Tatum, Lillard headline Three-Point Contest participants

Jayson Tatum, Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Huerter, Tyler Herro, Damian Lillard, and Anfernee Simons will be the participants in the Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend, the NBA announced Tuesday.

Tatum, now a four-time All-Star, is seventh in the league with 177 made 3-pointers this season. He's averaging a career-high 30.5 points per game for the Boston Celtics.

Hield leads all players with 224 total 3-pointers made for the Indiana Pacers. His teammate Haliburton was recently named an All-Star and is a career 40.7% shooter from beyond the arc.

Markkanen, a first-time All-Star for the host Utah Jazz, is shooting a career-best 41.2% from distance. The Finnish forward is ninth in 3-pointers made.

Sacramento Kings sharpshooter Huerter is having a career year in terms of scoring and 3-point percentage, while Herro is the Miami Heat's third-leading scorer and top long-distance marksman.

Rounding out the field is the Portland Trail Blazers' backcourt of Lillard and Simons. The dangerous guards are fourth and second, respectively, in 3-pointers made, combining for a staggering 381 so far this season.

The Three-Point Contest will take place on Feb. 18 in Salt Lake City as part of All-Star Saturday Night.