2022 NBA All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest Best Bets
We are in for another amazing dunk contest, and I am really excited to see what each of these contestants can do. Jalen Green (+125) of the Houston Rockets is the betting favorite at +125, and there is no denying that he plays with crazy athletic ability, and a bit of flare. Obi Toppin (+175) has proven to be the best in-game dunker of the bunch, and he has experience in the Dunk Contest, so expect him to be prepared and ready to avenge his second-place finish last time out. Cole Anthony (+350) and Juan Toscano-Anderson (+475) have much longer odds, and while they both are good players who belong in the NBA in their respective roles, it is tough to see either having the athletic ability of Toppin or Green.
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My favorite play on the dunk contest is Obi Toppin, as there is real value at almost 2:1 in the runner-up last year who really performed amazingly. He can jump out of the gym, and I think his experience will allow him to be more realistic with what is possible, and also allow him to be much more under control with the time running on him. Tyrese Haliburton was quoted in saying that he went to dinner with Toppin, and he is excited to see him perform and that he “has some tricks up his sleeve.” While this was not all-telling for me, it is always nice to other NBA players recognize the ability of others.
There is no ignoring how much raw athleticism and dunking ability Jalen Green has, but I think with the showmanship that he has, he is going to try a little too hard and take a couple of chances and use up all of the time and attempts that he gets. At +125, the odds aren’t long enough for me to take a shot on him, knowing that Obi is right there with an answer to any mistake Green may make. He is young, explosive, and a good in-game dunker in his own right, but I think this year is the year Obi brings the hype back to the contest.
All in all, these are plays to back a side and support, and anyone entering this contest is one of the most elite athletes in the world today. But this is not a bet to throw the house on, as everyone in it is motivated to both go viral and be a champion. As a result, I will be betting on Obi Toppin, but not enough that if he was to lose for some reason that I cannot still enjoy the festivities.
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