The NBA All-Star Weekend has officially landed in Inglewood, California, and the excitement is palpable as fans flock to the brand-new Intuit Dome for one of basketball’s most electrifying traditions: the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. With the contest set for Saturday, February 14 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, anticipation is sky-high as four dynamic athletes prepare to take flight and dazzle the crowd with their aerial artistry.
This year’s Slam Dunk Contest comes with a twist—the absence of last year’s champion, Mac McClung. McClung, the G League sensation, made history in 2025 by clinching his third consecutive title, a feat never before seen in contest history. His decision not to participate this year has blown the competition wide open, leaving the coveted crown up for grabs and fueling speculation about which fresh face will seize the moment.
The field features a compelling mix of rising stars and seasoned pros, each bringing their unique flair to the hardwood. Carter Bryant, the San Antonio Spurs’ rookie sensation and first-round draft pick, enters as the contest favorite with odds at +170. The 6’7” forward has averaged 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in his debut season, but he turned heads earlier this week with a breakout performance—dropping 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal in a statement win over the Lakers. Bryant’s recent surge has analysts and fans alike wondering: could this be his coming-out party on the national stage?
Jaxson Hayes, the towering seven-footer for the Los Angeles Lakers, is no stranger to the spotlight. Since joining the Lakers in 2023, Hayes has become a regular presence in the rotation, stepping up as a starter in 35 games last season following Anthony Davis’ departure. With odds at +240, Hayes is seen as a strong contender, and his size and athleticism could make for some jaw-dropping jams. The home crowd at Intuit Dome is sure to be in his corner, adding an extra jolt of energy to his high-flying attempts.
Keshad Johnson, representing the Miami Heat, brings a different kind of hunger to the contest. Although he’s spent the bulk of his season with the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce, Johnson has made several appearances for the Heat and is eager to prove he belongs among the NBA’s elite dunkers. Coming in with odds at +310, Johnson is considered a dark horse, but those who’ve seen his explosiveness in the G League know he shouldn’t be underestimated.
Rounding out the field is Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson, who carries both the weight of expectation and the legacy of his family name. The son of two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson, Jase is looking to carve out his own chapter in All-Star lore. Despite being the biggest longshot at +430, Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance and athleticism reminiscent of his father. The narrative is irresistible—will the Richardson legacy continue in 2026?
The contest, airing live on NBC and streaming via Sling TV, is the third marquee event of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, following the 3-Point Contest and the Shooting Stars competition. For cord-cutters, Sling offers a range of packages, including Select, Blue, and Orange + Blue, making it easier than ever for fans to catch every gravity-defying moment from home.
NBA expert Larry Hartstein of SportsLine has weighed in on the action, adding another layer of intrigue to the proceedings. Hartstein, a senior analyst known for his sharp NBA props predictions, cautions against putting too much stock in the favorite. "Hartstein is fading Bryant (+180), despite him being the favorite. Instead, Hartstein's Slam Dunk winner is a longshot he describes as someone who 'explodes to the rim with authority,'" SportsLine reports. While Hartstein hasn’t tipped his hand entirely, his analysis has fans and bettors alike scouring the field for the next surprise champion.
For those looking to get in on the action, Carter Bryant’s over/under for his first-round score is set at 94.5—a number that reflects both his potential and the uncertainty of the contest’s format. Will Bryant live up to the hype, or will the pressure of being the odds-on favorite prove too much? Meanwhile, the odds for Hayes, Johnson, and Richardson suggest a wide-open race, where a single spectacular dunk could swing momentum and capture the judges’ imagination.
The Slam Dunk Contest has long been a showcase for creativity, athleticism, and showmanship. From Vince Carter’s iconic windmills to Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon’s epic duel, the event has produced countless moments that live on in highlight reels and basketball lore. This year’s field, with its blend of rookies and veterans, promises to deliver more of the same. And with Mac McClung’s reign over, a new king of the rim is guaranteed to emerge.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, fans are buzzing with speculation. Will Carter Bryant capitalize on his recent hot streak and deliver a performance worthy of the favorite’s tag? Can Jaxson Hayes leverage his size and home-court advantage to wow the judges? Might Keshad Johnson use this platform to announce his arrival on the NBA stage? Or will Jase Richardson, fueled by family legacy and underdog status, pull off a storybook victory?
One thing’s for certain: the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown. With a new champion set to be crowned and a fresh batch of high-flying highlights on the horizon, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in All-Star history. As fans tune in from around the globe, all eyes will be on the Intuit Dome to see who soars the highest and leaves their mark on basketball’s biggest weekend.
Stay tuned as the action unfolds live from Inglewood—because in the Slam Dunk Contest, anything can happen, and tonight, the rim is anyone’s for the taking.