The 2025 NBA Summer League playoffs are here, with games set to tip off across Las Vegas all weekend. Tonight, East meets West when the Cavaliers take on the Warriors. Both squads have their eyes set on competing for an NBA title. That gives added importance to this high-intensity postseason affair. Which of these two contenders will triumph on Saturday?
DraftKings Sportsbook is listing the Warriors as 1.5-point favorites and -122 on the moneyline. The Cavaliers are at +102 odds on the moneyline, and the game total is set at 182.5 points. Let’s break down both Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Cavaliers vs. Warriors preview, prediction
As is the case for most Summer League games, it remains to be seen which players will actually suit up tonight. If the Cavaliers are going to pull off a win tonight, a healthy Jaylon Tyson would certainly help. Last season’s first round pick saw limited playing time in 2024, averaging 3.6 points over 47 games played. However, the wing appears to have taken things up a level in Vegas. Through three games, the 22-year-old has dropped 19.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. However, he was held out of Wednesday’s game for a rest day.
With or without Tyson, Cleveland has several names that have impressed this month. Former undrafted free agent Nae’qwan Tomlin currently leads the team with 20.3 points on stellar 58.2% shooting. Second rounder Tyrese Proctor has done his part as well, notching 17.3 points and 3.8 assists at guard. The Duke alum delivered a 35-point performance against the Kings on Wednesday night. With those two in the backcourt, the Cavs are a tough out for any opponent.
The Warriors aren’t filled with former top prospects on their roster. However, the team has still managed to go 2-2 during Summer League. That’s due in part to a solid defense; opponents are averaging just 91.0 points per game against Golden State. Despite lacking a go-to option on offense, seven different Dubs players have scored at least 8.0 points per game.
A name to watch is Gabe Madsen. Despite coming off the bench all summer, the Utah product is second on the team in points per game (10.5). In addition, the sharpshooter is converting on 58.8% of his three-point attempts. That number isn’t sustainable, but it’s clear that Madsen is in a groove right now. Second-round pick Will Richard has also flashed some potential, but his shooting has been inconsistent thus far (22.2 3PT%).
Cavaliers vs. Warriors Pick, Best Bet
The big question in this one is whether or not Jaylon Tyson will be on the floor. Obviously, the Cavaliers are far more dangerous with their most talented player active. Still, even if the youngster is held out once again, I still like Cleveland’s chances. The duo of Tomlin and Proctor have been a force, and it’s not as if they’re facing stiff competition. The Warriors are deep, but their top prospects pale in comparison to almost every other club. At plus money, I’ll take my chances with the Cavs.
