The Summer League is well underway. Only a couple of weeks after the NBA Finals concluded, basketball is back. It’s a chance for the young players in the league to showcase their skills, and for fringe players to prove they belong. Thursday marks the beginning of the Vegas portion of the Summer League. Our first tip-off is between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
DraftKings Sportsbook is listing the Minnesota Timberwolves as 4.5-point favorites and -198 on the moneyline. The New Orleans Pelicans are listed at +164 odds on the moneyline, with the game total set at 180.5. Let’s get into a breakdown of the two Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Pelicans-Timberwolves Roster Breakdown
New Orleans brings two of this year’s lottery selections into the Summer League. Jeremiah Fears, the 7th overall pick, will come in as a good bet to be the starting point guard for the upcoming season. A nuclear scorer with unlimited confidence, he should be a fun one to watch. Fears is joined by Derik Queen, the 13th pick out of Maryland. Queen’s skill as a big with the ability to handle and shoot resembles Zion Williamson in many ways.
Yves Missi will play as well. The 21st pick in the 2024 Draft, Missi seized a starting job in his rookie campaign and performed well. An explosive above-the-rim finisher and shot-blocker, he and Queen will form one of the most interesting frontcourts in the league. They’ll be backed up by Hunter Dicksinson, an undrafted free agent with a decorated college career at Michigan and Kansas.
The Pelicans will also roster some intriguing bets on the wings. Antonio Reeves, an elite college shooter, will be back for a second Summer League with New Orleans after being a second-round pick in 2024. Former Warrior Lester Quiñones got some run with the Pelicans last season as well, and performed well. The two will be looking to secure roster spots with a good showing in Vegas.
For a detailed breakdown of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ roster, check out my article on the best bets to win the Vegas Summer League.
Pelicans vs. Timberwolves Pick
As I mentioned in my article on Summer League favorites, the Timberwolves are the best bet to win the Vegas tournament. They have the young talent and plenty of solid players with NBA experience to complement Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. It’s a well-balanced team that will cause problems for many a Summer League squad.
New Orleans boasts top-end talent among Fears, Queen, and Missi. But most of their talent is concentrated in the frontcourt. It isn’t easy to win in Vegas without a couple of good perimeter creation options. Minnesota’s depth in this regard, along with its higher quality in the off-guard and wing spots, will carry the day.
