NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2013: Gambling Guide for Exciting All-Star Weekend Event

The Slam Dunk Contest is usually the most exciting event of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend and 2013 should be no different.

The event features a field of six competitors (three representing each conference) that includes two former champions and a number of the game’s top high-flyers vying for the recognition that comes with winning this contest.

It’s a blast to watch, and the Dunk Contest can be even more thrilling by placing a wager down on the winner. Let’s take a look at the latest odds (courtesy of Bovada.lv) and help you pick a champion come Saturday night.

Start Time: Saturday, Feb. 16, at 8:30 p.m. ET  (Fourth event of night)

TV: Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on TNT

Where: Toyota Center, Houston

Live Stream: TNT Overtime

Mobile: NBA Mobile

Odds to Win

James White (New York Knicks, Eastern Conference): 29/20

Terrence Ross (Toronto Raptors, Eastern Conference): 7/2

Gerald Green (Indiana Pacers, Eastern Conference): 7/2

Eric Bledsoe (Los Angeles Clippers, Western Conference): 11/2

Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets, Western Conference): 13/2

Jeremy Evans (Utah Jazz, Western Conference): 8/1

Predicted Runner-Up: Eric Bledsoe

This backup guard is an absolute freak of an athlete, and it’s great that the world is finally going to get a chance to see.

When viewers catch the 6’1” budding star rising up to jam, it’s going to be one of the most incredible scenes of the night. This 23-year-old can soar, and he’s certainly going to be the most visually impressive—even if it’s not technically difficult or been seen before.

Given that the fans are voting for the winner of each round (via texts, tweets and other means), we believe that Bledsoe will represent the West in the finals. Faried is more of an in-game dunker, while Evans just isn’t that popular and managed to win last year in one of the weaker fields of all time (as evidenced by his 8/1 odds, the longest in the event.)

 

Predicted Champion: James White

The Knickerbockers swingman was born to be in the NBA Dunk Contest, and after 30 years, he’s finally here.

After bouncing around the league for years and playing in numerous different locations, he’s finally caught on with one of the most popular teams in the league and been recognized for his dunking ability by being selected to compete on Saturday night.

White has a number of unique dunks in his repertoire, including a between-the-legs from the free throw line that you need to see to believe.

While the 30-year-old may not be able to sky like he could in his youth, he’s a highly creative talent and is always cooking up new slams in his head. He has the experience, savvy and pure athleticism to win this—hands down.

His odds may not be great, but White is a lock to take home the dunk title in 2013.