If you're starving for NBA betting you're in luck with the NBA and WNBA partnering with ESPN for a two-day HORSE Challenge, giving basketball bettors some wagering options over the next week.
Eight current and former WNBA and NBA stars will take part in a single-elimination tournament on Sunday, April 12 and Thursday, April 16 and some sportsbooks are offering odds for the competition.
What is HORSE?
HORSE (or H-O-R-S-E) is a popular basketball game played between two people on a basketball court. The competitors take turns taking shots. Players must describe each shot attempt, specifying the type of score they intend to make before taking a shot (like a bank shot or a reverse layup). Dunks in the upcoming competition are not allowed.
If the shot attempt is successful, the second player must duplicate the first player's shot or else they pick up a letter. First player to pick up five letters (picking up H-O-R-S-E) loses.
Because of COVID-19 the players in this competition will be playing remotely against each on their own personal baskets.
Who is competing in the NBA HORSE Challenge?
Four current NBA stars (Trae Young, Chris Paul, Mike Conley and Zach Lavine) and two former stars (Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups) will take part in the competition, along with current WNBA sharp-shooter Allie Quigley and Basketball Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings.
The players have been divided into two groups of four and assigned head-to-head matchups for the first round. The winners of the first two games in each group will meet in the semifinals, and then the final two winners will face off in the championship round.
The first round (the quarterfinals) will air on ESPN on Sunday, April 12 at 7 p.m. ET. The semifinals and finals will air on Thursday, April 16 at 9 p.m. ET.
How to bet on the NBA HORSE Competition
Sportsbooks which are offering odds on this tourney are offering two bets. Betting on the overall winner of the challenge and betting on the winner of each quarterfinal matchup.
When it comes to handicapping this HORSE competition my only suggestion is not to dig too deep. Trae Young and Chris Paul are the betting favorites with odds of +205 and +275 but this is an informal competition that anybody can win. Especially any one of these players who are/were all dead-eye shooters at the highest level of the sport.
Just sit back, enjoy some basketball at a time where we could all use a little entertainment, and maybe make a bet or two if you want to make it more interesting.
Here are the NBA betting odds for the upcoming HORSE tournament.
Odds to win NBA HORSE Challenge
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Trae Young | +205 |
| Chris Paul | +275 |
| Zach Lavine | +400 |
| Mike Conley | +425 |
| Paul Pierce | +575 |
| Chauncey Billups | +700 |
| Allie Quigley | +900 |
| Tamika Catchings | +1,250 |
NBA Odds for the HORSE Challenge Quarterfinals
| Round | Favorite | Underdog |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinal | Trae Young -225 | Chauncey Billups +160 |
| Quarterfinal | Mike Conley Jr. -500 | Tamika Catchings +300 |
| Quarterfinal | Zach Lavine -160 | Paul Pierce +120 |
| Quarterfinal | Chris Paul -300 | Allie Quigley +200 |
