Oh, how I wish we could all spare ourselves this. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is dead, and the league refuses to put the body to rest. So, I guess that means we'll bet on it.
NBA All-Star Saturday will begin from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California at 5:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest will be the third and final event on the docket, with no official start time listed.
Let's get into my NBA Slam Dunk Contest predictions and picks for All-Star Weekend 2026.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds for All-Star Saturday
- Carter Bryant +175
- Jaxson Hayes +200
- Keshad Johnson +360
- Jase Richardson +500
Odds via DraftKings
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Preview
Jaxson Hayes is the only identifiable player in the field, but big men have not had much success in this contest.
Carter Bryant has the best highlight tape, but doesn’t necessarily have as much elevation.
I think we’re looking at Jase Richardson, a legacy pick after his dad Jason won the contest, and Keshad Johnson.
If Jase pulls out his dad’s jersey and replicates some of his stunts, that might get him into the finals on its own.
Keshad actually has the kind of highlight reel I want to go for.
I want the combination of impressive hops and throw-down ability.
Carter has incredible hops, but doesn’t finish with the same authority.
Johnson, though, does what I’m looking for, which is try to destroy the rim.
At +300, in a bad field with a lot open, I’m willing to take a shot on him.
I’m also betting under 1.5 50s awarded (+175) at DraftKings.
What if the judges just torch this thing? What if it’s as much of a disaster as it feels like?
I hope it’s not because it’s not these guys’ fault that the stars in the NBA are too chicken-droppings to compete in this thing.
I want good things for them, but I’m betting those good things may not happen.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Prediction, Picks
3-Star Prediction: Keshad Johnson +360
Altitude and attitude.
2-Star Prediction: Jase Richardson +500
I was a really big fan of Jason Richardson.
1-Star Prediction: Carter Bryant +175
The big finish.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Betting Predictions
- Keshad Johnson +360
- Jase Richardson +500
- Carter Bryant +175
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Start Time, How to Watch, Location
- Date: Saturday, February 14
- Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET (After Shooting Stars)
- Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
- TV/Streaming: NBC
