The 2023 NBA summer session is near conclusion as the Las Vegas 2K24 Summer League enters its few days this weekend. Three teams went undefeated, and those squads and the Brooklyn Nets make up the semifinalists for the event. So, Sunday’s semifinals will feature the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0) vs. the Nets (3-1) and the Houston Rockets (4-0) vs. the Utah Jazz (4-0). But before we get there, seven consolation contests will take place on July 15.
Las Vegas 2K24Summer League: Preview, Odds, and Predictions For July 15
Here are my predictions for all seven games, which include four best bets.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 2:30 p.m. (ET), Thomas & Mack Center, NBA TV/ESPN+
The Charlotte Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves square off a first on Saturday. The Hornets (0-4) enter the contest as one of four winless teams in Vegas. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (1-3) are on a three-game skid.
Charlotte has struggled shooting the ball and defensively this summer. However, the Hornets have rebounded the ball well. The Hornets average 79.8 points while allowing 88.9 in Vegas. They have produced a shooting slash line of .371/.291/.718.
No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller has played better in Vegas than in the Califonia Classic. But Miller didn’t play in Charlotte’s 89-83 loss to New Orleans on Thursday and won’t play today either. Still, there are plenty of reasons to check out this game, as Nick Smith Jr. and Amari Bailey have shown flashes of brilliance. James Bouknight and Bryce McGowens are coming off their best summer performances, while James Nnaji has done an excellent job on the glass.
Minnesota is coming off a 93-80 loss to Sacramento on Thursday, as Timberwolves leading scorer Brandon Williams only played 10 minutes. Williams, who played briefly for Portland in 2021-22, and rookie Leonard Miller have been excellent this summer. Williams is averaging 17.3 points on 52.2% shooting from the field. Miller has produced 16.0 points and 8.3 rebounds with a shooting slash line of .490/.375/.800. Josh Minot and Wendell Moore Jr. are also averaging double-figures.
The Timberwolves average 92.8 points and allow 97.1. The Wolves have struggled shooting from the 3-point line. and turnovers. But, they do share the ball well.
Minnesota is favored by -3.0 points. The Over/Under is set at 179.5 points. The Timberwolves are listed at -150, and the Hornets are at +130 on the money line.
Best Bet: Minnesota -150.
Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors, 3:00 p.m. (ET), Cox Pavilion, ESPN
The Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors are second on the docket today. The Warriors (0-4) and Raptors (0-4) are looking for their first Vegas victory.
Toronto is the worst shooting team in Vegas, and the Raptors also have struggled with turnovers. The Raptors average 83.5 points and allow 93.8 a contest, making their -10.3 scoring margin the second worst in the league.
2023 lottery pick Gradey Dick has struggled shooting the ball, particularly from deep, but still leads the team with 13.0 points a game. Free agent Moses Brown has been exceptional around the rim, compiling 11.3 points on 68.3% shooting and 7.3 boards a game. Ron Harper Jr,, Markquis Nowell and D.J. Hogg, are also averaging double-figures.
Defense has been an issue for Golden State this summer. The Warriors average 94.8 points with a shooting slash line of .414/.305/.730 and are one of the better rebounding squads. However, they are permitting over 103 points a game.
Lester Quinones, a restricted free agent, has been fantastic in the six summer league games though he has struggled shooting the ball in Vegas. The Warriors’ 202 second-round pick Gui Santos has also been balling out, while their 2023 draft picks have had mixed results. Brandin Podziemski has demonstrated his all-around game though he has struggled shooting the ball in Vegas. Trayce Jackson-Davis made his summer debut versus the Rockets, compiling 14 points and seven boards in 20 minutes.
Reggie Perry, currently a UFA, averages a double-double in Vegas. Undrafted rookie Kendric Davis has been impressive with his 3-point shooting, playmaking, and ball-handling abilities.
Golden State is favored by -1.5 points. The Over/Under is set at 179.5 points. The Warriors are listed at -125 on the money line, and the Raptors are at +105.
Best Bet: Warriors -125
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Sacramento Kings, 4:30 p.m. (ET), Thomas & Mack Center, NBA TV/ ESPN+
The Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings enter their last summer league game with identical 2-2 record. Neither team scores a lot of points, and both have played fairly good defense. MarJon Beauchamp and Lindell Wiggins lead the way for the Bucks. Meanwhile, with Keegan Murray not playing in Vegas, unrestricted free agent point guard Jordan Ford has stepped up his game for the Kings. Keon Ellis. Kessler Edwards and 2023 second-round selection Colby Jones have been good this summer though Jones has struggled a bit in Vegas.
This is a pick-em game. The Over/Under is set at 174.5 points. Both squads are listed at -110 on the money line.
Best Bet: Under 174.5 points.
Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls, 5:00 p.m. (ET), Cox Pavilion, 5 p.m. (ET), ESPN
This contest between the Washington Wizards (2-2) and Chicago Bulls (2-2) could be the game of the night. Depending on who plays, plenty of points could be put on the board.
Unrestricted free-agent Javon Freeman-Liberty, a Chicago native and member of the Windy City Bulls last season, leads Chicago. Freeman-Liberty averages 20.5 points,4.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists with a shooting slash line of .491/.450/.826. 2023 rookies Julian Phillips and Adama Sanogo, on a two-way pact, have also played well, while 2021 Bulls’ first-round choice Dalen Terry has struggled.
Meanwhile, Washington youngsters have played pretty well. 2023 lottery pick Bilal Coulibaly, and second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic leads the charges. More importantly, 2022 No. 10 selection Johnny Davis may have finally regained his shooting stroke after a horrendous rookie campaign. However, Davis did show his scoring chops late in the regular season for the Wiz.
Washington is favored by -1 points. The Over/Under is set at 180.5 points. The Wizards are -120, and the Bulls are +100 on the money line.
Best Bet: Washington -1 (-110).
Other Picks
Boston Celtics (-3.5) Over Orlando Magic
Denver Nuggets-New York Knicks Over 178.5 Points (-110)
Phoenix Suns (+3.5) Over Memphis Grizzlies
All odds are courtesy of DraftKings.
