Wednesday’s Summer League slate gets started early, with the Pacers and Timberwolves tipping off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Both clubs have enjoyed their share of postseason success in recent years. However, unearthing a few young, high upside role players could change the outlook for each franchise. Which squad is poised for a winning effort this afternoon?
The Timberwolves enter as 1.5-point favorites with -122 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Pacers are +102 underdogs, with the game total set at 185.5 points. Let’s dive into a preview, pick and prediction for today’s matchup.
Pacers vs. Timberwolves preview, prediction
It’s been all about scoring so far for the Pacers during Summer League. The team has scored a combined total of 185 points, pushing the pace at almost every opportunity. That’s led to mixed results, with a 1-1 record after two contests. In both of those matchups, five different Indiana players have scored double-digit points. That includes Jalen Slawson, fresh off of an impressive 26-point outing against the 76ers on Saturday. The 26-year-old comes into this one with a path towards making the final roster; he was solid during 13 games with the Pacers last season. On an otherwise unproven roster, that makes a big difference.
Slawson isn’t the only name worth monitoring for Indiana. Undrafted free agent Rienk Mast has looked comfortable on the court during the early going. After two games, the Nebraska alum is averaging 13.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Another promising youngster to watch is Braden Smith. On Saturday vs. Philadelphia, the Purdue standout dropped 16 points and five assists. We’ve seen the second-round pick lead elite Boilermaker offenses at the collegiate level. Perhaps he can do the same for this Pacers Summer League unit. Taelon Peter, who spent 38 games in the NBA last season, should get some burn tonight as well.
As for the Timberwolves, they’ve dropped two of their first three Summer League outings. However, they’ve gotten great production from the guard duo of Donovan Williams and Zyon Pullin. The pair of former undrafted free agents are averaging 16.3 and 21.3 points per game, respectively. Elsewhere, big man Rocco Zikarsky has done a decent job on both ends of the floor. The Australian has provided 11.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, while offering towering 7’3″ size down low. Those three have done most of the heavy lifting offensively for Minnesota over the past week.
One name that has been surprisingly ineffective is Isaiah Evans. A key piece for Duke last season, the 20-year-old has been ice cold during his first few appearances in Las Vegas. Over two games, Evans has shot two-of-23 from the field (08.6% FG) while averaging just 3.0 points. Seen by many as a potential weapon off of the bench, the second-rounder’s game needs some refinement before the start of the regular season. As a team, the T-Wolves have lost each of their previous two games by margins of 19 and 27 points.
Pacers vs. Timberwolves pick, best bet
Considering neither of these clubs had a first round pick during the 2026 NBA Draft, there isn’t a ton of elite talent on the floor tonight. That makes it difficult to lean in the direction of either on Wednesday. However, both Indiana and Minnesota have shown limited effort at best on defense during the Summer League. That alone is enough to give the over heavy consideration. Expect a back and forth affair this afternoon in Sin City.
