NBA Summer League Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (7/12)
There’s plenty of NBA Summer League on tap today! With eight matchups on the slate, there’s plenty of value on the board. After reviewing all eight games, I added my three favorite NBA Summer League picks and bets for Saturday, July 12.
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Saturday’s Best NBA Summer League Picks
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook | All picks are for 1 unit
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA Summer League Picks
The Los Angeles Lakers lost their first Summer League game in Las Vegas to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. They shot just 36.7% from the floor and had just three players in double-figures. Cole Swider and Dalton Knecht are the heart of the team. Meanwhile, Bronny James has looked terrific defensively, even if his shot isn’t falling. That said, the Lakers didn’t get offensive production from the bench. No player scored more than seven points or played more than 18 minutes on the Lakers in that game.
Meanwhile, they’ll take on a Pelicans team that lost to the Timberwolves, 98-91, in their Summer League opener. Ultimately, New Orleans is much more balanced offensively. First-round selection Jeremiah Fears scored 14 points on 4-for-12 from the field and has won one of six players in double figures. Still, the defense allowed the Timberwolves to shoot 47.4% from the field and struggled to get stops around the rim.
Since the Lakers don’t have many consistent scoring options, I’ll roll with the Pelicans at -1.5 (-105).
Pick: Lakers -3.5 (-115)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets NBA Summer League Picks
The Timberwolves have an exciting trio of Leonard Miller, Rob Dillingham, and Terrance Shannon Jr. Those three combined for 55 of the 98 points in Minnesota’s 98-91 win over the Pelicans on Thursday. In addition, Shannon added nine assists and Dillingham earned another six assists. Those two are legitimate playmakers who will be legitimate assets for the Timberwolves when the regular season comes around.
On the other hand, the Nuggets got a team-best 15 points from DaRon Holmes and 12+ points from five different players. It was interesting to see Boo Buie and E.J. Liddell come off the bench in the opener. However, when those two got their opportunities, they played well. You’d like to think Buie will get more playing time than 12 minutes moving forward.
Against the Bucks, the Nuggets secured 19 more rebounds and added 16 offensive rebounds, and still lost. Denver’s better than what they showed on Thursday. They’ll be active on the glass and score at a higher rate. Let’s back the Over 180.5.
Pick: Over 180.5 (-115)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League Picks
Yesterday, the Grizzlies lost to the Celtics, 92-78. But it looks worse than it was. Memphis shot the same rate as the Celtics but just got to the foul line a few times less. The turnovers were almost eve,n and the rebounds were just slightly lopsided. We’ve already seen the Grizzlies have success behind GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer. Those three should be able to carry the Grizzlies moving forward. But a 78-point game against Boston is not going to give Memphis the momentum it needs.
That said, they’ll face a Portland squad that just scored 106 points against the Warriors, in a 106-73 blowout. Rayan Ruperty scored 23 points with nine rebounds and played well alongside notable names like Caleb Love and James Bouknight. Yang Hansen also added ten points with five assists and four rebounds at the center position. However, he had six fouls in 24 minutes. He’ll have to improve on that. But still, the Blazers’ defense limited the Warriors to 32.9% from the field and added 20 more rebounds, while shooting 48.8% from the field. The Blazers have real depth and showed it off when the lead was insurmountable.
After a dud performance from the Grizzlies, I’ll ride the Blazers are +5.5 (-115).
Pick: Blazers +5.5 (-115)