The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (officially the AT&T Slam Dunk) is part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, taking place on Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California (home of the LA Clippers). Specifically, it starts at 5 p.m. ET (as the third event of the night) and airs on NBC and Peacock.
This year's contest features a fresh field of four first-time participants, meaning a new champion will be crowned. Consider that there will be no repeat of Mac McClung's three-peat from recent years (he opted not to defend his title). The event uses a two-round format: Each dunker attempts two slams in the first round, with judges scoring them. Finally, the two highest combined scores advance to the final round for one more dunk each, and the top score wins.
The contest caps off a night of skills events (including the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars Challenge). As always, fans and gamblers can expect viral moments from these athletic newcomers!
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2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Contest Betting at Bookmaker
Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, will host the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET, with television coverage on NBC.
Oddsmakers opened with Slam Dunk Contest winning odds of Jaxson Hayes +175, Carter Bryant +175, Keshad Johnson +450, Jase Richardson +500.
Jaxson Hayes is likely the early co-favorite due to his size (7'0" frame for unique high-rim dunks), athleticism, and home crowd boost. Previously, contests show taller/ explosive bigs can impress (e.g., Dwight Howard's wins), though creativity is key.
Correlate that Jase Richardson could offer value as the other co-favorite. His family legacy (dad's iconic dunks) might inspire creative entries, and smaller guards often excel with flair and speed.
Meanwhile, Carter Bryant and Keshad Johnson are long shots but could surprise with raw athleticism or innovative props.
Gamblers may find it useful that favorites often win with experience, but this year lacks that advantage—expect tighter odds. Additionally, there is value in creativity. Sharps will look for players hinting at props/tributes (e.g., Richardson family nods). No stars means potential for lower energy/judges' scores; past "weak" fields have produced upsets.
Newer gamblers should remember that dunk contests are novelty bets; judge hype, practice dunks (via social media), and panel tendencies (they reward innovation over repetition).
Wise Guys believe that if the odds drop, Hayes might be the safest play for his physical tools and location. But Richardson could be a fun longshot for narrative upside.
2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Participants
Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs) – Rookie Forward, 6'6"
Strengths: Elite leaper with quick-twitch explosiveness; already flashing highlight dunks in limited rookie action, including windmills and powerful finishes.
Outlook: High upside; could steal the show if he channels his pre-draft hype into polished performances.
Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers) – Center, 7'0"
Strengths: Rare size for a dunker (7-footer attempting to become the first of that height to win—Dwight Howard at 6'11" is the closest). Known for powerful, high-flying in-game slams, including a viral between-the-legs "Eastbay" dunk on a fast break vs. the Bulls in January 2026.
Outlook: Fan favorite due to local ties and raw power; many see him as the frontrunner for sheer spectacle and "wow" factor.
Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat) – Second-Year Forward, 6'6"
Strengths: Dynamic leaper with strong vertical and body control; has delivered highlight-reel dunks in games despite modest role.
Outlook: Sleeper pick; his flashes suggest he might deliver clean, high-scoring attempts if he brings his A-game.
Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic) – Rookie Guard, 6'1"
Strengths: Carries family legacy with quickness, elevation, and flair. Despite shorter stature, he has the tools for flashy, high-degree-of-difficulty slams.
Outlook: Emotional favorite for many; if he nails tribute dunks or innovative moves, he could go viral and contend for the crown.
2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Best Bets
This is a wide-open contest with no clear favorite—Jaxson Hayes brings the most raw power and size advantage (plus home crowd boost). At the same time, Carter Bryant and Jase Richardson offer rookie explosiveness and legacy appeal. Finally, Keshad Johnson provides solid underdog potential.
Main Pick: Jaxson Hayes
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