2024 NBA Summer League Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (7/18)

by BettingPros Staff |
Jul 18, 2024

While the 2024-25 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 2024 NBA Summer League! The 2024 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 2024 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 2024 NBA Summer League games.

Today’s 2024 NBA Summer League Best Bets

Here are our top picks for today’s 2024 NBA Summer League action.

Pacers vs. Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have lost three consecutive games in the NBA Summer League. The squad hasn't scored more than 81 points in a game and hasn't allowed more than 88 in any game. Denver is led by Hunter Tyson and is getting good minutes from Trey Alexander. However, almost everyone else’s production has lacked. Indiana just added a win over the Suns, 98-94. They're now 1-2 in the Summer League. Ultimately, Indiana has way more perennial scorers. Jabari Walker has taken control, and Johnny Furphy has impressed the Indiana staff. Indiana has scored at least 95 in every game. The Nuggets won't be able to keep up/ Grab the Pacers at -6.5 (-115).

Pick: Pacers -6.5 (-110)

Jason Radowitz

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans

The Grizzlies picked up a 104-98 win against the Magic at the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday, and now they face the tough turnaround with no rest against the Pelicans. New Orleans was last in action Tuesday, falling 90-85 against the unbeaten Spurs, despite the fact they’re without first-round pick Stephon Castle for the remainder of the Summer League. The Pellies are 0-3 in Vegas so far, although the average margin of defeat is just 5.7 points per game, including five points in each of the past two setbacks. New Orleans should be able to get the job done Thursday, as it is a little more rested. Memphis should be a bit winded after a competitive and high-scoring battle with Orlando last night.

Pick: Pelicans +8.5 (-110)

Dan Dobish

Wizards vs. Kings

The Wizards kicked off Summer League play in Vegas on a winning note, topping the Hawks 94-88 on July 12. However, they’ve been on the short end of the past two outings, including an 82-80 setback to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. It’s been up and down for the Kings on the Strip, winning once on Monday, sandwiched by a pair of losses to the Grizzlies and Knicks. Sacto suffered a 106-105 loss to the Knicks on Wednesday, falling in heartbreaking fashion despite shooting an impressive 50.7% (36-of-71) from the field, and 40.0% (12-of-30) from behind the arc. Keon Ellis was amazing Wednesday, racking up a game-high 29 points, while Mason Jones chipped in with 20 points. However, I like the fact the Wizards have had some time off, while the Kings have a tough turnaround. Playing on no rest is tough, especially for a young and inexperienced team. Back the short ‘dogs.

Pick: Wizards ML (-105)

Dan Dobish

Magic vs. Nets

The Orlando Magic has been shooting the ball well in Vegas; the team has gotten standout performances from several of its young players (i.e., Anthony Black, Tristan da Silva, Jay Huff, Jett Howard, etc.). But while they have been shooting the ball well, the defense has had some breakdowns. While they were able to overcome them against the Pelicans, they had no such luck vs. the Grizzlies. Brooklyn has had a nice start to Summer League play with an overtime win vs. the Pacers, a loss to the Clippers, and a victory over the Knicks. The experience in the starting lineup has paid off, but their depth issues have hurt at times. Both teams can score 90+ points, and neither has played especially well on defense.

Pick: OVER 180.5 (-110)

Travis Pulver

Lakers vs. Cavaliers

It has been rough for the Lakers during Summer League, with no one other than Dalton Knecht playing well and a pair of losses. But without Knecht in the lineup Wednesday vs. the Hawks, the Lakers had their best game yet, outscoring Atlanta 24-14 in the fourth to secure an 87-86 win. Knecht sat out to get some rest and should play vs. the Cavaliers. As for Cleveland, they started Summer League with a blowout loss and followed it with a blowout win. Golden State got out to a fast start vs. the Cavs and never looked back. Cleveland has shown they can put up some points; LA, not so much. Cleveland should win this game, but it’s hard to say whether they’ll cover. Both teams will score in the 70s and 80s, or one will while the other gets closer to the low 90s. Regardless…take the UNDER.

Pick: UNDER 178.5 (-110)

Travis Pulver

Clippers vs. Jazz

The Jazz came into Las Vegas with high expectations and the shortest odds to come out champions. Although they could still work their way into the semifinals with a win and some other help, it’s the team that they’re facing who has impressed immensely in the last week. The Clippers are not only 3-0 in Vegas, but they sit 3-0 ATS due to some strong efforts on the defensive end. They also have a rest advantage in this matchup having gotten Wednesday off while the Jazz coasted to a win against the Raptors led by their defense. That Utah defense has looked very impressive all week while giving up only 82.3 ppg. Both of these teams are talented by Summer League standards. This should be a really well-played game where both squads are going to make it difficult to score for their opponent. The Clippers are the lean here, but the play is the under.

Pick: UNDER 181.5 (-110)

Ryan Rodeman

Timberwolves vs. Rockets

Talent will be on display for this matchup between the Timberwolves and the Rockets. The Minnesota team touts two highly anticipated rookies in Robert Dillingham and Terrance Shannon Jr. Both have had their flashes of impressing at this showcase in Las Vegas but they lost on Tuesday in a tightly contested game with the 76ers. They’ll take on a two-headed Summer League monster in Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore. Sheppard and Whitmore have been two of the best scorers this entire week as they’ve both gone off for 20-point outbursts of their own. They’re also coming off of a performance Monday that likely leaves a bad taste in their mouths, especially Whitmore who shot 1/15 from the field. You should expect a bounce-back performance from both teams, particularly on the offensive end. There is a lot of offensive talent on both teams and we could see some serious scoring.

Pick: OVER 179.5 (-110)

Ryan Rodeman

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