Vegas is already halfway over. The haves are being separated from the have-nots. And both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets fall squarely in the latter category. Now the two face off for pride in the NBA Summer League
DraftKings Sportsbook is listing the Brooklyn Nets as 2.5-point favorites and -142 on the moneyline. The New York Knicks are listed at +120 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.
New York Knicks Roster Breakdown
The Knicks come into Summer League with a whole lot of talent. It’s an impressive haul for a team that’s been pushing the chips in to contend.
First and foremost is Pacome Dadiet. The 25th pick in the 2024 draft was often viewed as a developmental swing and received limited playing time with the big club last year. Now, yet to turn 20 years old, he’s starting to show off the goods in Vegas.
It’s going to be a rigid Knicks rotation to crack. The arrival of Guerschon Yabusele only further blocks the minutes Pacome can take. But if Dadiet can knock down his perimeter shots and defend at a high level, he might force new coach Mike Brown’s hand.
He’s not the only draft pick on this roster looking to carve out a role. Three of their second-rounders from 2024 are trying to make waves: Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Kevin McCullar Jr. The latter has popped in a big way, racking up 30 points in their last Vegas contest against the Celtics.
They even have picks dating back to 2023. James Nnaji, drafted at the top of the second round two years ago, is an international stash. The seven-footer has continued to play for FC Barcelona the past two seasons, and has yet to see any NBA action. It’s unlikely he makes the jump anytime soon, but he bears watching.
It’s a roster full of raw potential; the kind that makes for entertaining Summer League hoops. It won’t always be the best basketball you’ll see, but it’ll be fascinating to watch.
Brooklyn Nets Roster Breakdown
For a more detailed breakdown of Brooklyn’s roster, check out my article on them from early in the Summer League.
Knicks vs. Nets Pick
New York Knicks Moneyline (+120)
It may not be the prettiest roster. They might not have the first-round pedigrees that Brooklyn possesses. But there’s a spunk to this Knicks team, despite being 0-2.
If Kevin McCullar Jr. continues to score at an elite level, they’re a force to be reckoned with. That, along with the defense, is enough to keep them competitive. And if Tyler Kolek starts to turn things around as an initiator, they’re capable of dismantling this Nets team.
