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Slam Dunk Contest Pick – NBA Predictions & Odds 2/18/23

NBA Slam Dunk Contest
February 18, 2023 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: Over/Under: -
(Get latest betting odds)

The 2023 NBA slam dunk contest during all-star weekend will take place Saturday at the Vivint Arena. Let’s preview this event and give out a pick and prediction.

Mac McClung Betting Odds -150

Mac McClung is the first G League player to participate in the dunk contest, and for good reason. McClung is known for his dunking ability more than anything, as he grew an online buzz during his high school days and won the dunk contest at the Ballislife All-American Game. At 6’2”, McClung has terrific athleticism and gets up fairly high. He’s currently throwing things down for the Delaware Blue Coats, and had that memorable reverse slam last year for the Lakers against the Nuggets.  

Jericho Sims Betting Odds +400

Jericho Sims has 60 dunks this season, which is 63.5 percent of his field goal attempts. He had 33 dunks last year in 41 games. Sims is replacing Shaedon Sharpe in the dunk contest, and he’s a long rangy player at 6’10”, 250 pounds. Sims gets up decently high for a guy his size, and his long arms do give him an advantage. However, we haven’t seen much creativity from Sims yet, as pretty much every dunk so far are basic two-hand slams on rolls to the rim or put backs.

Kenyon Martin Jr. Betting Odds +400

Kenyon Martin Jr. has the most dunks of anybody in this event, as his 122 dunks this season are good for seventh in the league. In 182 games for his career, Martin has 299 dunks and has topped 100 in back-to-back seasons. At 6’7”, 216 pounds, Martin has some explosiveness in this young legs, and he’s not afraid of contact when going to the rim. Martin has countless throw downs over players, making him one of the best in the league today. Martin has the aggressiveness and the fearlessness to give this field a run.

Trey Murphy III Betting Odds +400

Trey Murphy III has 62 dunks this season in 56 games and 79 career dunks in 118 games. It looks like Murphy is still growing into his body at 22 years old, so there’s some awkwardness at times with his footwork, but there’s potential there with his hops and his confidence has improved over his young career. Murphy had a clear path windmill dunk against the Celtics that shows his potential the best for this even. 

Randy’s Free Pick

If looking to bet any of the players at 4 to 1, I’m taking Martin, as his combination of explosiveness and aggressiveness gives him a realistic chance to lift the trophy. Sims and Murphy are a little too long, and I’m afraid it will limit their creativity, like most bigs. However, McClung should be the pick here. McClung is pretty much a professional dunker at this point, as it’s how he made his name in high school, and he always adds some spice when given the chance. Throw in the fact McClung is the one still fighting for consistent NBA minutes, there’s extra motivation for him to put on a show and gain more exposure with fans. Juice in these events is weird, but McClung should win the dunk contest and breathe some life into this thing.

Randy Chambers's Free Pick: Mac McClung -150

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Randy Chambers

Randy has covered sports betting since 2014 and writes about everything from NFL to WNBA. Follow Randy Chambers on Twitter.

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