Five important NBA Summer League games
The NBA Summer League gives young players, drafted and undrafted alike, opportunities to showcase their skills. Here are five important games during the Las Vegas portion of the 2023 NBA Summer League.
FRIDAY: San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Hornets
Victor Wembanyama, the 2023 No. 1 pick, is expected to make his Summer League debut with San Antonio on Friday, per NBA insider Marc Stein. The Hornets will have the No. 2 pick in Alabama forward Brandon Miller, who aims to bounce back from his poor performance (six points, four rebounds) against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
FRIDAY: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets
The first day of Las Vegas Summer League action will feature multiple matchups between top-five picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. The No. 3 pick, Portland guard Scoot Henderson, will face off against the No. 4 pick, Houston guard Amen Thompson. Guards Shaedon Sharpe and Keon Johnson, who have NBA experience, will back up Henderson on the Trail Blazers. Portland won last year's Summer League championship with an 85-77 win over the New York Knicks.
SATURDAY: Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
Amen Thompson's brother, No. 5 overall pick Ausar, will play against the 2023 No. 6 pick, Magic guard Anthony Black, and other youngsters. Former lottery selections Jaden Ivey, a guard, and James Wiseman, a center, will take the court for Detroit. Former Michigan guard Jett Howard, the son of Michigan coach Juwan Howard, will play for the Magic.
MONDAY: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
This matchup will feature an opportunity for two blossoming second-round picks to earn time in the spotlight. Former Eastern Michigan forward Emoni Bates will suit up for Cleveland. Ex-South Carolina forward GG Jackson II, meanwhile, will play for Memphis. Cavs forward Isaiah Mobley and Grizzlies guard Vince Williams Jr., both former second-round picks, will join them. The Grizzlies have already won games against the Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers in the Salt Lake City portion of the NBA Summer League.
TUESDAY: Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
A talented Oklahoma City team will take on a stacked Rockets squad on Tuesday. Thunder center Chet Holmgren missed the entire 2022-23 season with a right foot injury. Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. made the All-Rookie second team last season. Rockets forward Tari Eason, the former 17th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, made the All-Summer League first team in 2022.
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