The third day of the Las Vegas Summer League is about to tip-off. There are eight games on the docket today. The Milwaukee Bucks lead the standings with a 2-0 record, while 13 other teams are 1-0. On the other end of the spectrum, 15 squads have an 0-1 record. The following are my five best bets for Sunday, July 9.
Las Vegas Summer League Day 3: Preview, Odds, and Prediction For July 9
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 3:30 p.m (ET), Cox Pavilion, NBA TV
Line: Cavaliers -2
Over/Under: -179.5
Moneyline: Raptors +110, Cavaliers -130
Toronto and Cleveland kick off day three of the Vegas Summer League at Cox Pavilion. Both teams played on Friday night. The Raptors (0-1) are coming off an 83-74 loss to the Bulls, while the Cavaliers (1-0) defeated the Nets 101-97.
While both Toronto and Chicago struggled shooting the ball, offensive rebounding was the difference. The Bulls made seven more field goals and attempted 15 more field goal attempts as they outrebounded the Raptors 51-35, including 17-7 on the offensive end. The Raptors did connect on 12 3-pointers, two more than Chicago, and made three more free throws than the Bulls.
Undrafted rookie Marquis Norwell, on a two-way contract, led the way for Toronto on Friday night. Norwell finished with 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Although Ron Harper Jr had a nice all-around game, he struggled with his shot. Fourth-year center Moses Brown while first-round selection Gradey Dick struggled as he connected on just 3 of 12 from the field, including 2 of 9 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cleveland outscored Brooklyn 20-16 over the final 5:10 in the fourth, as Sharife Cooper and Isaiah Mobley accounted for 15 of those points. Cooper finished with a game-high 27 points as he shot 8 of 12 from the floor and was 9 of 11 from the charity stripe. Mobley (15 ppg, 9 rpg, 6 apg), on a two-way contract, didn’t have a great shooting night but did the small things well.
2023 second-round draft pick Emoni Bates was aggressive and showed a scoring mentality as he finished with 16 points and a team-high four treys. Sam Merrill registered a double-double, while draft-and-stash Luke Travers totaled 13 points, six rebounds, and four blocks off the bench.
Pick: Cavaliers -130
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets, 4:00 p.m. (ET), Thomas & Mack Center, ESPN2
Line: Lakers -3
Over/Under: 184.5
Moneyline: Lakers -150, Hornets +130
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets hit the floor for the fourth time this summer. The Lakers (1-2) and the Hornets (0-3) played in the California Classic though they didn’t face each other. The Lakers won their first contest in Vegas, defeating Golden State 103-96, while the Hornets fell to San Antonio 76-68.
Los Angeles averages 97.3 points and allowed 106.3 in the three games. The Lakers shot well against the Warriors, which they have done in the first three games. Likewise, the Lakers have struggled at the free-throw line.
Overall, the Lakers have registered a shooting slash line of .455/ .378/.670. The Lakers have grabbed 37 rebounds a game, with 10.0 coming on the offensive end. They also have produced 17.6 and 15.1 turnovers.
Max Christie has been excellent offensively for the Lakers, scoring at least 17 points in their three contests. Christie averages 21.3 points, 2.6 treys, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Colin Castleton, Cole Swider, and Colin Castleton have also had a summer league campaign. Rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino has shown flashes of being a two-way point guard, but he needs to find a jumper.
Charlotte has been arguably the worst team this summer. The Hornets average 76.0 points and permit 90 points a game over the last three contests. They have struggled shooting the ball thru the first three contests, compiling a shooting slash line of .395/.207/.649. They averaged over 39 rebounds (9.3 offensive), 13 assists, and 15.3 turnovers.
Brandon Miller is coming off his best game of the summer league against the Spurs, posting a double-double. Amari Bailey, Nick Smith Jr, and Kai Jones have had mixed results. Meanwhile, James Bouknight and Bryce McGowens have struggled.
Pick: Lakers -150
Other Best Bets
Boston Celtics -2.5 points (-110) over Washington Wizards.
San Antonio Spurs -3 points (-110) over Portland Trail Blazers
Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans Over 184.5 Points.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings.
