2023 NBA Summer League Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (7/14)
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.
Clippers vs. 76ers
The Clippers have been playing tremendous defense in the Summer League. They’ve won their last two games while allowing 70 and 74 points, respectively, in the previous two games. Xavier Moon added 16 points for the Clippers in an 83-74 win. Jason Preston and Kobe Brown each added a double-double. The Clippers have a great defense and are balanced with production in the box score. Meanwhile, the 76ers have allowed at least 99 points in all three games they’ve played in the Summer League. Jaden Springer and Terquavion Smith continue to excel, along with Javonte Smart. But the defense hasn’t done too well. Still, I like Philadelphia’s ability to out-score the Clippers.
Pick: 76ers +2.5 (-110)
Thunder vs. Wizards
The Thunder were contemplating not playing Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams any longer. But those two played in their most recent game against the Pacers. The Thunder won 98-87 behind Holmgren’s 25 points in their last game. They’ll face a Washington team that lost 96-85 to the Spurs in their most recent game. The Wizards are still waiting for a breakthrough out of Bilal Coulibaly. Xavier Cooks added 16 points, along with Johnny Davis and Ryan Rollins putting up double-figures. The Wizards are deep but don’t have anyone to rely on. Back the Thunder.
Pick: Thunder -5.5 (-110)
Mavericks vs. Pacers
Dallas has been surprising in the Summer League. The Mavericks have won two straight games scoring at least 98 points in their last two games. The most recent was an overtime win over the Warriors. The Mavericks had five double-figured players, including Jaden Hardy’s 21-point game. Hardy’s become the top-scoring option for the Mavericks. Plus, Olivier-Maxence Prosper is starting to develop for Dallas. They’ll take on a Pacers team that is also 2-1. After Benedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard sat, Indiana lost its last game to the Thunder. Jabari Walker scored 20 points, and Isiah Wong made major contributions in just 24 minutes. I like the Over in this one.
Pick: Over 180.5 (-110)
Celtics vs. Knicks
The Celtics finally earned their first Summer League win against the Lakers last time. Now they’ll add to that momentum with a game against the Knicks. Boston doesn’t have the most exciting roster. But Jordan Walsh added 25 points for the Celtics on 20 shots and helped the Celtics escape the Lakers. Jay Scrubb has also made a name for himself in the Summer League and scored 18 points in 23 minutes off the bench against the Lakers. On the other hand, the Knicks squeezed the Magic 82-80 in overtime. But that’s not saying much. The Magic are 0-3 in the Summer League. Give me Boston.
Pick: Celtics -3 (-110)
Spurs vs. Pistons
San Antonio is currently 2-1. But they no longer have Victor Wembanyana available. That didn’t hurt them in their last game against the Wizards. Malaki Branham took over as the primary scoring option and scored 29 points on 12-for-20 from the field. Dominick Barlow also added 20 points, with Julian Champagnie behind him, scoring 18. The Spurs just don’t have depth on their bench. They’ll face a Pistons team that sat Jalen Duren and James Wiseman in their last matchup. Marcus Sasser and Ausar Thompson became the primary options, which worked well for the Pistons. Detroit is deep and talented. Take them here.
Pick: Pistons -4 (-110)
Heat vs. Nuggets
Miami is going to play a second game of a back-to-back tonight. Orlando Robinson and Jamal Cain combined for 49 points in Miami’s most recent win against the Bucks. The Heat are serious about winning. They played each of their starters for 28 minutes or more in that game. On the other hand, the Nuggets are 0-3 and probably not as serious about winning. Hunter Tyson got the start for the Nuggets at forward and delivered 19 points and 12 rebounds. Julian Strawther added 21, and Collin Gillespie scored 10. I still think Denver’s offense is good enough to hang with Miami. I’ll take the Over.
Pick: Over 175.5 (-110)
Grizzlies vs. Lakers
Memphis needs help finding its offense. The Grizzlies still have Kenny Lofton Jr., Jake LaRavia, and David Roddy getting heavy minutes. But guard play hasn’t been good for the Grizzlies, and that’s hurt the offense. They’ll face a Lakers team that lost to the Celtics 95-90. The Lakers added just six points from their bench in that game. That’s very concerning. I’m going to take Memphis here.
Pick: Grizzlies +2.5 (-110)
Jazz vs. Suns
Utah is 3-0 in the Summer League. They’ve added at least 96 points in every win and have some of the best guard play in the league. Ochai Agbaji added 14 points in 32 minutes, and Keyonte George scored six points in 10 minutes for the Jazz in their most recent game. Agbaji and George both rested throughout the Summer League, but it seems both will get solid minutes in this one. On the other hand, the Suns have scored no more than 75 points in all three games in the Summer League. Phoenix can’t keep up with Utah. Back the Jazz.
Pick: Jazz -5.5 (-110)
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