2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds & Betting Tips
The 2024 Slam Dunk Contest is almost here! Follow along as betting expert, Nick Galaida, breaks down the Slam Dunk Contest odds, format, rules, and betting tips before the event begins this Saturday in Indianapolis.
2024 Slam Dunk Contest Odds
- Mac McClung -190
- Jaylen Brown +420
- Jacob Toppin +600
- Jaime Jaquez +650
NBA All-Star Saturday night will conclude with the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest from Lucas Oil Stadium. The field will be headlined by internet sensation and reigning Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung, who is heavily favored to win the event. Jaylen Brown, Jacob Toppin (brother of Obi), and Jaime Jaquez will round out the competition this year.
- Date: Saturday, February 17th, 2024
- Time: 8 PM ET
- TV: TNT
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Slam Dunk Contest Format
Consistent with previous years, there will be five judges for the event. Each judge will give a score ranging from 40 to 50 for each dunk throughout the evening, with the average of the judge’s scores being used to determine the score for an individual dunk.
Each participant will be given 90 seconds and will be limited to three attempts to complete a successful dunk for each of their opportunities during the competition. A “dunk attempt” is defined as any action taken in an effort to attempt a dunk. If a player makes a dunk, they will be scored on that dunk – they are not allowed to re-attempt any additional dunks, even if they have not used all of their three attempts.
Round 1
Each player will have two dunk opportunities. The competition order for the second dunk attempt will be determined by the inverse order of scores from each player’s first dunk attempt. For example, the player with the lowest dunk score on their first dunk will go for their second dunk attempt.
The two players with the highest combined scores from their two dunks in the opening round (Dunk #1 score + Dunk #2 score) will advance to the championship round of the contest. If two players finish the opening round with the same combined score, the judges will be asked to vote to advance one dunker to the final round.
Championship Round
In the final round, each participant will once again be required to make two separate dunks.
The participant with the lowest total score from the opening round will dunk first in the championship round. The order of competition for the second dunk in the championship round will be determined by the inverse order of scores from the first dunk in the round. For example, the player who has the lower score on their first dunk attempt in the championship round will attempt their second dunk prior to the other player.
The dunker with the highest final-round score (Dunk #1 + Dunk #2) will be crowned the champion of the event.
Tiebreakers (If Necessary)
If both players finish the championship round with the same total score from their two dunks, there will be a “Dunk-Off” to determine the sole winner. In the “Dunk-Off,” each participant will be limited to one attempt.
If there is a tie after the “Dunk-Off” round, the judges will be asked to vote for the winner of the competition.
2024 Slam Dunk Contest Betting Tips
In the Dunk Contest, players are often rewarded for creativity, high-difficulty attempts, and style. Last year, Mac McClung earned a perfect score of 50 on all but one of his dunks. His attempts included a 360-degree reversal on his final attempt – which he converted seemingly with ease. It may seem obvious or unscientific, but the dunk contest is about executing creative dunks while making it look easy.
On Saturday, I will publish a full breakdown of this year’s contestants, taking a look at whether McClung is likely to repeat or if one of the other players in the field has a chance as a dark horse.
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