The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is set to take place on Saturday night at the Intuit Dome, concluding an exciting evening that will also showcase the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars. The lineup for this year’s dunk contest may not feature prominent stars, but it includes talented high-flyers who are closely matched in terms of odds. A notable participant is Jace Richardson, the son of two-time Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson, who joins three other competitors.
The evening’s festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. ET, with the Slam Dunk Contest positioned as the final event. Carter Bryant of the Spurs leads the odds as the +180 favorite, while Jaxson Hayes of the Lakers follows at +250. Keshad Johnson of the Heat is placed at +320, and Jace Richardson of the Magic rounds out the group at +350. There’s a strong outlook for Bryant to qualify for the final round at -155, with Hayes also favored at -140.
For those interested in placing bets on the contest, various sportsbooks are offering promotions. DraftKings and FanDuel have appealing bonus bets for new users who wager at least $5. Users can also explore the bet365 promo code, which guarantees $150 in bonus bets after a $5 wager, regardless of the outcome. Other sportsbooks, such as BetMGM and Caesars, are also providing enticing offers for bettors, making this event an engaging opportunity for fans and betting enthusiasts alike.
The structure of the Slam Dunk Contest includes a two-round format, with judges evaluating each dunk. All four competitors will perform two dunks in the initial round, and the top two scorers will progress to the finals. Both finalists will again show off their skills with two more dunks, and the champion will be decided based on the highest combined score. Esteemed former winners like Brent Barry, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, and Dominique Wilkins will participate as judges.
Among the competitors, Jaxson Hayes stands out as the most familiar name, enjoying a regular role with the Lakers and averaging 17.3 minutes per game. He has recorded 75 dunks this season, placing him among the top 20 in the NBA. Carter Bryant, despite playing under ten minutes per game for the Spurs, has shown great potential and impressive jumping ability, making him a strong contender. Keshad Johnson and Jace Richardson bring their own unique styles; Johnson has demonstrated his skills with 16 dunks from 42 career baskets, while Richardson aims to honor his father’s legacy in the contest.
As the contest approaches, excitement builds, and it promises to be a thrilling event for basketball fans and participants alike. The promotion of responsible gaming is also prioritized, as various sportsbooks provide resources and tools to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. This year’s Slam Dunk Contest not only highlights exceptional athleticism but also brings forward a blend of promising young talent and nostalgic connections to past champions.