“Jamario Moon is guaranteeing a win in tonight’s all-star dunk competition. The 27-year-old rookie who was getting ready for the CBA playoffs this time last year with the Albany Patroons says he will fly higher, dunk better and ultimately draw more votes from the NBA public to best the likes of Dwight Howard, who nearly won last year’s dunkoff, Gerald Green who did win it, and Memphis high-flyer Rudy Gay, who already has been crowned chief trash talker of the much anticipated event. “ (Toronto Sun)

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Here are the betting odds for this weekend’s NBA All-Star dunk contest and three-point shootout. I have a feeling that unlike most years these two contests could be pretty exciting. Sure being a Raptors fan I have definite interest but the potential is there for some prime time drama in New Orleans. Who do you got??

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The Dunkers

Dwight Howard (Magic) 2 - 1 - I feel for Dwight. The guy is a beast that looks like he should be in a comic book or something. The shoulders are wide and the smile is large. The sad part is when he dunks without anyone around him it looks as impressive as a weekend hack dunking on his kids eight foot rim. I don’t give Howard much of a shot unless the others screw up or Howard brings the whole backboard down.

Gerald Green (Twolves) 11 - 4 - I don’t give Green much of a shot either. Only for this reason. What does he have to show that he did not already show last year? It is tought to win this title two times because whatever you do they just compare it to the last time. Unless Green has a back flip or takes off from the arc I don’t see him winning again.

Jamario Moon (Raptors) 3- 1 - Okay so he is my obvious pick but I have reasons to back it up. First the guy can jump out of the gym and has the style and awareness of the big stage. Are you telling me he does not have some Globetrotter tricks up his sleeve? Okay I know, jumping is not what separates him from the others. What Moon has going for him is the mystery factor. The judges and people in the crowd hardly know this guy other than ESPN throw downs. Moon can have the crowd in his palm if he plays it right and I have a feeling he knows this is his coming out party moment.

Rudy Gay (Grizzlies) 3 - 1 - The other guy that will be in the finals with Moon is Gay. Rudy Gay has the mad hops as well and I can see him being the consensus pick going in. He is a budding All-Star and has the crowd factor going for him as well. We all remember his dunks at UConn and know the guy can fly. It will come down to who can do something with a little “wow” factor. The judges get tougher and a little more jaded every year and have seen everything. Can Rudy carry the weight of being who I consider the fave?

Cuzoogle picks: Moon over Gay in the final and it will be a dunk that will be talked about the remainder of the season.

The Bombers

Daniel Gibson (Cavs) 5 - 1 - The guy can shoot cleary but he is certainly one of the throw-ins of the group. Maybe if King James can drive and kick to him in the corner he will feel at home and hit a pile of threes. Or maybe he needs to see the Detroit Pistons in front of him? Ouch, sorry Motown fans. Gibson is certainly an underdog to win but crazier things have happened.

Jason Kapono (Raptors) 7 - 2 - You can never count out the champ and especially when he is leading the NBA still in shooting the deep ball. The Raptors organization has been pumping this challenge and have been doing everything they can to help out Kapono. I read somewhere they had special racks made to help him speed up his routine. The guy is like a shooter out of NBA 08 with the skills beefed up. He does not miss that many and has to be the favourite going in. Again with the Raptors connection I will certainly be pulling for him.

Kobe Bryant (Lakers) 3 - 1 - As much as I don’t really get why Kobe is taking part, I also know you can’t dismiss him as just an extra. The Black Mamba is a great competitor so that means he will be in it to win it. I just don’t know if he has the style of shot to finish out the clock. He has a bit of a fade to his shot and that could hurt him. If you want to go with dark horse, Kobe certainly fits the bill. If he is really into it and serious I would not be surprised if he won.

Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) NA - So Kobe’s finger has gone and messed up the whole thing. I am not changing my vote but Dirk is a defending champ as well. He won’t have much time to practice or get in a great routine but you can’t count out the big German. He will go out in the first round and enjoy the night for what it is. Anthony Parker of the Raps should be there but Dirk is already going to be there so why bother booking another ticket to New Orleans.

Peja Stojakovic (Hornets) 5 - 2 - Peja has won it before, he is still one of the best shooters in the world and has to be right there with Kapono to win. He is a gunner with a quick release and knows how to get around the arc fast. It has been a dream season for everything that has touched the Hornets and considering he will have the home crowd behind him I have a feeling the Hornets good luck will continue. He will be in the final, from there it is up to Peja to bring it home.

Richard Hamilton (Pistons) 5 - 1 - Here is another guy that I was suprised to see in the mix. Rip is not really thought of as a long range shooter but I guess all those comparisons to Reggie Miller has finally gone to his head. I have seen clips of him nailing every shot in practice and even beating the clock. If Rip gets in a groove he could do some damage but I just am not sold. If this was a contest to run around the court for 20 seconds and nailing a 15-foot jumper I would lay all my money on the guy.

Steve Nash (Suns) 7 - 2 Another dark horse just because he is Steve Nash. One of the best clutch shooters and if he want to win, well I don’t know if there is much for the others to do about it. The question is does he really care or is he just there to take part? Like Kobe, if Nash is serious to win, he could take the title. I just don’t see it and can picture him being very entertaining and having a good time.

Cuzoogle picks: Stojakovic hitting every shot to beat Kapono out in the final.

Feel free to comment and leave your picks. We will all be watching on Saturday night.

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