NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2015: TV, Live Stream Info and Final Predictions
The 2015 NBA Slam Dunk Contest takes place on Saturday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, capping off the weekend festivities before Sunday's main game in style.
A field full of talented youngsters will wow fans with sensational athleticism and innovative, rim-rocking concepts. Only one player will emerge victorious and go down in the history of this unique competition, which features past champions such as Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and Kobe Bryant, among others.
There aren't any of those types of legendary names on the entry list this time around, but several potential stars of the future will be vying for the top prize.
Adi Joseph of USA Today reports that the Slam Dunk Contest—the fourth and final fixture on Saturday evening—will start at approximately 10:15 p.m. ET.
Read on for an overview of the TV and live stream information, along with predictions as to who will come out on top.
| Saturday, Feb. 14 | Giannis Anetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic), Zach LaVine (Minnesota Timberwolves), Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets) | 10:15 p.m. | TNT | TNT Overtime |
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Predictions
The home fans have to stick by their own, so Brooklyn Nets big man Mason Plumlee is sure to get a warm reception at the Barclays Center.
Plumlee has underrated explosiveness for his size and should surprise spectators with it, but he's up against some insurmountable competition.
Let's start off with the projected third-place contestant: Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo. It's no knock against the 2013 No. 2 overall draft pick that he's third out of four.
There won't be quite enough of a "wow" factor from Oladipo from a purely aesthetically pleasing standpoint to warrant higher scores than the two men who will finish ahead of him.
Bleacher Report NBA expert Jared Zwerling believes Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Zach LaVine will have a coming-out party of sorts:
To put the "aesthetically pleasing" remark into context, Oladipo's slightly shorter, thicker frame should produce powerful dunks with a high degree of difficulty because of his demonstrated knack for attacking the basket.
But LaVine's wiry frame and vicious throwdowns will be even more impressive.
LaVine generated plenty of buzz with his pre-draft workout with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report was on the scene to capture video of LaVine's ridiculous vertical leap of 46 inches.
The 19-year-old dynamo isn't backing down as a trendy favorite:
Due to the Timberwolves' putrid season and Ricky Rubio's recent return to the lineup, it's been easy for fans to lose track of LaVine as he continues to acclimate to the NBA.
However, the Slam Dunk Contest has no bearing on LaVine's overall development as a player—it's his chance to showcase his amazing, raw talent. There's a chance LaVine could even win the whole competition, depending on what type of acrobatics he can flash between takeoff and the hoop.
The winner will be Giannis Antetokounmpo, a 20-year-old who lives up to his "Greek Freak" nickname.
One reason the Milwaukee Bucks have hung tough in the Eastern Conference playoff race is due to Antetokounmpo's development and penchant for highlight-reel dunks. Antetokounmpo has a guard skill set in terms of fluidity and quickness, despite standing at 6'11".
For as much deserved acclaim as LaVine will draw, the difference in the Slam Dunk Contest will be the even more visually striking angles of dunking Antetokounmpo is capable of. That is bound to impress the judges most.
If casual fans aren't yet familiar with the likes of Antetokounmpo, he's going to make a name for himself on All-Star Weekend. Should he continue on his promising trajectory, there's reason to believe Antetokounmpo will be around for the actual All-Star Game in the years to come.
Note: Contest information courtesy of NBA.com unless otherwise indicated.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
