It is another loaded day of NBA summer league action in Las Vegas. Tipping off at 4:30 p.m. ET, the Toronto Raptors will take on the Indiana Pacers. Both teams enter with a 1-1 record thus far in the summer league.
DraftKings Sportsbook is offering odds for all the summer league matchups, including some player prop and team prop options depending on your location.
The Raptors enter as narrow 3.5-point favorites and hold -162 odds of winning outright on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Pacers hold +136 odds of winning outright, with the game total set at 185.5 points.
Raptors vs. Pacers preview, prediction
The Toronto Raptors came up short in one of the most exciting matchups of the summer league in the opening matchup, losing 83-80 in overtime to the Boston Celtics. Toronto led for 79% of the matchup and extended this lead to as many as 12, but a late push by the Celtics proved to be enough. Both teams struggled with their efficiency in what was a defensive-minded battle. Toronto got back on track in their second matchup, taking down the Houston Rockets 102-89. The Raptors extended the lead to as many as 18 and held control for 72% of the matchup, while showing major improvement in their efficiency.
Seth Lundy has headlined the production thus far, averaging 19.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game through his first two games. First-round pick Allen Graves has shined, adding 15.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per matchup. Tyreke Key and Nimari Burnett are also averaging in double figures, while Jamarion Sharp, Nate Bittle, and Chucky Hepburn have also opened some eyes. Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin are on the summer league roster but were late scratches from the opening matchup and have yet to take the floor through the first two games.
The Indiana Pacers also enter with a 1-1 start to the summer league. They opened up the Las Vegas action with a 99-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Indiana stretched the lead to as many as 21 and held control for 57% of the matchup. The Pacers showcased their resiliency in the following matchup against the 76ers as well. Philadelphia extended the lead to as many as 24 and held control for 92% of the matchup. But Indiana came storming back, outscoring the Sixers 26-13 in the fourth quarter to force overtime. But the Pacers ran out of gas in the overtime period to suffer the 100-93 loss.
Jalen Slawson headlines the production for the Pacers, scoring 20.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Rienk Mast has also impressed, adding 13.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Keion Brooks Jr., Braden Smith, and Yuki Kawamura are also averaging in double figures, while Taelon Peter, Taevion Kinsey, and Tamin Lipsey have also had some impressive flashes.
Raptors vs. Pacers pick, best bet
Indiana has been impressive thus far, with both their level of play and resiliency being notable takeaways. But they have also struggled to get off to strong starts in both games, and they will be looking to change this tonight. The Pacers managed to crawl back into the previous game by increasing their defensive pressure and generating some clean scoring chances. Toronto’s roster is a bit vulnerable with their ball-handlers, and this will be an area they will likely lean on tonight.
However, the Raptors have more top-end talent and a size advantage. Murray-Boyles is considered day-to-day, and there is optimism that he will be able to suit up for this third summer league matchup. However, there has not been an official decision made at the time of writing, outside Murray-Boyles still being considered day-to-day. In his absence, Seth Lundy has really impressed as a scorer, and Allen Graves has popped on both sides of the ball.
Defense is not typically a point of emphasis in the summer league setting. But there have been some really nice flashes from Toronto’s roster defensively, in which they have looked connected and gotten positive results. I am backing this to carry over into the matchup and for their defense to pave the path to getting the win tonight. They should especially have success slowing Indiana’s top ball-handlers and using their size advantage to their advantage. Murray-Boyles being on the floor would be an added boost, but Toronto’s roster has looked to have enough without him, and they have approached this setting with the necessary seriousness that has produced results.
Expect both defenses to have some moments where they are disruptive to their opponent. But count on the Raptors to have played at a more consistent level and have room to continue growing. Back Toronto to jump out to an early lead and remain in the driver’s seat to get the win by more than the 3.5-point spread.
