Twitter: @GGirlSports
There is officially three more days of Summer League, and eight games are on the slate today, starting at 4:30 PM EST. In today's article, we will discuss the best plays, odds and stats. All games today will be held at Cox Pavilion and Thomas & Mack Center, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, all games will air on ESPN, ESPN2 or NBA TV. Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, Jaden Harvy, Amen Thompson, Keyonte George, and Jabari Smith Jr. have all been shut down for the summer league for various reasons, of you're looking to bet on props. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know. Let's cash out tonight!
OKC Thunder (2-1) vs. Washington Wizards (1-2)
Spread: Thunder -4.5
Broadcast: NBA TV
Over/Under: 184.5
Money Line: Thunder -175, Wizards: +150
Prediction:
The Oklahoma City Thunder are 2-1 and covered the spread in two of the last three games. OKC is without second year player, Jalen Williams, and it is unclear if Chet Holmgren will play tonight. The Thunder have NBA ready players, including Ousmane Dieng and Chet Holmgren. Second year player Jaylin Williams has struggled, and Jared Butler has been consistent. Additionally, OKC is coming of a 98-87 win against the Pacers, and Holmgren had his best performance of the Summer. Chet was +18 on the floor, scored 25 points, on 9-15 and 7-8 free-throw shooting. Holmgren had 5 blocks, 1 steal, and 9 rebounds as well. With that performance, I would not be surprised if the Thunder shuts him down for the remainder of the summer. Overall, the Thunder shoot great from the field, however, are only shooting 30 % from the three-point.
The Wizards are 1-2 and are coming off a three-day break. Washington lost to the Spurs 96-85 their last game and have drafted rookies Bilal Coulibaly and Xavier Cooks. All of their starters have been consistent, although not one player has yet to dominate and take over games. Ryan Rollins, included in the Jordan Poole trade, has had some consistent games for the Wizards, along with Johnny Davis, the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Overall, the Wizards rank near last in three-point shooting, (25 percent), and average 90 points a game.
If Holmgren and Dieng play, the Thunder have NBA ready talent and depth. Although the Wizards have young talent, I've yet to see a player take over any games. Plus, they don't have proven NBA talent. I would like to point out Coulibaly and Vukevic are forces on both sides of the floor. Give me OKC +4.5 here (-110).
LA Clippers (2-1) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2)
Spread: Clippers: -1.5
Broadcast: ESPN2
Over/Under: 185
Money Line: Clippers: -125, 76ers: +105
Prediction:
The Clippers are coming off a two-game which streak and have a + 4.3 point differential. In their last two wins, the Clippers have had low scoring games, and kept their opponents to 74 points scored and under. "Microwave Scorer" Xavier Moon has been playing exceptionally well and consistent, along with Kobe Brown. Outside of those two, there isn't a ton of offense generated by other players. Los Angeles is a well balance team, who is more team centered, rather than just one player.
The 76ers are coming off a two-game losing streak, in which they lost to the Atlanta Hawks by one Point. Although defense is an issue, Philadelphia put up 98 points against Atlanta, and 103 points against Dallas. Philadelphia is full of young talent, including Ricky Council IV, Jaden Springer, Terquavion Smith, and Javonte Smith, just to name a few. The 76ers are second in the league in points scored, along with three-point percentage (37.8).
I think this will be an absolute showdown between Xavier Moon, Kobe Brown, Jaden Springer, Terquavion Smith, and other offensive players. I think Philadelphia has more offensive weapons, although I do think the Clippers will score on them. In what should be a close game, the 76ers have the slight edge in talent and depth. Give me Philadelpha +1.5 (-110).
Boston Celtics (1-2) vs. New York Knicks (1-2)
Spread: Boston: -1.5
Broadcast: NBA TV
Over/Under: 183.5
Money Line: Boston: -125, Knicks: +105
Prediction:
The Boston Celtics recently got their first win of the summer against the Lakers, 95-90. Boston's only pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Jordan Walsh, had his best game of the summer. Walsh scored 25 points on 10-20, 2-7 shooting, and grabbed 8 rebounds. Jay Scrubb had another nice game with 18 points off the bench, and the Celtics had five players with 10 points or more. Dalano Banton, a recent free agent signing for Boston, had a cold shooting night, and finished with 12 points. Although Boston doesn't have any big proven names, Justin Champagnie and Jay Scrubb have NBA experience, and JD Davidson with the G-League. All eyes will be on Jordan Walsh again tonight, who was an elite defender at Arkansas.
The Knicks won their last game, 82-80, in overtime, against an Orlando Magic team who remains winless. New York has barely scored 80 points in their last two games and haven't had a ton of offense dominated by a single player. In their last two games, the Knicks are shooting under 30 percent from the three. Besides Charlie Brown Jr., and Jaylen Martin from Overtime Elite, it's been hard to find explosive offense from other players.
Boston is coming off an impressive win against the Lakers, who have a lot of talent. Although the Knicks have young players, they don't have as much depth or talent as Boston. The Celtics have more experience in both the summer league, G-League, and the NBA. Give me Boston -1.5 (-110).
Dallas Mavericks (2-1) vs. Indiana Pacers (2-1)
Spread: Pacers: -2.5
Broadcast: ESPN
Over/Under: 179.5
Money Line: Mavericks: +125, Pacers: -145
Prediction:
The Mavericks announced yesterday that Jaden Hardy will miss the remainder of the Summer League, due to a shoulder contusion. In three games this summer, Jaden Hardy averaged 23 points per game. The Mavericks also shut down McKinley Wright, who has an ankle sprain. In two summer games, Wright averaged 8.5 points per game, and shot very well. The Mavericks are coming off a 98-86 win against the Warriors, in which Hardy led the way with 21 points. Dereck Lively II, Mike Miles Jr., A.J Lawson, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper will all have to step up in Hardy's absence.
The Pacers are coming off a 98-87 loss against the Thunder. Indiana was without second year player, Benedict Mathurin, and it's unclear if he will return for tonight's game. The Pacers also sat Andrew Nembhard. Jarace Walker added 20 points, although he was cold from the three. In addition, Isaiah Wong had 17 points, the 55th overall pick from Miami. It was clear the absence of Mathurin and Nemhard affected the Pacers. They shot just 38 percent from the field, and Sheppard had an off game.
Without Hardy and Nembhard, the Mavericks are missing two players who could easily score over 20 points. Dallas currently ranks 6th in points per game (96.3), and they allow nearly 97 points per game. Also, if Benedict Mathurin doesn't play, that will discount a portion of offense for the pacers. With their top offensive players out, I like under 180.5 points.
Miami Heat (2-1) vs. Denver Nuggets (0-3)
Spread: Heat: -4.5
Broadcast: NBA TV
Over/Under: 177
Money Line: Heat: -190, Nuggets: +160
Prediction:
The Miami Heat are coming off a 91-72 win against the Milwaukee Bucks and are currently on a one game winning streak. Although Miami shot an impressive 49 percent from the field, they shot 26 percent from the three. The Heat were without two of their top producers, Nikola Jovic and Jamie Jaquez Jr. Center Orlando Robinson had another monstrous game, scoring 25 points, 2 steals, and 8 rebounds. Also, Jamal Cain had another big night with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Drew Peterson added 10 points, and had a great night defensively, along with Jamaree Bouyea, who had a triple double. Look for Dru Smith to step up tonight as well.
The Denver Nuggets are searching for their first win of the summer and are coming off a 96-91 loss against the Utah Jazz. Although Denver is winless, their last two games have been decided within 5 points, and the Nuggets have scored over 90 points the last two matchups. The Nuggets are led by Collin Gillespie, who is coming off a leg fracture in 2022. Cassius Stanley, Julian Strawther, and Hunter Tyson are players to look out for tonight.
The Denver Nuggets covered the spread last game and have a shot with Jovic and Jaquez Jr. out. In addition, Denver shot 41 percent from the three, and 36 percent the game before. Denver is due a win, or at least to keep this game close, as long as Orlando Robinson doesn't have another big night. Give me Denver +4.5 (-110).
San Antionio Spurs (2-1) vs. Detroit Pistons (2-1)
Spread: Pistons: -3
Broadcast: ESPN
Over/Under: 184
Money Line: Spurs: +130, Detroit: -150
Prediction:
The Spurs announced this week they saw all they needed to see from rookie Victor Wembanyama, and will shut him down for the remainder of the summer. We saw the Spurs play well in the California Summer Classic, are coming off a one game win streak, and have a point differential of +4.7. The Spurs have some serious hoopers in Malaki Branham, Dominick Barlow, Julian Champagnie, and Blake Wesley. The Spurs rank third in the league in defense (78.3 opponent points per game), although they are ranked near last in points scored (84). San Antiono is coming off nearly a 100-point performance, in which four of their starters had points in double figures.
The Pistons entered the Summer League with one of the most talented, NBA ready rosters. Detroit shut down the play of Jaden Ivey, James Wiseman, and Jalen Duren, who made up for the bulk of the offense. The Pistons are coming off a 94-90 win against the Raptors, in which Amen Thompson had 17 points, 4 steals, 2 blocks, and 9 rebounds. With the core players out, all eyes will be on Thompson, Marcus Sasser out of Houston, and Jared Rhoden. The Pistons also have a deep bench, which provided 30 points.
It's unclear if the Spurs will continue to start their main core of players. We saw Detroit barely get a win over a Raptors team who isn't good and caught up at the end of the game. Assuming San Antonio will start their main core, I like their chances. Give me San Antonio +3.
Utah Jazz (3-0) vs. Phoenix Suns (1-2)
Spread: Jazz: -5
Broadcast: NBA TV
Over/Under: 179
Money Line: Jazz: -205, Suns: +175
Prediction:
The Utah Jazz remain undefeated, and one of the best teams this summer. In fact, they rank third in the league in points scored (103), fourth in three-point percentage (37.3), and second in field goal percentage (48.5). The Jazz have high scoring offense in all three games, led by Keyonte George, Colbey Ross, Ochai Agbaji, Luke Samanic, Micah Potter, and others. In three games, rookie Keyonte George is averaging 21.7 points, and is shooting nearly 45 percent from the three. This Utah team is an extremely talented group full of players with NBA Experienced and impressive rookies. Unfortunately, George will miss the rest of the summer with an injury.
The Suns are coming off a one game losing streak against the Pelicans, 82-73. In their three games, the Suns rank last in points scored (73.3) and have a -5.3-point differential. One only player, Sherfield had over 10 points in their starting lineup, and the minimum offense is concerning. Phoenix also ranks second to last in three-point percentage. (23.5) and free-throw percentage (56.5).
If the Jazz play all their core players, I don't believe this game will be close. Utah has NBA experienced players, more depth and talent. For the Suns, I expect Hale, Gabe Brown, and Sherfield to put up a fight tonight on both sides of the court. I cannot trust the Suns with the little offense they've put out. Even with Keyonte George out, Give me Jazz -5.
Memphis Grizzlies (1-2) vs. LA Lakers (2-1)
Spread: Lakers: -2.5
Broadcast: ESPN
Over/Under: 182.5
Money Line: Grizzlies: +125, Lakers: -145
Prediction:
The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a two-game losing streak, including a loss to the Clippers, 83-74. Memphis has talent between Jake LaRavia, Kenneth Lofton Jr., and David Roddy. Memphis played hard defense last game, in which Lofton Jr. and Gilyard had two steal a piece. Jake LaRavia put up 22 points on 6-15 and 2-7 shooting, along with Lofton Jr (24 points). I've said this all summer, Memphis doesn't have big NBA names or talent surround them, especially off the bench.
The Lakers are coming off a loss against Boston and are a very top-heavy team. The Lakers have a high scoring offense, featured by Max Christie, Hodge, Hood-Schifino, Swider, and Castleton. Although they lost by 5 points against Boston, the Lakers shot 40 percent from the three, and nearly 89 percent from the free-throw line. It's important to note, Los Angeles only had 6 points off their bench from Baugh.
Overall, I think the Grizzlies will play tough defense against the Lakers. Los Angeles has stronger starters, and a much more productive offense than Memphis. Look for all of their starters to continue to impress and fight for a roster spot. Give me Lakers -2.5 (-110).
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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of Ballislife.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/YouTube/Kick/Twitch/Instagram: @GGirlSports.
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