Experts Reveal 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Picks and Odds for Saturday Night
The highly anticipated 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will take place on Saturday night at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This exciting event features a four-man lineup, comprising both emerging talent and seasoned athletes.
Contestants Overview
The lineup includes:
- Jase Richardson – Rookie, son of two-time slam dunk champion Jason Richardson.
- Carter Bryant – Rookie, currently favored to win.
- Keshad Johnson – Veteran player with significant experience.
- Jaxson Hayes – A towering 7-footer and seasoned competitor.
Details of the Event
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is part of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities, starting at 5 p.m. ET. This year marks a notable absence, as Mac McClung, the champion of the last three contests, will not be competing.
Odds and Predictions
The latest odds position Carter Bryant as the favorite with +170. Following him are Jaxson Hayes at +240, Keshad Johnson at +310, and Jase Richardson, the underdog, at +430. Additionally, Bryant’s expected first-round score is set at an over/under of 94.5.
Before placing any bets for the contest, insights from analysts can be invaluable. Larry Hartstein from SportsLine is an experienced NBA analyst who has provided detailed breakdowns of this year’s competition.
Expert Insight
Hartstein has previously shown strong performance by achieving an 8-5 record on NBA prop bets leading into the All-Star weekend. Despite Bryant’s status as a favorite, Hartstein is recommending a different longshot, describing this contestant as someone who “explodes to the rim with authority.” His advice could provide a strategic advantage for bettors looking to make informed decisions.
Be sure to check Hartstein’s full analysis before finalizing your picks for the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
