2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest: A High-Flying Showdown
2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds:
| Mac McClung | -225 |
| Andre Jackson Jr. | +550 |
| Matas Buzelis | +750 |
| Stephon Castle | +750 |
2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
The basketball world is gearing up for one of the most electrifying spectacles of All-Star Weekend—the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The contest has shown some decline over the past few years, but back at its peak, this event was the star of the show on Saturday night, delivering jaw-dropping moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Iconic moments such as Michael Jordan’s free-throw dunk, Domique Wilkins’ windmill, and most recently, the Zach Lavine vs Aaron Gordon epic showdown, was some of the epic moments this event offered us throughout the years.
This year’s edition brings four elite dunkers to center stage, but all eyes are on Mac McClung. The high-flying guard, currently on a two-way deal with the Orlando Magic, has a shot at making history by becoming the contest’s first-ever three-peat champion. While Nate Robinson also boasts three titles, his victories were spread out over several years, making McClung’s potential feat even more remarkable.
Before the action unfolds, let’s take a closer look at the contestants and what they bring to the competition.
2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
Selected 11th overall in last year’s draft, Buzelis has been stepping up for the Bulls, especially since the team moved on from Zach LaVine at the trade deadline. After a slow start to the season, he’s been hitting his stride, posting double-digit points in each of his last eight games.
While his versatility is his biggest strength on the court, his explosive leaping ability makes him a natural fit for this contest. With his playing time having increased lately, we have seen more of what he is capable to do, especially in the paint.
Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
A key young piece alongside Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, Castle, the No. 4 pick in the draft, has a smooth, effortless bounce that could translate well to the competition. His ability to elevate with ease is impressive enough, but it’s the sheer power behind his dunks that might leave the crowd speechless.
2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Andre Jackson Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
One of the older participants in the field, Jackson is a bit of a wildcard. He does a little bit of everything for Milwaukee—except taking a high volume of shots—which has limited his playing time in the Bucks’ floor-spacing system built around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, when Jackson gets minutes, his athleticism is on full display. It only takes a brief glimpse of his explosiveness to understand why he’s a serious threat in this competition. He has made some serious highlights this season, where his full jumping ability was displayed.
Mac McClung (Orlando Magic – Two-Way Contract)
Before he even reached the NBA, McClung was a viral dunking sensation, with high school mixtapes that made him a favorite among dunk fans. His unique blend of creativity and pure bounce makes him tailor-made for this event, and he knows exactly what it takes to win, and he is the most motivated participant of all.
2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Prediction: Can McClung Make History?
While this year’s contest may not feature the biggest household names, every competitor is a serious dunking talent. Any of them could take home the trophy with the right performance.
That being said, McClung has the experience and showmanship to pull off another victory. He’s been in this position before, and he’s clearly still motivated to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“I love the contest, man,” McClung recently said. “It’d be an action in fear not to do it again. So, I’ll do it—one last time.”
His challengers won’t make it easy for him—especially Castle, who could put on a show despite his lower odds. But when it’s all said and done, history will likely be made, with McClung completing his three-peat and cementing his status as one of the greatest dunk contest performers of all time.
Nick’s Free Pick: Mac McClung
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