The excitement is building for the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star 2025, set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center. The event promises a spectacle of high-flying dunks and athletic prowess, broadcast live on TNT & truTV, with additional streaming options available.
This year’s contest features a mix of fresh talent and seasoned veterans. Mac McClung of the Osceola Magic, the two-time defending Dunk Contest champion, aims to make history by securing a third consecutive title. His impressive track record makes him a favorite in the betting odds. DraftKings Sportsbook lists McClung at a staggering -700 to qualify for the final round and -140 to win it all.
Joining him are first-time contenders who bring their unique styles to the court. Matas Buzelis from the Chicago Bulls, noted for his agility and creative dunking ability, stands with odds at +110 to reach the final round and is +350 to win the contest. Odds to advance to the final for Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs is +165, and Andre Jackson Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks is +180, indicating they are both expected to provide stiff competition. Meanwhile, Castle is +550 to win it, while Jackson is +600.
This year’s judging panel includes NBA legends and previous contest participants, promising a fair and thrilling evaluation of the dunks. Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Tracy McGrady, former Dunk Contest participant Baron Davis, and two-time Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson bring a wealth of experience. Fan involvement is also a key feature this year, with members worldwide having the opportunity to cast their votes in real-time.
Most consider Jackson the second-most likely to win the dunk contest, making him an intriguing potential choice for bettors. Buzelis is capable of some truly impressive dunks, but at 6-foot-11, it tends to be more difficult to pop in comparison. Castle is known as a power dunker but will have a chance to display creativity, which is usually more challenging during games.
Additional betting odds are available related to the dunk contest, including an over/under set at 2.5 for a total of perfect 50 dunks. The under is set at -135, while the over is +110.
Another betting option includes the average score of dunks for individual participants. McClung has the highest over/under set at 49.5 (over +140, under -180). Castle and Jackson have the next highest over/under set at 48.5, with both being +115 to hit the over and -150 for the under. Buzelis has the lowest line set at 47.5 but is favored to finish over (-120) compared to the under set at -110.
Exact outcome bets are also available, but they require predicting the two finalists and the winner. The favored outcome is McClung to defeat Buzelis (+320), while other outcomes with odds greater than +500 being McClung to defeat Castle (+425) and McClung to win with Jackson as the runner up (+450).
The Slam Dunk Contest has a rich history, with each participant looking to add their name to a prestigious list of past winners. McClung seeks to follow in the footsteps of Nate Robinson, the only NBA player to have won the dunk contest three times. Meanwhile, newcomers like Buzelis, Castle, and Jackson Jr. aim to make their mark by joining the ranks of legendary participants from their respective franchises.
