NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2/18/2023 Analysis, Picks and Odds
It is impossible to think of NBA All-Star Weekend without thinking about iconic moments such as Spud Webb doing a 360 dunk, Michael Jordan jumping from the free-throw line or Vince Carter running his forearm across the rim. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has not featured many notable names in recent years but it is still worth watching. Mac McClung is the NBA Slam Dunk betting favorite for the NBA’s 2023 contest. He signed a two-way deal with the 76ers only three days ago.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Betting Odds
PLAYERS TEAMS ODDS
Mac McClung Philadelphia 76ers -110
Jericho Sims New York Knicks +310
Kenyon Martin Jr. Houston Rockets +310
Trey Murphy III New Orleans Pelicans +365
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Rules
Before you place a wager on the 203 Slam Dunk Contest, make sure that you are familiar with the rules.
A two-round competition will be held between four players.
Each dunk will be scored by five judges based on a score of 40-50
Random draw determines the order of the competition.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2/18/2023 Analysis, Picks and Odds
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Analysis
Mac McClung has seen a lot of money. He went from being a +150 favorite to the odds-on favorite within days. McClung, who is 6-foot-2 and has only played 25 minutes in the NBA, was signed recently by the 76ers. However, he is a rising star with extensive experience in dunk contests. In 2018, McClung, a 19 year old, became a viral sensation when he defeated Rocket Kevin Porter Jr. in the Iverson Classic dunk competition. McClung’s verified vertical is 43.5 inches. It’s always more interesting to watch a smaller man jam. He’s also a skilled dunker, which we know is a testament to his creativity. McClung already stated that he has two unheard-of dunks lined up for Saturday.
It is interesting to see Jericho Sims second on the odds board, especially when you consider that Sims was an early replacement for Shaedon Smarte who announced his retirement last week. Sims is a 6-foot-10 center for the Knicks. He has uncommon athleticism when compared to other large men. Sims’ maximum vertical at the 2021 NBA Combine was 44.5 inches, which tied him for third in history. Sims’ incredible height and bounce allow him to literally reach the top of the rim.
Kenyon Martin Jr. is the most popular name on this list. This is because he shares his name with Kenyon Martin, his father and former first-pick overall Kenyon Martin. His son is a key player for the Rockets with an average of 11.6 points per game and 5.6 rebounds. Martin’s explosive dunks can electrify crowds. His ability to dunk inside-game is perhaps the most impressive among the other players.
Trey Murphy, another young player in the NBA, is making a name for himself. His sharp shooting (making 40% of his threes) and 91% of his free throws has been a highlight for the Pelicans, but his athleticism as well as his hops cannot be ignored.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Free Pick
McClung is a favorite according to NBA Slam Dunk betting odds because of his creativity and experience in dunks. While Martin and Murphy’s in-game dunks were entertaining, neither had the jumping ability like McClung or Sims. Murphy’s smoother style is not suited for a competition such as this, which glorifies rim-rattling strength.
Free Pick: Mac McClung -110
