By Mark Strotman | Mar 7th, 2021 | 3 mins

NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds & Picks for 2021 All-Star Weekend

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The 2021 Dunk Contest isn’t going to make anyone forget about MJ vs. Dominique, Nate Robinson vs. Dwight Howard or Vince Carter shutting down the house. Though this year’s Dunk Contest will take place at halftime of the NBA All-Star Game for the first time, giving it some additional national spotlight, we’ll need to see some incredible dunks to make up for the lack of star power taking place in this year’s event.

Because it’s taking place at halftime of the game, there are only three contestants this year. That evens the playing field considerably, especially considering all three contestants are first-timers who haven’t accomplished much in the NBA to date.

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NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds

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Our Pick To Win The 2021 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest

The most accomplished of the three contestants is Blazers guard Anfernee Simons, who has 15 dunks in 122 career NBA games. This year’s big man participant is Knicks forward Obi Toppin, an admittedly impressive high-flyer but one with 18 career dunks in 27 career games.

Then there’s Cassius Stanley, a highly athletic wing with plenty of hops — but one with 23 career minutes in 8 games with the Pacers this year. If you’re unfamiliar with these dunkers, you’re not alone.

It’s hard to overlook Stanley’s athleticism. Though he has played 23 more minutes than the person reading this article, Stanley broke Zion Williamson’s max vertical jump record as a freshman at Duke last season — Williamson’s vertical was 45 inches, which tells you all you need to know.

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Stanley can and should put on a show. His basketball skills haven’t translated in the NBA thus far, but that won’t matter when it’s his time to show off his bounce. Bet on him with FOX Bet .

There isn’t a longshot here given all three players have similar odds. But a big man hasn’t won the Dunk Contest since 2012, and because Stanley and Simons aren’t household names, there’s a chance we’re due for a power forward to take home the crown.

Toppin is definitely more of an in-game dunker, but his lanky frame should make for some polarizing dunks, and his rookie status combined with the fact that he plays for a Knicks team that has been in the spotlight lately could give him a bump.

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Mark Strotman

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