Just one weekend is left in the 2025 NBA Summer League. As the clock ticks on another action-packed month in Vegas, several squads are still looking to sort out their rotations. That includes the Hawks and Grizzlies, two teams with their eyes on postseason contention. Which side will come out on top in Thursday’s matchup?
DraftKings Sportsbook is listing the Hawks as 7.5-point favorites and -375 on the moneyline. The Grizzlies are at +295 odds on the moneyline, and the game total is set at 185.5 points. Let’s break down both Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Hawks vs. Grizzlies preview, prediction
As of Thursday morning, it remains to be seen who exactly will be out for both sides. Assuming most important names suit up tonight, this has the makings of a fairly competitive matchup. For Memphis, Jaylen Wells might be the best player on the court. As a rookie, the wing averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while providing lockdown defense. It’s been more of the same this summer (15.7 PPG). Memphis clearly has a high opinion on the 21-year-old, or else they wouldn’t have traded Desmond Bane in June.
Wells will be joined by fellow forward GG Jackson. Already entering his third season in the NBA, the South Carolina alum isn’t lacking in talent. Despite averaging just 7.2 points over 29 games last year, the big man’s per36 stats are far more impressive (16.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG). Leading the Grizzlies in scoring is Cam Spencer. The sharpshooter has recorded 18.3 points per game while knocking down 41.2% of his three-point attempts. At this current rate, don’t be shocked if the UConn alum carves out a decent role for himself with Memphis.
If the Hawks are to compete for an Eastern Conference title, it’ll take more than just their starting lineup. The most likely candidate to earn a spot in Atlanta’s rotation is Kobe Bufkin. The former top prospect has battled injuries his entire career, playing in a total of 27 games since 2023. However, when healthy, the guard has shown he can be a difference maker. Through three games this summer, Bufkin has dropped 21.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Elsewhere, first-round pick Asa Newell has looked comfortable on the court, notching 13.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The Georgia alum could play a major role down low for the Hawks behind Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porzingis.
Hawks vs. Grizzlies Pick, Best Bet
The Grizzlies are fresh off of a disappointing 96.84 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday. That performance, coupled with the potential for Wells or Jackson to rest, loom large tonight. Memphis’ offense has generated just 86.0 points per game in Vegas. In comparison, the Hawks enter this contest on a roll, having won three straight. Atlanta, stocked with several former first-rounders, also has more to play for. Keeping that in mind, I’ll back the favorites in this one.
