As we move through to the back-end of NBA Summer League, top prospects Victor Wembanayama, Scoot Henderson, and Amen Thompson have made their mark in Vegas, their respective teams unwilling to suit them up again.
While it was fun while it lasted, there are still a handful of UDFA and 2nd year talent that can light up the score sheet in today’s set of games. When we get closer to the knockout phase of NBA Summer League in Vegas, remember that G-League experience and knock-down shooting ability normally triumphs in these games.
Yesterday we went three of four with our picks, so let’s see if we can have the same luck to end your week!
Keyontae Johnson OVER 13.5 PTS
OKC vs WAS (4:30 PM EST)
Keyontae Johnson's game aligns seamlessly with the Summer League's fast-paced and versatile style of play, although at times a mess.
The 6’6 forward out of Kansas State dropped 19 points off the bench in a bout against the Rockets and just a few days ago went for 18 points off the bench against the Pacers.
WHY TAKE THE OVER?
The Wizards have struggled throughout Summer League and sit at just 1-2 on the event. With Cason Wallace and Jared Butler controlling the offense, expect Keyontae to have another huge afternoon with 25+ minutes of play-time.
While not an elite 3-point shooter by any measures, his ability to run the floor and take smaller forwards or guards 1-on-1 will create a spot for him in the league or at least as a two-way player to start his career.
Against a lesser Washington squad, expect some fireworks from the Thunder offense beginning with Johnson.
Terquavion Smith OVER 15.5 PTS
PHI vs LAC (5:00 PM EST)
We made this bet yesterday and it hit while Smith came off the bench. Today, we are going to take the same exact bet against a Clipper team that doesn’t have many options at guard to defend the 6ers’ Council, Springer, or Smith.
An electric guard out of North Carolina State, his 43% 3-point percentage at Summer League deserves more attention and should carry him to another big performance today.
WHY TAKE THE OVER?
As we mentioned yesterday, Terq is a killer on the offensive end, an assassin some scouts mentioned during the pre-draft process.
Even if he doesn’t shoot the 3-ball well against the Clippers today, Smith will find his way into the paint and then a trip to the free throw line without many problems.
With the ability to mold a backup guard role behind Harden and Maxey this coming season, keep an eye out for Smith on a two-way this season.
Isaiah Wong Over 13.5 Points
IND vs DAL (7:00 PM EST)
Many of us fell in love with Isaiah Wong’s odd playstyle during Miami’s Final Four run in March Madness. Now, we get to see Wong shine in Vegas alongside the Pacers’ G-League unit.
Playing just 17 MPG so far due to Mathurin and Nembhard also getting some run in the first few games, Wong has stuck his course averaging 10 PPG on 30% 3-point shooting.
WHY TAKE THE OVER?
With Nembhard and Mathurin most likely sitting for the rest of Summer League, Wong should receive 25+ minutes and a starting role, similar to last game against the Thunder.
With the green light as a shooter and an unorthodox way of getting to his mid-range spots and the rim, I love Wong to put up 20 points today and become a staple of Indiana’s two-way program this year which should feature players with bright futures.
Between Walker, Sheppard, and Wong, Indiana killed this draft class and with Mathurin and Nembhard coming out of the 2022 class, this team is bound to finish as a top 6 seed this upcoming season.
Jarace Walker Under 17.5 Points
IND vs DAL (7:00 PM EST)
While Jarace Walker has put together an unbelievable Summer League, I’m not buying him as an elite bucket getter in his rookie season.
He got a lot of buzz last game after dropping 20 points against the Thunder while Nembhard, Mathurin, and Jackson all sat.
While 20 points is promising and obviously more than his 17.5 total today, I don’t think 19 FGA will come again in this Summer League.
WHY TAKE THE UNDER?
Indiana takes on a tough Dallas team that can defend the perimeter using McKinley Wright IV and the paint using 1st rounders O-Max-Prosper and Dereck Lively.
If Walker doesn’t get to the line an absurd number of times or take more than 5 three-pointers, his point total is safe to fall in the 13-17 range while Ben Sheppard and Isaiah Wong get an added bonus due to perimeter looks.
Ryan Rollins Over 14.5 Points
WAS vs OKC (4:30 PM EST)
The Wizards simply don’t have much scoring outside of Rollins. Although Johnny Davis will get his 13-18 points, incoming rookie Bilal Coulibaly still hasn’t found his footing as a shotmaker and the bench is extremely thin.
WHY TAKE THE OVER?
Rollins is averaging 13.7 PPG in Vegas alongside just 25% shooting from beyond the arc. Playing from behind against the Thunder today, expect the former Golden State Warrior to chuck up a few more triples than usual and make one or two more which should carry him over the 15-point mark.
With Rollins being the most consistent three-point shooter among the Summer League Wiz squad, expect the focus of the offense to turn his way in the second half once Davis and Coulibaly stall on the offensive end.
