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Summer League Preview

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
20 minute read
For the first time ever, all 30 teams will participate in the MGM Resorts Summer League, which boosts what had already become a great event that has increased in popularity in Las Vegas. A few teams debuted in Salt Lake City and Sacramento, so some already have issues to be aware of.

Spreads are available for individual games and can make for excellent opportunities based on projected matchups and key players often being held out. Knowledge is power in that regard, so you have to do your homework for these. Feel free to follow via Twitter @TonyMejiaNBA as I'll be passing info along if I see an angle worth exploring. Although teams do play hard late in the tournament to try and win the title, don't lose sight of the fact that it's still just Summer League at the end of the day. If there's a decision to be made whether to play a young building block whose nicked up, teams are always going to take the cautious approach.




Consider that when betting futures, especially if you're thinking of picking a champ based on one or two players. Riding the 'under' is one way to go since most teams play at a more deliberate pace and solid execution is often hard to come by. Action begins on July 6 and will continue through July 17 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. After three preliminary games to help determine seeding, teams will play a tournament format and ultimately determine a champ, knockout-style. Here's a team-by-team preview snapshot, with futures odds courtesy of the Westgate Superbook.


Atlanta Hawks
Title Odds: 25/1 (+2500)
Coach: Chris Jent

The Hawks went out to Salt Lake City and experienced disappointment since Trae Young shot the ball terribly, going 10-for-48 from the field and 2-for-21 from 3-point range. That's a nightmarish start when you consider his ability to make defenses respect his range will dictate his effectiveness. He's hoping Las Vegas treats his jumper with more kindness, and there doesn't appear to be anything wrong mechanically, so we'll see if the issue was simply a slow start in a new gym. Lloyd Price is giving way to the experienced Jent, who also has standout guard Tyler Dorsey, Jaylen Adams, Jaylen Morris and Antonius Cleveland. Unfortunately, wing Kevin Huerter's hand is still too injured for him to play. There's plenty of talent up front with John Collins, No. 30 pick Omari Spellman, France-based big man Alpha Kaba and undrafted college standouts like Texas Tech's Zach Smith and Saint Mary's center Jock Landale. It's hard to back Young without seeing him straighten that shot out.


Boston Celtics
Title Odds: 20/1 (+2000)
Coach: Jay Larranaga

Even though Boston's most formidable young guns are shelved, this should still be a competitive group. Semi Ojeleye should get opportunities, while the Celtics should also get a great look at frontcourt options Guerschon Yabusele and No. 27 pick Robert Williams, who hasn't been the most punctual of fellows since being drafted into the pros. He can ease a few concerns by showing off his ability to dominate with defense and rebounding, but he'll still need to prove he can be a pro no matter how well he plays. Kadeem Allen knows the system and gets to run the team knowing that this is his time to shine given who is in front of him on the depth chart. Jabari Bird could ultimately dictate how well Boston fares since he and Pierria Henry must score in order to be successful.


Brooklyn Nets
Title Odds: 30/1 (+3000)
Coach: Jacque Vaughn

Center Jarrett Allen and guard Caris LeVert face some obligations here. The 6-11 center is going to start in the middle and play major minutes in his second season and will be the focal point at both ends. The hope for LeVert is that he'll be able to show he's more of a playmaker, and the goal is to try and find another potential contributor. Texas A&M center Tyler Davis has a chance to impress, as will Latvian forward Rodions Kurucs. Unfortunately, Croatian forward Dzanan Musa won't participate, which will leave more shots for guards Milton Doyle, Yuta Watanbe, Semaj Christon and Jordan McLaughlin.


Charlotte Hornets
Title Odds: 10/1 (+1000)
Coach: Jay Hernandez

With Mitch Kupchak taking over as GM and James Borrego coaching, there's definitely a feel of a new direction, which may or may not include Kemba Walker before the summer is up. That makes this an important event for Malik Monk, Dwayne Bacon and 2018 draftees Miles Bridges, Devonte' Graham and Lithuanian Arnoldas Kulboka. Spanish center Willy Hernangomez and Austrlian Mangok Mathiang could have more opportunities with Dwight Howard gone. This should be a motivated group that could make a run.


Chicago Bulls
Title Odds: 251 (+2500)
Coach: Randy Brown

Although there are a few guards who should play major roles, Wendell Carter, Jr. finally gets to bask in the spotlight. The Duke product who took a back seat to others in his lone year in college opened eyes with his versatility in workouts. No. 22 pick Chandler Hutchison is another potential big piece who will get plenty of touches with this team. Guard Antonio Blakeney, Ryan Arcidiacono and Melo Trimble can all make plays and set the table, but knocking down 3-pointers will play a major role in how successful this team can be, which makes feared sniper Matt Williams, Jr. and rookies Hutchison and Loyola-Chicago's Donte Ingram x-factors.


Cleveland Cavaliers
Title Odds: 30/1 (+3000)
Coach: James Posey

The Collin Sexton era begins with the lottery pick being handed to the keys to the Summer League team in a similar fashion. Forward Cedi Osman and center Ante Zizic may also get more opportunities this season, while Okaro White, Jamel Artis and John Holland have also proven capable enough to stick on pro rosters, so this team has both size and experience going for it. Forward Billy Preston didn't get a chance to play in Kansas but was highly regarded in high school and has already secured a two-way deal, so he'll be interesting to watch. Purdue shooter Dakota Mathias is also auditioning to prove he can hit the 3-ball proficiently enough to hang around in the league with his skill.


Dallas Mavericks
Title Odds: 12/1 (+1200)
Coach: Jamahl Mosley

Because of how much work he put in over in Europe in winning multiple competitions, it's likely we only see Luka Doncic one or two times, but the Mavs are very interested in throwing him out there and are confident he'll swim like Michael Phelps. The top player on their draft board, he'ss who they coveted and feel can team with Dennis Smith, Jr. to make Dirk Nowitzki's final season memorable. Depending on how committed they are to winning a trophy here, this could be a team worth backing since Johnathan Motley, Dorian Finney-Smith and Ray Spalding can all finish for whatever playmakers are left standing. Jalen Brunson should capably run point even if Smith, Jr. and Doncic don't see this event through, while shooter Jalen Jones has a stroke that could pay dividends in late-game situations.


Denver Nuggets
Title Odds: 50/1 (+5000)
Coach: Jordi Fernandez

The Nuggets are looking for guards Monte Morris and Malik Beasley to lead the way. The backcourt has done this Summer League thing before and are well-versed in the team's system. Second-round pick Thomas Welsh will line up at center, while TCU product Kenrich Williams, ex-Syracuse sharpshooter Tyler Lydon, UNC's Kennedy Meeks and Wyoming sniper Hayden Dalton will be counted on to produce consistently. There doesn't look to be enough depth to trust, but it might be a bit harsh to expect this team will be the biggest longshot in the field.


Detroit Pistons
Title Odds: 20/1 (+2000)
Coach: Sean Sweeney

Without Luke Kennard to serve as the focal point, the Pistons have to retool. The shooter they picked one spot ahead of Donovan Mitchell suffered a left knee strain on Monday and will remain with the team but won't play. Forward Henry Ellenson will get more touches, while second-rounders Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown. Kennard would've gotten a shot at expanding his point guard skills and two-way signee Keenan Evans is sidelined with a foot injury, but the Pistons should still be in good shape on that front with Larry Drew II and Khadeen Carrington on board.


Golden State Warriors
Title Odds: 15/1 (+1500)
Coach: Willie Green

The Dubs were perfect in the California Classic, which included a win over the stacked Kings in their arena. These aren't the run-and-gun Warriors, nor are they a group stacked with the NBA's best players, so save the jokes. Of guys who just helped win a title, Jordan Bell stands out and center Damian Jones has experience, but for the most part, these are new names finding success with Golden State. First-round pick Jacob Evans will get plenty of reps, so we'll get to see how his strengths may serve the champs. Former Oakland star Kendrick Nunn, Oregon standout Elijah Brown, son of assistant Mike Brown, G-Leaguer Omari Johnson and college go-to guys Jordan Howard, Gian Clavell and Marcus Derrickson are all capable scorers who will get their shot to space the floor.


Houston Rockets
Title Odds: 20/1 (+2000)
Coaches:Brett Gunning and Roy Rogers

This is one of the few teams where you're going to want to lean towards the high side on totals since the Rockets employ their up-tempo style and let the 3-pointers fly. 7-footers Zhou Qi and Isaiah Hartenstein are up front with 6-foot-10 Chinanu Onuaku and will be surrounded by shooters. Second-round picks De'Anthony Melton and Vince Edwards will look to impress, while Danuel House R.J. Hunter and local product Rob Gray can fill it up. Duke point guard Trevon Duval is already raising eyebrows after going undrafted after leaving school following his freshman season.


Indiana Pacers
Title Odds: 20/1 (+2000)
Coach: Steve Gansey

It's already been a strong offseason for Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers front office, which has really thrived with moves that have flown under the radar. Selecting Aaron Holiday, who should see plenty of time next to Victor Oladipo, may wind up being the best of the moves, and he'll have plenty of familiar faces easing his transition here with fellow Bruins T.J. Leaf and Bryce Alford on board in addition to USC's Elijah Stewart. Forwards Alex Poythress, Ben Moore and second-round pick Alize Johnson join combo guard Edmond Sumner in filling out a deep group.


Los Angeles Clippers
Title Odds: 12/1 (+1200)
Coach: Casey Hill

This group doesn't have a lot of size, so we'll see if they can overcome that in order to be a factor. Seton Hall product Angel Delgado, one of the college game's top rebounders throughout his career, has already signed a two-way contract with the team after going undrafted. Sindarius Thornwell and Jawun Evans got time last year and will be joined by first-rounders Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson, selected with picks No. 11 and 13. If those four can each find a way to have an impact, the Clips may make things interesting despite being undersized.


Los Angeles Lakers
Title Odds: 25/1 (+2500)
Coach: Miles Simon

The Lakers already won the summer by landing LeBron James, but probably won't have much success in this event if their California Classic showing is any indication. After going winless in Sactown, the defending champs should get Josh Hart back for some of the action in Vegas. First-round pick Moe Wagner and second-rounder Svi Mykhailuk did have some nice moments in the California Classic and are expected to continue in major roles alongside guards Alex Caruso, Malik Newman and Xavier Rathan-Mayes.


Memphis Grizzlies
Title Odds: 15/1 (+1500)
Coach: Greg Buckner

After a decent showing in Salt Lake City where the highlight was a huge game from No. 4 pick Jaren Jackson, Jr., the Grizzlies bring a 17-man roster to Vegas and have the quality depth to win the tournament. In addition to their highest draft pick since taking bust Hasheem Thabeet second in 2009, talented scorer Dillon Brooks, combo guard Kobi Simmons, wing Wayne Selden and bigs Ivan Rabb and Deyonta Davis may all make the roster. Second-round pick Jevon Carter, Euroleague standout Dee Bost and elite dunker D.J. Stephens will also be in the mix.


Miami Heat
Title Odds: 25/1 (+2500)
Coach: Eric Glass

The Heat have already locked up Derrick Jones, Jr. and watched him dominate in Sacramento, where he was arguably the best player in an event that featured multiple Top-5 picks. His athleticism is a weapon and he's being given opportunities to develop as a playmaker. Center Bam Adebayo will anchor the frontcourt, while point guard Derrick Walton, Jr. will keep everyone organized. So long as all three play well, Miami has a shot to make a run, but depth is limited. From that standpoint, rookie forwards Yante Maten and Duncan Robinson could emerge as x-factors.


Milwaukee Bucks
Title Odds: 20/1 (+2000)
Coach: Taylor Jenkins

With Sterling Brown on one wing and rookie No. 17 pick Donte DiVincenzo on the other, the Bucks will be formidable. Ex-UNLV bigs Christian Wood and Brandon McCoy are available to anchor the paint, while there are a number of unique frontcourt options available in former KU standout Perry Ellis, Michigan's D.J. Wilson and undersized Ohio State product Jae'sean Tate.


Minnesota Timberwolves
Title Odds: 50/1 (+5000)
Coach: John Lucas

The other heavy underdog in this 30-team field is built around No. 20 choice Josh Okogie and second-round pick Keita Bates-Diop. Forwards Perry Jones, Andrew White and Amile Jefferson has been around the block. Alongside, Okogie, the Timberwolves are taking a look at a number of guards who excelled in college, a group that includes Jared Terrell, Tyler, Nelson, Jonathan Stark, Isaiah Cousins and Jaylen Barford.


New Orleans Pelicans
Title Odds: 25/1 (+2500)
Coach: Kevin Hanson

The hope is that power forward Cheick Diallo can show off his continued development as the focal point of this group, while former Duke point guard Frank Jackson will finally get to show his stuff after essentially redshirting last season. He'll have days where he's rested and will be on a minutes restriction, so second-rounder Tony Carr will get an opportunity to run the show. Chasson Randle, who has been at Real Madrid and has had success in Summer League before, is also in the mix in addition to former Xavier standout Trevon Bluiett.


New York Knicks
Title Odds: 20/1 (+2000)
Coach: Mike Miller

After his selection was booed in Brooklyn by Knicks fans who preferred Michael Porter, Jr., Kevin Knox is under pressure to hit the ground running. The same can be said for point guard Frank Ntilikna, whose slow start upsets a fan base that wasn't pleased that Dennis Smith, Jr. was passed over. Miller, the reigning D-League Coach of the Year, also has veterans like Dameyan Dotson, Isaiah Hicks, Luke Kornet and Troy Williams in the mix in addition to second-rounders Mitchell Robinson and Allonzo Trier. This is a deep group that could pose problems if they share the ball.


Oklahoma City Thunder
Title Odds: 40/1 (+4000)
Coach: Mark Daigneault

This group will be led by wing Terrance Ferguson, who could very well wind up as the leading scorer in this event. Center Dakari Johnson has been in the OKC system a few years and will have help up front from the productive Rashawn Thomas. Shooter Kevin Hervey wasn't healthy in March but has a chance to open some eyes, while fellow second-round pick Devon Hall out of Virginia has a chance to show he's next in a lineage of solid glue guys from Virginia. South Carolina products P.J. Dozier and Michael Carrera are in the mix. Kentucky shooting guard Hamidou Diallo, one of the best athletes in the draft, was officially acquired from Charlotte on Friday but wasn't on this roster. It's unclear if he'll be added..


Orlando Magic
Title Odds: 15/1 (+1500)
Coach: Pat Delany

Don't sleep on the Magic's ability to win this event since they're built to defend and could be a problem over the long haul given the length they bring to the table. No. 6 pick Mo Bamba and last year's No. 5 pick Jonathan Isaac are being counted on to play huge roles if this young group is to make significant improvement, so their chemistry will be worth watching. Small forward Wes Iwundu and big man Khem Birch each played significant minutes down the stretch last season and will be counted on here, while guards Isaiah Briscoe, Rodney Purvis, Troy Caupain and second-round pick Melvin Frazier will all be given chances to put their physical gifts on display.


Philadelphia 76ers
Title Odds: 15/1 (+1500)
Coach: Kevin Young

The big news here is that Markelle Fultz isn't participating, electing to work on his jump-shooting issues away from the spotlight. Instead, Philly will look to see what it has in No. 16 pick Zhaire Smith, who was acquired on draft night from Phoenix. Point guard Landry Shamet (No. 26) will run the point, while 2016 No. 26 pick Furkan Korkmaz will look to show off an improved shooting stroke. Other likely key contributors include big forwards Jonah Bolden, Chris McCullough and wings Devyn Marble and Elijah Bryant and scoring point guard Demetrius Jackson.


Phoenix Suns
Title Odds: 8/1 (+800)
Coach: Igor Kokoskov

If you're not too cool to ride the favorite, there are reasons to get behind this group. Not only will the team's head coach be working, but so will top pick Deandre Ayton, No. 12 pick Mikal Bridges, last season's No. 4 pick Josh Jackson, 2016 No. 4 pick Dragan Bender and a few other guys who have already played in the league like Davon Reed, Shaquille Harrison and Jack Cooley. Now, if you want reasons to fade this group, they do exist. Jackson, who is sporting a new look after shaving his hair, probably won't play a full allotment of games. Bender could be in that boat too. Ayton has been dealing with back issues. I'm very interested in seeing French guard Elie Okobo go to work since he could emerge as an absolute steal.


Portland Trail Blazers
Title Odds: 12/1 (+1200)
Coaches: Nate Tibbetts, David Vanterpool, Jim Moran, John McCullough, Dale Osbourne

Las Vegas native Zach Collins put together some excellent stretches late last season and could be a major force in his hometown if suffering a broken nose on the first day of camp doesn't derail him. The Blazers kept him out of contact drills to ensure his availability, so it may take him a game or two to get back in the swing of things. Forwards Caleb Swanigan, Jake Layman and center Georgios Papagiannis will aid Collins up front, while combo guard Wade Baldwin IV will be joined in the backcourt by veteran roster hopefuls Archie Goodwin and John Jenkins in addition to rookies Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent, Jr..


Sacramento Kings
Title Odds: 10/1 (+1000)
Coach: Larry Lewis

After a strong debut, Marvin Bagley III was unable to have the impact most expected from the No. 2 overall pick. He'll attempt to rebound alongside Justin Jackson, who scored 26 points in a losing cause in the California Classic finale against the Heat. De'Arron Fox participated in Sacramento but won't play in Vegas, so Frank Mason III will be at the controls more often than not. It's great to see Harry Giles out there contributing, and this team could make significant noise if he and Bagley can produce to their potential.


San Antonio Spurs
Title Odds: 20/1 (+2000)
Coach: Will Hardy

After a 2-1 stint in SLC that saw No. 18 pick Lonnie Walker IV shoot poorly before rebounding on Thursday with a flurry the Spurs are hoping to see often after drafting the Miami product for his offense. In guards Derrick White, Jeff Ledbetter, London Perrantes and Olivier Hanlan, this team has backcourt catalysts. That could lead to a deep run since the roster has a lot of talent in addition to qulaity size with Chimezie Metu, Tommy Hamilton IV and Amida Brimah protecting the paint.


Toronto Raptors
Title Odds: 25/1 (+2500)
Coach: Nick Nurse

The Raps are a team to watch here since they have a lot of great athletes on the roster. Nurse, promoted after Casey's firing, will coach the group, giving OG Anunoby an opportunity to impress immediately as the best player on the floor. Elite shot blocker Chris Boucher is on board looking to impress, as are veterans Marquis Teague and Malachi Richardson, who will benefit from Delon Wright and Pascal Siakam not participating despite joining the squad in Vegas. Keep an eye on undrafted guard Rawle Alkins from Arizona and wing Malcolm Miller, who played at Holy Cross.


Utah Jazz
Title Odds: 30/1 (+3000)
Coach: Alex Jensen

Playing at home in front of great support, the Jazz won two of three games in their initial stint in Salt Lake City. No. 21 pick Grayson Allen finished with nine points and eight assists in winning a duel with Atlanta's Young on Thursday but has been nursing an adductor strain that Utah will likely be careful with in Vegas. Center Tony Bradley had three double-doubles in SLC, while forwards Georges Niang, Erik McCree and Kelan Martin are also likely to play major roles. Shooting guard Naz Mitrou-Long has opened eyes with his activity and looks the part as a 3-and-D guy. Center Diamond Stone has reallly struggled.


Washington Wizards
Title Odds: 30/1 (+3000)
Coach: Ryan Richman

Head coach Scott Brooks hired Richman and Robert Pack to fill vacancies on his staff, so Richman, who came up in the team's video room the past four seasons, gets the call. The roster features No. 15 pick Troy Brown, Jr. out of Oregon in addition to roster hopefuls Carrick Felix, Devin Robinson, Thomas Bryant and Aaron Harrison. The former Kentucky standout started a few games for the Mavs down the stretch but shot poorly (28 percent), a weakness that has kept him from finding a home in the league thus far.

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