Vegas Summer League is in full swing. The desert is rocking, and people are pouring in from all over to watch the NBA’s young talent come out to play. Some of that talent will be on the floor in this matchup between the Celtics and the Heat.
DraftKings Sportsbook is listing the Boston Celtics as six-point favorites and -258 on the moneyline. The Miami Heat are listed at +210 odds on the moneyline, with the game total set at 173.5. Let’s get into a breakdown of the two Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Boston Celtics Roster Breakdown
For a team built to contend, the Boston Celtics sure bring a lot of talent into Vegas. They had a first-round pick this year to spend on Hugo González, an interesting athletic wing out of Spain. The 19-year-old is a long-term developmental bet for Boston, one who could bring reinforcements on the perimeter down the line.
Baylor Scheierman, the 30th pick from the 2024 Draft, is in Vegas as well. The 24-year-old got hardly any time with the Celtics this past season, but the opportunity will be there this season. He’s been showing his all-around game during Summer League and should get more minutes with Boston in the 2025/26 season.
The Celtics have a trio of second-round picks looking to prove themselves, as well. Jordan Walsh is on his third Summer League and is ready to capitalize on the opportunity. They also took a pair of 23-year-olds in the second round, Max Shulga and Amari Williams. Both have experience and NBA-ready size, and the minutes will be there, especially in the frontcourt for Williams.
Miami Heat Roster Breakdown
For a more detailed breakdown of Miami’s roster, check out my article on them from earlier in the Summer League.
Celtics vs. Heat Pick
Remarkably, this Celtics squad has so much talent to offer. They can field an entire lineup of draft picks, which is more than some teams can say.
Miami doesn’t have that same strength. They’re low on NBA-level talent, and lower still on true potential. While Kel’el Ware looks like Superman in Vegas, that’s not enough to overcome the dearth of defenders and scorers this Boston squad possesses. I love the Celtics for tonight’s showdown.
