NBA Summer League Best Bets, July 7
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The first day of the Las Vegas Summer League tips off, and there are eight exciting games for fans and bettors to keep their eyes on!
The festivities start with rookie sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins leading his New Orleans Pelicans against G-League Ignite alumnus Leonard Miller and the Minnesota Timberwolves. It'll also be the Summer League's first chance to see dynamic guard Scoot Henderson and his Portland Trail Blazers as they face Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, and the Houston Rockets. But the focus will be on the matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets, as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama, takes on second overall pick Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets in the marquee matchup of the night.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves
When: 4:30 PM EST
Minnesota Timberwolves to Win @ FanDuel Sportsbook
NOP Key Players: Dyson Daniels, Jordan Hawkins, E.J. Liddell
MIN Key Players: Leonard Miller, Jaylen Clark, Josh Minnott
Neither the New Orleans Pelicans nor Minnesota Timberwolves sport the most talented rosters of the Las Vegas Summer League. The Timberwolves boast a team of long and versatile defenders, while the Pelicans aim to work off the production of their backcourt. Minnesota's athleticism will give them the edge with the Summer League's pace of play.
Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks
When: 5:00 PM EST
Milwaukee Bucks to Win @ Caesars Sportsbook
DEN Key Players: Collin Gillespie, Cassius Stanley, Ismael Kamagate
MIL Key Players: MarJon Beauchamp, Nico Mannion, Drew Timme
Expect an intriguing inside-outside matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Playmaking favors the Nuggets, with Gillespie leading them, but Milwaukee boasts some incredible size with Tacko Fall and 2023 All-American Drew Timme. It projects to be a one-sided affair with the Milwaukee Bucks on top.
Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors
When: 6:30 PM EST
Toronto Raptors to Win @ DraftKings Sportsbook
CHI Key Players: Dalen Terry, Julian Phillips, Nate Darling
TOR Key Players: Gradey Dick, Marquis Nowell, Ron Harper Jr.
The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors will have a spiritual rematch of their 2023 Play-In matchup when they face off in the Summer League. The Chicago Bulls are led by an athletic pairing of Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips, who will look to push the pace. Toronto counters with a more traditional lineup, featuring electric but diminutive guard Marquis Nowell and top rookie shooter Gradey Dick. It should be one of the most exciting games of the night.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets
When: 7:00 PM EST
Houston Rockets to Win @ FanDuel Sportsbook
POR Key Players: Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Kris Murray
HOU Key Players: Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore
Portland Trail Blazers fans will glimpse their post-Lillard future when their hyper-athletic pairing of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe take the court together. Houston will be led by sophomore big man Jabari Smith Jr. while showcasing 2023 draft pick Amen Thompson. This is a closer matchup than the lines suggest.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets
When: 8:30 PM EST
Brooklyn Nets to Win @ Caesars Sportsbook
CLE Key Players: Emoni Bates, Isaiah Mobley, Sam Merrill
BKN Key Players: David Duke Jr., Armoni Brooks, Noah Clowney
The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for some surprise contributors, so expect varied participation, with Emoni Bates and Isaiah Mobley taking the spotlight. The Brooklyn Nets will rely on experienced Summer League participants like David Duke Jr. and Armoni Brooks. The Nets' advantage in guard play may be the difference maker.
Charlotte Hornets vs San Antonio Spurs
When: 9:00 PM EST
San Antonio Spurs to Win @ DraftKings Sportsbook
CHO Key Players: Brandon Miller, James Bouknight, Nick Smith Jr.
SAS Key Players: Victor Wembanyama, Sidy Cissoko, Julian Champagnie
In the night's marquee matchup, the Charlotte Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs face off in a showing of the top two picks of the 2023 NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets have third-year guard James Bouknight leading the way, but rookie star Brandon Miller will be the focus of fans and bettors. Equally, the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama, will have his first showing against NBA-level competition. Expect an exciting matchup!
Sacramento Kings vs Atlanta Hawks
When: 10:30 PM EST
Sacramento Kings to Win @ Caesars Sportsbook
SAC Key Players: Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, Colby Jones
ATL Key Players: Kobe Bufkin, Mouhamed Gueye, Brady Manek
The Sacramento Kings will benefit from participating in the Sacramento Summer League before debuting in Las Vegas, as the likes of Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, and Neemias Queta have already been performing. Atlanta aims to hold them off behind rookie-scoring ace Kobe Bufkin. The Hawks may be slightly disadvantaged, with the Kings already in playing form.
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers
When: 11:00 PM EST
Los Angeles Lakers to Win @ FanDuel Sportsbook
GSW Key Players: Reggie Perry, Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis
LAL Key Players: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Christie, Scotty Pippen Jr.
The Golden State Warriors are showing off a guard-heavy roster with experienced big man Reggie Perry handling the paint. The Lakers aim to get a better look at their young players, particularly Max Christie and versatile rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino. The pace of play will define who wins this game, with the Lakers showing off a better batch of playmakers.
AUTHOR
Christian Jope
1089 Articles
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
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