2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Expert Predictions, Odds, Top Picks, and Start Time for Your Best Bets

Mac McClung, representing the Osceola Magic in the G League, aims for an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Scheduled for Saturday at the Chase Center in San Francisco, this contest could place McClung in the record books as no one has managed to clinch three titles back-to-back. He also stands a chance to tie Nate Robinson, who won the contest in 2006, 2009, and 2010, for the most career dunk championships. Competing alongside him are Matas Buzelis from the Bulls, Stephon Castle of the Spurs, and Andre Jackson Jr. from the Bucks. Contestants will execute a series of dunks across two rounds, evaluated by five judges who will assign scores ranging from 40 to 50. The winner will be decided based on the highest total score. The 2025 Slam Dunk Contest is set to be the final event of All-Star Saturday Night, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET, also featuring the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest.

Currently, McClung is the favorite in the betting odds for the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest at -190 (betting $190 to win $100), followed by Jackson at +550, Buzelis at +600, and Castle at +600. Additionally, McClung holds the lowest odds of -185 to achieve the best score in the first round. Before making any selections for the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest or predictions for All-Star weekend, be sure to check out SportsLine’s expert predictions from Mike Barner.

Mike Barner is a respected figure in the realms of NBA betting and Fantasy sports. His insights have proven effective, evidenced by an impressive 80-52 run on NBA prop picks (+1836) entering the All-Star break. Over the past five seasons at SportsLine, he has demonstrated a winning pattern, with a 470-406 record, generating a significant return of $2,329 for $100 bettors in against-the-spread NBA picks. Those following his advice on sportsbooks and betting apps have likely enjoyed substantial winnings.

Barner has meticulously analyzed the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest from all perspectives and has solidified his predictions. To find out Barner’s top picks for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, visit SportsLine now.

Key Picks and Predictions for the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

One surprising prediction from Barner is his decision to go against McClung. Despite being with the Orlando Magic and logging just five minutes in a single game this season, McClung has a brief history with the Philadelphia 76ers last year, where he averaged 12.5 points over two games. Over the last three years, he has mainly played in the G League with teams like the Osceola Magic, the South Bay Lakers, and the Delaware Blue Coats. Before earning his spot in the dunk contest, McClung gained fame on YouTube for his remarkable dunks during high school, college, and professional games, gaining millions of views.

Barner expresses concern regarding McClung’s path to victory, emphasizing the unpredictability of the judging process. “Even considering his past impressiveness, I can’t justify betting -190 odds on McClung,” he remarked to SportsLine. Barner has identified another contender whom he believes is a better pick than McClung. Discover who Barner is backing here.