The NBA’s annual showcase of high-flying athleticism is back, and this year’s 2026 Slam Dunk Contest promises to be one for the ages. Set against the glitzy backdrop of the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, NBA All-Star Saturday Night will see four dynamic competitors—Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson, and Jase Richardson—vie for the crown of the league’s top dunker. With the event scheduled as the third and final competition of Saturday’s festivities, fans are bracing for a night of gravity-defying theatrics, strategic showmanship, and perhaps, a new household name in the making.
All-Star Saturday Night kicks off at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, with the dunk contest expected to close out the evening. For those tuning in, the anticipation is palpable: Mac McClung, the three-time defending champion and a fan favorite, has opted out this year, guaranteeing that a new champion will seize the spotlight. With the contest field officially set, let’s break down the participants, the storylines, and what to expect from a format that rewards both flair and flawless execution.
The 2026 Dunk Contest Lineup: New Faces, Big Hopes
This year’s field features a tantalizing mix of rookies and veterans, each bringing a unique narrative to the stage. Carter Bryant, the rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs, enters the contest as the oddsmakers’ favorite. Drafted 14th overall in 2025, Bryant has already made waves, earning a Rising Stars replacement nod just a day before the contest. According to the NBA’s official release, Bryant’s athleticism and willingness to push boundaries have made him a player to watch. But with great ambition comes risk. As NBA expert Larry Hartstein noted, “One of his planned dunks will ‘test my limits,’ which sounds like a great idea on paper. However, adding complexity to a dunk raises the probability of then missing that dunk, which would hurt his score from the judges.” Bryant’s in-game dunk success rate sits at 64.3%, lower than some of his competitors—something to keep an eye on when the pressure mounts.
Jaxson Hayes, the Los Angeles Lakers’ high-flying center, is the veteran presence in this group. Now in his seventh NBA season (and third with the Lakers), Hayes boasts a career marked by thunderous finishes at the rim. His 2025-26 season averages—6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game on a blistering 77.2% shooting—underscore his efficiency. Notably, Hayes has connected on 90.4% of his dunk attempts this season, making him a reliable bet for clean makes. FanDuel Sportsbook lists him as the second favorite behind Bryant, and his experience under the bright lights could prove invaluable.
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson is the underdog story of the contest. Undrafted in 2024, Johnson signed a two-way deal with Miami and has worked his way into the league’s consciousness. In his first NBA season, he’s averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, but his athleticism has not gone unnoticed. ESPN’s Zach Kram highlighted Johnson as his expert pick for the contest, noting the forward’s knack for showmanship and his ability to surprise. Johnson’s odds sit at +310, making him a tempting dark horse for those looking for a Cinderella story.
Rounding out the field is Jase Richardson, the Orlando Magic rookie guard and son of two-time dunk champion Jason Richardson. Drafted 25th overall in 2025, Jase brings not just youthful exuberance but also a family legacy to the proceedings. “Richardson’s father is Jason Richardson, who won back-to-back dunk contest crowns in 2002 and 2003—a few years before Jase was born,” ESPN’s preview reminds us. Jase’s rookie numbers—5.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting 47.1%—reflect a player finding his role, but the contest stage could be his breakout moment. He enters as the biggest longshot at +430, but sometimes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Contest Format: Precision, Pacing, and Pressure
The NBA is sticking with its streamlined two-round format for 2026. All four contestants will attempt two dunks each in the opening round, with judges scoring every attempt. The top two scorers advance to the finals, where they’ll each showcase two more dunks. The highest combined score in the final round claims the trophy. If there’s a tie, a tiebreaker based on judges’ scoring will determine the winner.
Execution is everything. As the NBA notes, a single missed attempt can spell doom for a contestant’s hopes, especially in the first round where the goal is simply to make the finals. Contestants often play it safe early, banking a reliable dunk before unleashing their most creative or risky move in the finals. Props, passers, and themed setups are fair game, adding to the spectacle and strategic complexity. As always, the judges will reward not just difficulty but also style, originality, and—crucially—clean makes.
Odds, Predictions, and Storylines to Watch
With McClung out, the betting landscape is wide open. FanDuel lists Carter Bryant as the +170 favorite, followed by Hayes at +240, Johnson at +310, and Richardson at +430. However, expert analysis suggests caution. Hartstein, for instance, is fading Bryant despite his favorite status, citing the rookie’s penchant for risk and his lower in-game dunk percentage. “Adding complexity to a dunk raises the probability of then missing that dunk, which would hurt his score from the judges,” Hartstein warns. Hayes, with his veteran poise and impressive dunk efficiency, is viewed as a strong contender to advance to the finals.
There’s also intrigue around the Spurs’ recent roster moves. Just three days before the contest, San Antonio cut former top-10 pick Jeremy Sochan to give Bryant more court time, signaling the franchise’s belief in their rookie’s star potential. Meanwhile, Richardson’s family legacy and Johnson’s underdog narrative add emotional layers to the competition. Will Richardson channel his father’s championship pedigree? Can Johnson shock the field and deliver on ESPN’s expert pick?
How to Watch and What’s Next
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will air live as part of All-Star Saturday Night on NBC and stream on Peacock, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. With the dunk contest slated as the final event of the night, fans should tune in early to catch all the action, including the 3-point contest—where Damian Lillard, despite a season-long Achilles injury, is chasing a third title—and the revived Shooting Stars competition. The All-Star Game itself follows on Sunday, February 15, featuring a new USA vs. World format and a star-studded roster headlined by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Victor Wembanyama.
As the lights shine bright on Inglewood and the world’s eyes turn to the NBA’s most electrifying spectacle, the stage is set for a new dunking legend to emerge. Will it be the favorite Bryant, the steady Hayes, the daring Johnson, or the legacy-driven Richardson? The answer awaits above the rim, and basketball fans everywhere are ready for liftoff.