The Vegas Summer League is almost settled. Saturday’s semifinal contests are set, starting with the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings at the Thomas & Mack Center. Both teams went 4-0 in regular Vegas play, and will square off for the right to play for the Summer League Championship.
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Toronto Raptors as three-point favorites and -155 on the moneyline. The Sacramento Kings are listed at +130 odds on the moneyline with the game total set at 185. Let’s get into a breakdown of the two Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Kings vs. Raptors prediction, preview
The Raptors have assembled a strong mix of draft picks and veteran players in Vegas. They’re led in scoring by A.J. Lawson. The Toronto native is putting up 18.5 PPG on 50% shooting, including 45.5% from deep. After two years between Dallas and Minnesota, Lawson seemed to find a role with his hometown Raptors last year, and is asserting his position.
Though it hasn’t been efficient, 2024 first-rounder Ja’Kobe Walter has been getting shots up. He can bring them a measure of shooting that translates to this Vegas context. The big story has been Collin Murray-Boyles hitting the ground running. Toronto’s ninth pick in 2025 is shooting 60.9% from the field, averaging 12.7 PPG while racking up 2.3 steals per game. He looks every bit the defensive whirlwind that the Raptors hoped to add.
The story for Sacramento has been the duo of Nique Clifford and Devin Carter. Clifford has made a strong case for Summer League MVP, putting up 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He’s efficient and versatile with serious defensive chops. It looks like the Kings got a good one.
It’s been a redemption summer of sorts for Devin Carter. After injuries and a reworked shot derailed his rookie year, he needed to show he could contribute. His 16.5 points per game to go with 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 steals shows just that. Perhaps most importantly, he’s shooting 40.9% from deep.
It makes sense that the Raptors are the favorites. Not only do they have high-end talent, they have the depth of veterans and solid Vegas presences. Though I love the young Kings trio of Clifford, Carter, and Maxime Raynaud, I can’t pick against these Raptors right now.
Kings vs. Raptors pick, best bet
The defense is there. The depth of scoring is there. And there’s a lot of hungry mouths in Toronto looking to feed.
They’re not going to wow you with top-end talent. But they’ll grind you down defensively, and hit you with a versatile offensive attack that keeps you guessing. I’m backing the North to advance to the Summer League Final.
