All-Star Roundtable: Predicting the Winners of All-Star Weekend

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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 16: Joel Embiid #21 and Jamal Murray #27 of the World Team celebrate during the 2018 Mountain Dew Kickstart Rising Stars Game at Staples Center on February 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Skills Contest

The competitors in the Skills Contest are Joel Embiid, Buddy Hield, Lou Williams, Andre Drummond, Al Horford, Lauri Markkanen, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jamal Murray. Here are the staff picks for the big winner.

Lou Williams

“Lou Williams is the most skilled guard in the draw. Joel Embiid and other big man will be no match for Williams’ ball-handling and full-court skills. Williams’ only true competition in this event will be Jamal Murray of the Nuggets, but even that is a long shot.” –Evan Siegel

“I truly believe this is Lou’s year to shine. His success from this current season will carry over, as he puts on a show and displays his many talents.” –Emmanuel Dixon

“This wasn’t a hard pick for me at all. The Los Angeles Clippers guard will definitely be out to prove something tonight. He was snubbed for the All-Star game and is Vegas’s pick to win the Skills Challenge.” –Dusty Bryan

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 16: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the World Team raises his hands after hitting a three pointer against the USA Team during the Mountain Dew Kickstart Rising Stars Game during All-Star Friday Night as part of 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend at the STAPLES Center on February 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Lauri Markkanen

“Lauri is one of the best shooters in the Skills Challenge and with his size, I think his long strides while dribbling down the floor will help him get the W. If not Markkanen, I’d go with Jamal Murray, who is probably the best shooter on the floor.” –Michael Mulford

Jamal Murray

“As a close follower of Denver’s talented backcourt, I think this kid has a chance to be really special. He won’t be satisfied going home empty handed after winning the MVP of the rising stars challenge last year.” –Paul Wang

Spencer Dinwiddie

“Brooklyn has had yet another rough season, but they may have found a diamond in the rough with Dinwiddie. He has proven that he can ball and, despite not being the best shooter in the competition, I think he will make up for it with his speed and desire to bring some sort of relevance to Brooklyn.” –Kohl Rast

Next: Three-Point Shootout

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