2023 NBA Summer League Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (7/5)
While the 2023-24 NBA season is still a few months away, basketball is back in a big way this summer. That’s right, it’s time for the 2023 NBA Summer League! With so much hype surrounding this year’s draft class — yeah, we’re looking at you Victor Wembanyama — the 2023 NBA Summer League figures to offer basketball fans a ton of action to take in. Games are televised on ESPN, and sportsbooks have odds available for betting. You know that we’ll have you covered throughout the 2023 NBA Summer League with picks for each and every game on the slate. Let’s take a look at our top odds, picks, and predictions for today’s 2023 NBA Summer League games.
Today’s 2023 NBA Summer League Best Bets
Here are our top picks for today’s 2023 NBA Summer League action.
Warriors vs. Hornets
The Golden State Warriors began their Summer League with a 100-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors were led by Lester Quinones, Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos. However, the defense couldn’t get stops. Despite allowing only 11 assists, the Kings still scored 100 points. Meanwhile, the Hornets had a laughable effort against the Spurs in their first game. The Hornets scored only 77 points, with no player earning 20 or more. Brandon Miller had 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists. But he also had many turnovers and seven personal fouls. The Hornets have an exciting amount of talent on the roster. But they couldn’t figure it out against the Spurs. They likely won’t figure it out against the Warriors, either.
Pick: Warriors +4.5 (-110)
Grizzlies vs. Thunder
The Grizzlies escaped the Philadelphia 76ers in the first Summer League matchup. The Grizzlies have a lot of older leadership, with David Roddy, Jake LaRavia, and Kennth Lofton Jr. on the squad. Vince Williams Jr. added 19, and the other three mentioned added double figures in the win. But the Thunder have caught my eye. Chet Holmgren played 29 minutes and scored 15 points while adding nine rebounds. Jalin Williams and Jaylen Williams each added 20+ minutes, along with Tre Mann and Ousmane Dieng. They’ve got the most talent in a starting lineup compared to any other team in the Summer League.
Pick: Thunder -5.5 (-110)
Spurs vs. Lakers
The Spurs didn’t have Victor Wembanyama against the Hornets in their first game of the Summer League. But it didn’t matter. The Spurs dominated the Hornets, 98-77, behind Julian Champagnie’s 30 points. He’s easily a top-five player in Summer League and will be tough to guard, especially with Wembanyama playing. Wembanyama won’t be back yet, but this is Champagnie’s team for now. On the other hand, the Lakers allowed 107 points to the Heat in a 107-90 loss. The Lakers lack depth and only shot 5-for-24 from downtown against the Heat. Meanwhile, the Heat added 52.1% from the field and 45.5% from three. The Lakers didn’t guard well and don’t have much depth offensively. No player scored more than 17 points. The Spurs might have something with some of their players.
Pick: Spurs -4.5 (-110)
76ers vs. Jazz
The 76ers out-shot the Grizzlies from inside the arc but didn’t shoot too hot from three, hitting only 10-of-33 deep. Philadelphia also struggled from the line but forced 21 turnovers on the defensive end. They’ll take on a Utah Jazz team that only scored 85 points in their first game. Keyonte George and Ochai Agbaji lead the Jazz at the guard spot. But outside of those two, there’s a lot to be desired. The Jazz shot 38.2% from the field and 26.5% from three. They also shot just 57.1% from the foul line and fouled 28 times. Give me the Sixers.
Pick: 76ers +1.5 (-110)
Heat vs. Kings
Miami was one of the best teams in the NBA postseason. And now the Heat are starting the Summer League as the best team. The Heat scored 107 points against the Lakers as underdogs to begin their Summer League journey. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic each added 20+ points. Chase Audige also came off the bench to add 18 points. Miami’s defense was smothering, allowing the Lakers to shoot only 43.4% from the field. The Lakers also hit only 20.8% from downtown against the Heat. Miami’s ball movement was spectacular, and they’ve got guys coming off the bench putting up solid numbers. Meanwhile, the Kings got 29 out of Keegan Murray. He’s also another top-five player in the Summer League this season. Jordan Ford also added 18 points and three assists as a starter in only 22 minutes. You’d like to figure he’ll get more time moving forward. I think both teams have enough offense to get over the total.
Pick: Over 178.5 (-110)
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