It’s the final week of the Las Vegas Summer League. Roster spots are on the line, and the competition will be hard. Thursday’s game between the Detroit Pistons and the Miami Heat will decide the futures of some players.
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Detroit Pistons as 4.5-point favorites and -192 on the moneyline. The Miami Heat are listed at +160 odds to win with the game total set at 181.5. Let’s get into a breakdown of the two Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Pistons vs. Heat prediction, preview
It’s been a significant summer league for Detroit. Ron Holland II, the fifth pick in the 2024 Draft, was the headliner of their roster. And wow, has he been a revelation.
Known primarily for his defense, he’s been filling up the scoresheet in the past week. The 20-year-old is scoring 21.7 PPG on 52.8% shooting, including a scorching 46.7% mark from deep. That’s a massive development for Detroit if he can keep this up. A confidently scoring Holland can change their fortunes in an open Eastern Conference.
Miami’s story has been Kel’el Ware. One of four players averaging a double-double in Vegas, the 7-footer was a revelation during his rookie season. His casual dominance as a paint defender, rim runner, and three-point shooter only affirms his importance to the Heat. Ware is one of the few Vegas players who will be a starter for a team with playoff aspirations in 2025/26.
Assuming both Holland and Ware play, it will be a showdown of players who are clearly too good for Vegas. Whichever player plays better may ultimately decide the winner in this game.
Pistons vs. Heat pick, best bet
This Heat team looked rough in the pre-Vegas portion of Summer League. Their first-round pick, Kasparas Jakuฤionis, had a lid on the rim and kept turning the ball over. But he’s balling out in Vegas. They’re also getting great performances from Pelle Larsson; the former second-rounder is averaging 18 PPG with good efficiency. This gives them a three-headed snake of talent.
Other than Tolu Smith, Detroit hasn’t had consistent players outside of Holland. And I don’t think he alone can carry the Pistons to victory against a Miami team that looks motivated to go out on a high note. Let’s ride with the underdogs.
Top Pick: Miami Heat Moneyline (+160)
