The Dunk Contest has long been the premier event of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, even if it has seen a decline in popularity lately. There’s a reason why it’s still the final competition of the evening.
This year’s contest features Mac McClung, the back-to-back reigning champion, alongside Stephon Castle, Andre Jackson Jr, and Matas Buzelis.
Here are the latest NBA Dunk Contest odds, as well as a short list of the best bets you can make before it all goes down this Saturday, Feb. 15.
Note: NBA odds for the Slam Dunk Contest are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. ET.
NBA Dunk Contest Odds
- Mac McClung (-230)
- Stephon Castle (+650)
- Andre Jackson Jr. (+650)
- Matas Buzelis (+700)
It’s no surprise to see the back-to-back defending champion Mac McClung as a heavy favorite to win the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
The Osceola Magic (G-League affiliate of Orlando Magic) guard is also the reigning MVP of the G-League.
It will be interesting to see if Spurs’ rookie Stephon Castle (fourth overall pick) can challenge McClung for the throne. The former UConn guard has had some highlight-reel dunks this season.
Andre Jackson Jr. is another former Huskie, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in his second season. This is a 6-foot-6 guard with a 40-inch vertical who has made some thunderous put-back dunks throughout his young career.
Matas Buzelis is a first-round rookie for the Chicago Bulls. This 6-foot-9 forward had a terrific NBA Combine, demonstrating the athleticism required to win this contest.
NBA Dunk Contest Best Bet
Andre Jackson Jr, Milwaukee Bucks (+650)
I know that it’s tough to bet against a back-to-back champion like Mac McClung, but there’s no way that I’m laying (-230) juice on the Slam Dunk competition, so we look for value.
I’m riding with Andre Jackson Jr. because he’s made some explosive dunks throughout his two-year career so far.
In taking Jackson, I’m sticking with the theme of going with someone who doesn’t get a lot of playing time or plays in the G-League (like McClung). Perhaps this competition means more to them — providing a chance to make a name for themselves among NBA fans.
NBA Dunk Contest Contenders
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs (+650)
My other option for you is Stephon Castle, who has had an impressive season with the Spurs. The former UConn guard has a 37-inch vertical and can make some acrobatic dunks, such as a windmill he put on against the Hawks.
My bold prediction is that we’re going to see a new Slam Dunk champion this time around.
Give me Andre Jackson Jr as my top choice and Stephon Castle as the next best pick.
Check out the rest of our NBA All-Star predictions and best bets:
- NBA Rising Stars
- NBA Skills Challenge
- NBA 3-Point Contest
- NBA All-Star Game
- NBA All-Star Game Props
- NBA All-Star Game MVP
NBA Dunk Contest Format
There are two rounds in the dunk contest, and each player gets two dunks per round. Five judges will rate each dunk in the range of 40 to 50 points, and the average of their scores will be the final score for the dunk.
Each competitor will get 90 seconds and a total of three attempts to complete their dunk. For a try to count as an attempt, the player must control the basketball and move it toward the rim.
All four players will participate in the first round. Then, the two competitors with the highest total scores will advance to the final round, where the process will be repeated.
Should there be a tie between the two finalists, a “dunk-off" will take place to determine the winner, with each player getting one attempt. Unlike in years past, if there is still a tie after the dunk-off, the judges will then choose the champion, rather than going through another dunk-off round.
