NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2015: Latest Field Odds and Projected Winner
The NBA All-Star Game is one of the biggest spectacles of the year for basketball because of all the exciting events that take place during the weekend, including the 2015 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest.
There are only four participants in this year’s competition. Casual basketball fans may not know much about Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zach LaVine, Victor Oladipo or Mason Plumlee, but they will after those players thrill the crowd with their athleticism and creativity.
Check out the vital viewing information, betting odds and projected winner for the 2015 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
When: Saturday, Feb. 14
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Watch: TNT
| Zach LaVine | Minnesota Timberwolves | 5-7 | Third |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 49-20 | Fourth |
| Victor Oladipo | Orlando Magic | 7-2 | First |
| Mason Plumlee | Brooklyn Nets | 8-1 | Second |
*Slam Dunk Contest odds via Odds Shark.
Predicted Winner: Victor Oladipo, SG, Orlando Magic
Each of the four stars in this competition has a viable shot at winning, but the player who will steal the show and dominate the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest is Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo.
At just 22 years old, the second-year player will be under the intense scrutiny that comes with the Slam Dunk Contest. As one of the most anticipated events of the year for basketball fans, the pressure will be heavy on each competitor’s shoulders.
Despite Orlando’s abysmal 17-39 overall record this season, Oladipo has not given up and continues to fight as hard as anyone in the league. He is still adjusting to the NBA speed and style, but he is already mature enough to handle the stress of losing.
When asked about his season thus far and what grade he would give himself, Oladipo was extra critical when telling Jessica Camerato of Basketball Insiders:
"‘A’ being the best, [I’d grade myself] maybe a ‘D’ or a ‘C.’ You’ve got to win. That’s a big thing. I just feel like if I continue to keep getting better, sky’s the limit. I can get to an ‘A+.’ I think the big involvement in that is winning and being a huge part of that. I think when I do that, I’ll get to the ‘A+’ that I’m looking for.
"
Oladipo’s disappointment comes from his desire to be the best.
On Saturday, he will be a one-man team with the ability to show the NBA exactly who he is and what he brings to the table. Filled with confidence in his ability, Oladipo shared his desire to thrill at the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on Twitter:
While Oladipo is not one of the league leaders in dunks, according to CBSSports.com’s Dunk-O-Meter, he does not waste his opportunities to get to the rim and will slam it down with authority whenever he gets the chance.
Whether it’s a 360-spin or posterizing defenders, Oladipo has not been afraid to make a name for himself on the court. If he brings the same confidence and swagger to the Slam Dunk Contest, he could easily steal the show and ensure that casual fans remember his name.
*Stats via NBA.com.
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