Even though the other NBA All-Star competitions are entertaining, they don't draw viewers in as much as the slam dunk contest.
Unlike previous contests, which featured Hall of Famers and superstars like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Kobe Bryant, and Vince Carter, this year's AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest doesn't feature a wealth of current star power.
That said, there is still plenty to look forward to. Even if we don't see many electrifying dunks, it will be interesting how creative the dunk contest participants get or if there are any bloopers or judging controversies.
Let's take a look at the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest participants and odds.
New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin returns to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest after finishing runner-up to Portland's Anfernee Simons in 2021.
2022 AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest Info and Betting Odds
Event Information
Where is the Dunk Contest? Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cleveland, Ohio)
Much like in past years, each player will have two dunks to impress the judges.
The two players with the highest combined score will advance to the finals, where they'll dunk twice again before a winner is crowned.
Who Won Last Year's Slam Dunk Contest?
In 2021, Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers won the Dunk Contest in Atlanta, beating out Toppin in the final round.
Who Will Win the 2022 NBA Dunk Contest?
When it comes to Saturday, a lot of eyes will be on Toppin. He's the only player in this year's competition who has prior experience, having placed second in the 2021 event — just one point back of Simons for the victory. Nevertheless, even though Toppin will be looking for revenge, I don't think he's the most likely to win.
Instead, Cole Anthony at +250 odds is the best bet for this year's slam dunk contest. Although some bettors may be hesitant to go with a guard, three of the contests last five winners have been guards. Plus, he hasn't been afraid of getting near the rim this season, having 12 dunks on 20 attempts so far.
Anthony has a 43-inch vertical and has been dunking since he was in the eighth great. Considering some of the dunks that he's pulled off during actual games, he'll likely try to top himself at this year's NBA All-Star AT&T Slam Dunk Contest.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest History
When was the first NBA dunk contest held?
The first NBA Slam Dunk contest was held in Denver in 1984. Phoenix Suns forward Larry Nance Sr. won the inaugural event, beating out Hall of Famer and legendary dunker Julius "Dr. J" Erving.
Who has won the NBA dunk contest the most times?
Nate Robinson, who won the event in 2006, 2009, and 2010, is the only three-time winner of the Slam Dunk Contest. Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Harold Miner, Jason Richardson, and Zach LaVine are all two-time Dunk Contest winners.
Recent NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winners
2021: Anfernee Simons
2020: Derrick Jones Jr.
2019: Hamidou Diallo
2018: Donovan Mitchell
2017: Glenn Robinson III
2016: Zach LaVine
2015: Zach LaVine
2014: John Wall
2013: Terrence Ross
2012: Jeremy Evans
2011: Blake Griffin
2010: Nate Robinson
2009: Nate Robinson
2008: Dwight Howard
2007: Gerald Green
2006: Nate Robinson
2005: Josh Smith
2004: Fred Jones
2003: Jason Richardson
2002: Jason Richardson
Devon Platana
Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.
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