2026 NBA Dunk Contest Odds and Best Bets: Who Should You Back?

Danny Burke

Written by: Danny Burke

Published: Fri Feb 13, 2026, 1:34 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

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If there was ever an indication that the National Basketball Association's Slam Dunk Contest has lost some of its shine, look no further than this year's field. What was once one of the most anticipated events of All-Star Weekend has gradually turned into an afterthought – and 2026 may be the most underwhelming lineup yet.

This year's participants are Jaxson Hayes, Carter Bryant, Keshad Johnson and Jase Richardson. The latter, son of two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, provides the most compelling storyline of the group. Beyond that, it's difficult to generate much excitement around this year's competition.

Still, sometimes the unknown can produce the most surprising results. With a wide-open field there may be betting value to uncover.

Let's break down the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest odds, examine each participant and identify the best bets for Saturday night.

For additional NBA All-Star Game information on picks, analysis and more, take a look at our Rising Stars Challenge breakdown and best bets, along with our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page.

You can also browse our recommendations for the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.

2026 NBA Dunk Contest Odds via Lucky Rebel 

  • Jase Richardson (+200)
  • Carter Bryant (+225)
  • Jaxson Hayes (+260)
  • Keshad Johnson (+350)

Jase Richardson (+200 at Lucky Rebel)

Jase Richardson

The son of two-time Slam Dunk Champion Jason Richardson is naturally drawing plenty of betting attention. That's evident in the market movement, as he's shifted to the favorite at Lucky Rebel.

It's an easy and fun storyline to root for, but the reality is a bit different. Outside of Jaxson Hayes, every participant in this field has logged single-digit dunks this season – and Richardson has the least in-game experience of the group.

Now that his price has dropped as low as +200, I see little to no betting value. He's going to be the popular play based on name recognition alone. Richardson wasn't even originally slated to compete, as he's stepping in for Pistons All-Star Jalen Duren, who withdrew due to a knee injury.

With limited prep time, shortened odds and the added pressure of living up to his father's legacy, I'll be fading Richardson in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Carter Bryant (+225 at Lucky Rebel)

The 20-year-old, 6-foot-6 Spurs rookie forward has my attention. He's listed as the favorite to win the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at most sportsbooks, which makes the +225 price at Lucky Rebel even more appealing.

I'll be taking a stab on the rookie at that number.

Watching his in-game explosiveness, along with some of his pregame dunk work, gives reason for optimism. He has the ideal frame and athletic profile for this type of setting, and the creativity to separate himself in a field lacking established contest experience.

With +225 available while the market sits shorter elsewhere, Bryant is worth the investment.

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Jaxson Hayes (+260 at Lucky Rebel)

The Lakers' center will have the benefit of competing in familiar territory out in Los Angeles, which could provide a slight morale boost – and perhaps even influence the judges.

That said, I've historically been hesitant to back seven-footers in this competition. Outside of Dwight Howard, true centers haven't exactly thrived in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Don't get me wrong, Jaxson Hayes is an elite athlete and absolutely capable of putting on a show, but I'm not willing to stray from my philosophy just to chase potential upside here. If we were getting 3/1 or better, maybe there'd be a conversation. At the current price, though, I won't be investing.

Keshad Johnson (+350 at Lucky Rebel)

The other competitor I'll be taking a flyer on is 24-year-old Keshad Johnson. The 6-foot-6 Miami Heat forward has a 42-inch vertical and plenty to prove in this dunking environment.

His dunk highlight tape alone is enough to convince you, especially when paired with the attractive +350 price.

Johnson is also a hometown kid, growing up in Oakland, California, and attending San Diego State. Talk about a great reunion if he's able to win the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest in front of his family and friends.

I'll certainly be rooting for that. 

2026 NBA Dunk Contest Best Bets:

  • Carter Bryant (+225)
  • Keshad Johnson (+350)

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Danny Burke
Danny Burke

Danny Burke is a betting analyst with a decade of sports media experience. He got his start at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, sharing picks on the local ESPN affiliate. After college, he hosted shows for VSiN in Las Vegas before returning to Chicago to launch 'Rush Hour', the first daily sports betting show from an Illinois casino. He also co-hosted 'Props and Locks' on Fox32’s Bears pregame show and ran 'Bet On, Chicago' on WLS-AM 890.

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