the contest with form advantage. Final insight: past game flow often predicts contest performance more than reputation.

Our opinion

This State Farm 3-Point Contest pairs proven champions with aggressive newcomers, setting up a high-stakes showdown. Expect tight scores and decisive final racks. For you watching, focus on rhythm, footwork, and transition speed. For shooters training at the gym, adopt a contest-style routine and pressure reps to close the gap with elite performers. The event will reward those who manage tempo and breathing while keeping stroke mechanics clean. Final insight: follow rack pacing more than raw makes to predict the winner.