The Summer League has almost come to a close, with less than a week remaining. Before the action in Vegas comes to a close, there’s still plenty of time for players to make an impact. No roster has more unproven talent than the Nets, currently in the middle of an extensive rebuilding phase. In comparison, a Magic squad with dreams of postseason contention desperately needs contributors on its bench. Before Wednesday’s 7:30 p.m. EST start, which side will come out on top?
DraftKings Sportsbook is listing the Nets as two-point favorites and -130 on the moneyline. The Orlando Magic are at +110 odds on the moneyline, and the game total is set at 180.5 points. Let’s break down both Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Magic vs. Nets preview, prediction
As previously mentioned, these two clubs are on quite different timelines. For Orlando, the past few weeks have been about finding who can play alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. In that regard, the Summer League has been a success. First-round pick Jase Richardson has impressed, averaging 16.5 points and 2.5 assists through two games. Second-year pro Tristan Da Silva has also been a standout (18.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG). Unfortunately for Magic fans, both players (along with second-rounder Noah Penda) will be held out tonight.
That leaves Orlando with a somewhat rag-tag roster entering Wednesday. It remains to be seen who will step up, although there are a few likely candidates. Wendell Moore Jr. has been one of the team’s best players, dropping 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Career G-Leaguer Ethan Thompson led the Magic with 16 points against the Thunder on Tuesday night. That performance is even more impressive when considering the rest of the roster combined for just 59 total points.
For perhaps the first (and last) time all year, the Nets have the advantage in on-court talent. It all starts with Egor Demin, the eighth overall selection in this year’s draft. The 19-year-old already looks NBA-ready, possessing an enviable mix of shooting and playmaking. Through two appearances, the BYU alum has recorded 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while connecting on 40.0% of his three-point attempts. Brooklyn’s most productive player has been former Gonzaga star Drew Timme. The big man is currently averaging 25.3 points per game, a Summer League mark that trails only Utah’s Kyle Filipowski (29.3 PPG). Three other first-round picks (Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf, and Ben Saraf) have also suited up for the Nets in Vegas. Worth noting: both Wolf and Demin were held out of action on Tuesday against the Knicks. Missing either player would lower Brooklyn’s chances at winning tonight.
Magic vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet
Having made five first-round picks in June, the Nets are well-stocked with young talent. Keeping that in mind, the team is set up nicely with or without a few of its top prospects. The same can’t be said for the Magic, who have leaned heavily on Richardson and Da Silva this summer. In terms of name value, many bettors might side with a disciplined, well-coached Orlando squad. However, I’m willing to bet that Brooklyn’s youthful roster comes out firing tonight.
