I have breaking news about the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest! Due to injury, J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets will be replacing Rudy Gay (left hip flexor strain) in the event this Saturday night.

I also wanted to remind you that fans can text their vote or vote at NBA.com/dunk to help choose this year’s Sprite Slam Dunk Champion. To get in the competitive spirit, the dunkers discuss their thoughts on who they’ll be facing in these new videos below — disregard the Rudy Gay references .

Dwight Howard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAG3QYCWR6U

Nate Robinson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WolTNEMucXI

Rudy Fernandez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp0dWl2iDsw

For more info, see the official Sprite Slam Dunk page: http://www.nba.com/dunk

Watch NBA All-Star Saturday Night Feb. 14 On TNT To Decide Who Will Be The 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Champion!