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The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest is a far cry from the days of Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Steve Francis battling it out.
This year’s field is full of lesser-known, lightly used players, so finding betting value in our Slam Dunk Contest predictions requires a closer look.
That’s exactly what I’ve done with my NBA picks for Saturday, February 14.
Before wagering on the Slam Dunk Contest, be sure to familiarize yourself with the latest rules for the 2026 edition:
For what it’s worth, Carter Bryant is the favorite in this field of relative unknowns. The 6-foot-6 rookie wing was taken 14th overall by the San Antonio Spurs largely because of his explosive athleticism.
Bryant boasts a 39.5-inch vertical, but he hasn’t seen much playing time in San Antonio, and there isn’t much game footage of him dunking. As a result, it’s hard to see much value at his current price.
Jaxson Hayes is an intriguing entrant, but there are reasons for skepticism. Historically, taller players have struggled in this competition (Dwight Howard being a notable exception), and Hayes isn’t exactly positioned as a fan favorite.
The 7-footer plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and was recently suspended one game for pushing a mascot. He also dealt with a domestic violence case earlier in his career. All things considered, this is a pass for me.
Keshad Johnson is another explosive wing who has seen limited minutes with the Miami Heat.
Still, the 6-foot-6 forward boasts a ridiculous 42-inch vertical, and some of his in-game dunks this season have been truly eye-popping...
Jase Richardson is the best storyline in the field. He carries the longest odds in this competition, even if there’s no true long shot. The 6-foot-1 rookie guard has seen limited minutes with the Orlando Magic this season.
The intrigue? He’s the son of two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson.
Richardson appears to have inherited his dad’s leaping ability, and don’t be surprised if he pays homage to some of his father’s iconic dunks. At this price, there’s legitimate value.
It was a close call between Richardson and Johnson for me, but there’s more evidence of Johnson throwing down explosive dunks in actual NBA games.
I’ve always believed that great in-game dunkers tend to translate well to this competition — think Vince Carter or, more recently, Derrick Jones Jr.
Boasting an insane vertical, I’m expecting some jaw-dropping slams from Johnson on Saturday night.
Best bet: Keshad Johnson (+320 at bet365)
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Continue reading...
This year’s field is full of lesser-known, lightly used players, so finding betting value in our Slam Dunk Contest predictions requires a closer look.
That’s exactly what I’ve done with my NBA picks for Saturday, February 14.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest odds
Player | Team |
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|
Carter Bryant |
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San Antonio Spurs | |
Jaxson Hayes |
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Los Angeles Lakers | |
Keshad Johnson |
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Miami Heat | |
Jase Richardson |
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Orlando Magic |
NBA Slam Dunk Contest rules
Before wagering on the Slam Dunk Contest, be sure to familiarize yourself with the latest rules for the 2026 edition:
- Four players will compete in a two-round competition.
- Five judges will score each dunk based on a score ranging from 40 to 50.
- The two dunkers with the highest combined scores from their first two dunks advance to the finals.
- The final round will consist of two dunks by each dunker, with the highest composite score being crowned the champion.
- In the event of a tie, there will be one additional round of dunks. If the event is still tied, then the judges will be empowered to declare a winner by majority vote.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Carter Bryant (+180)
For what it’s worth, Carter Bryant is the favorite in this field of relative unknowns. The 6-foot-6 rookie wing was taken 14th overall by the San Antonio Spurs largely because of his explosive athleticism.
Bryant boasts a 39.5-inch vertical, but he hasn’t seen much playing time in San Antonio, and there isn’t much game footage of him dunking. As a result, it’s hard to see much value at his current price.
Jaxson Hayes (+250)
Jaxson Hayes is an intriguing entrant, but there are reasons for skepticism. Historically, taller players have struggled in this competition (Dwight Howard being a notable exception), and Hayes isn’t exactly positioned as a fan favorite.
The 7-footer plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and was recently suspended one game for pushing a mascot. He also dealt with a domestic violence case earlier in his career. All things considered, this is a pass for me.
Keshad Johnson (+320)
Keshad Johnson is another explosive wing who has seen limited minutes with the Miami Heat.
Still, the 6-foot-6 forward boasts a ridiculous 42-inch vertical, and some of his in-game dunks this season have been truly eye-popping...
Jase Richardson (+350)
Jase Richardson is the best storyline in the field. He carries the longest odds in this competition, even if there’s no true long shot. The 6-foot-1 rookie guard has seen limited minutes with the Orlando Magic this season.
The intrigue? He’s the son of two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson.
Richardson appears to have inherited his dad’s leaping ability, and don’t be surprised if he pays homage to some of his father’s iconic dunks. At this price, there’s legitimate value.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest pick
It was a close call between Richardson and Johnson for me, but there’s more evidence of Johnson throwing down explosive dunks in actual NBA games.
I’ve always believed that great in-game dunkers tend to translate well to this competition — think Vince Carter or, more recently, Derrick Jones Jr.
Boasting an insane vertical, I’m expecting some jaw-dropping slams from Johnson on Saturday night.
Best bet: Keshad Johnson (+320 at bet365)
Past Slam Dunk Contest winners
| Year | Player |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
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Mac McClung |
| 2024 |
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Mac McClung |
| 2023 |
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Mac McClung |
| 2022 |
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Obi Toppin |
| 2021 |
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Anfernee Simons |
| 2020 |
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Derrick Jones Jr. |
| 2019 |
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Hamidou Diallo |
| 2018 |
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Donovan Mitchell |
| 2017 |
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Glen Robinson III |
| 2016 |
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Zach LaVine |
| 2015 |
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Zach LaVine |
Players who have won multiple Dunk Contests
| Player | Years |
|---|---|
|
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Mac McClung | 2023, 2024, 2025 |
|
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Zach LaVine | 2015, 2016 |
|
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Nate Robinson | 2006, 2009, 2010 |
|
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Jason Richardson | 2002, 2003 |
|
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Harold Miner | 1993, 1995 |
|
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Dominique Wilkins | 1985, 1990 |
|
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Michael Jordan | 1987, 1988 |
Slam Dunk Contest trends
- Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson, Zach LaVine, and Mac McClung are the only players in history to win the Slam Dunk Contest in back-to-back years.
- At age 18, Kobe Bryant is the youngest player to win the Slam Dunk Contest (1997).
- John Wall is the last player to make an All-Star team and win the Slam Dunk Contest in the same year (2014).
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Continue reading...
