Thursday brings us a quiet day of NBA summer league action, with only the Salt Lake City Summer League hosting action and only two games at that (since there are only four teams in this league). However, this is a calm before the storm situation, as Friday is the tip-off of the big NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas. Regardless of how many games are running, we will make ourselves some money. Here are the plays for Thursday’s two-game slate.
2023 NBA Summer League Preview & Betting Guide – July 6th
Oklahoma City vs. Philadelphia – 7:00 PM ET (Salt Lake City) – ESPN2
OKC (-190), O 184.5 (-110)
The evening tips off with a battle for the silver medal, with Oklahoma City and Philadelphia splitting their first two games in Salt Lake City. Last year’s number-two overall draft pick, Chet Holgrem, is back and healthy for the NBA summer league after missing all of last year, and he’s been solid through OKC’s first two games, swatting seven shots and averaging double figures in points and boards.
And Tre Mann has been on fire for the team, scoring 20 and 28 points so far. Jalin Williams was so good in their first game that he was scratched for the second, so he’s either hurt or deemed “too good for summer league.” Perhaps worth checking on his status for Thursday before deciding on your bet here.
Philadelphia has relied on a team effort, with six players scoring in double digits in each game. They’re a solid squad, but I like the star power on the Thunder much more, even minus Williams. But I’m not willing to lay the 4.5 points. So OKC on the moneyline at -190 is the play. Also, play the Over 184.5 since both teams have been relatively high-scoring squads, averaging a combined 189 points per game.
Memphis vs. Utah – 9:00 PM ET (Salt Lake City) – NBA TV
Memphis -6.5 (-110), U 185.5 (-110)
The night concludes with a battle between the best and worst teams in Salt Lake City. Memphis technically has already won this mini-tournament, beating Philadelphia and Oklahoma City already. Jake LaRavia, Kenneth Lofton Jr, and Vince Williams Jr have led the way for the Griz.
The hometown Jazz, meanwhile, have stunk the joint up, losing both of their games by ten points. Despite committing 15(!!) fouls and turning the ball over nine times over the two games, Ochai Agbaji leads the Jazz in scoring, followed closely by Luka Samanic.
So I like Memphis to complete the sweep, plus cover the 6.5-point spread. Memphis -6.5 is the play. Plus, with both teams combining for 184 points per game thus far, let’s splash a bit on the Under 185.5.
