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.
2022 AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest Info and Betting Odds
Event Information
- Where is the Dunk Contest? Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cleveland, Ohio)
- When is the Dunk Contest? Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Dunk Contest will take place after the Taco Bell Skills Challenge and Three-Point Contest.
- Where can I watch the Dunk Contest? TNT
2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Participants
- Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic
- Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
- Obi Toppin, New York Knicks
- Juan Toscano-Anderson, Golden State Warriors
Odds to Win the 2022 AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest (as of Friday, February 18, 2022)
- Jalen Green: +175
- Obi Toppin: +200
- Cole Anthony: +250
- Juan Toscano-Anderson: +550
2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest odds are via BetMGM.
What is the Format of the Dunk Contest?
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