Trae Young, Chris Paul Favored In NBA HORSE Challenge, WNBA Stars Are Betting Long Shots

Actual games might not return for some time, but the NBA is giving fans a sporting event to watch—and wager on—this weekend. Eight contestants, including active and former NBA and WNBA players, will compete in a HORSE tournament.

The NBA HORSE Challenge starts Sunday night with four head-to-head matchups in the first round. The four winners will advance to the semifinals Thursday night. Two finalists will compete for the championship Thursday night.

The two HORSE competitors that played in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game are favored to win the challenge. Trae Young leads the way with +200 odds at BetOnline, followed by Chris Paul at +250.

Before the season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, Young was tied for third in the NBA with 29.6 points per game and ranked second with 9.3 assists per game. Paul was the best player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the team to the No.5 seed in the Western Conference.

Mike Conley is third with +350 odds, despite having a disappointing season. Zach Lavine is fourth with +375 odds to win the HORSE Challenge. Lavine is a two-time Slam Dunk champion.

There is a notable gap between the current and former NBA players. Both Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups have +600 odds. Billups retired in 2014 and Pierce called it quits in 2017.

Chicago Sky star Allie Quigley has +800 odds. She’s been a WNBA All-Star in three straight years.

Tamika Catchings is the biggest HORSE long shot at +1000. The 40-year-old retired after the 2016 Summer Olympics, five years after she was named the WNBA MVP.

First-Round HORSE Betting Odds

Trae Young -225 vs. Chauncey Billups +160

Mike Conley -500 vs. Tamika Catchings +300

Paul Pierce -160 vs. Zach Lavine +120

Chris Paul -300 vs. Allie Quigley +200