It’s the final week of the Las Vegas Summer League. Roster spots are on the line, and the competition will be hard. Thursday’s game won’t have the gravity of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, but the players with opportunities on the line won’t be able to tell the difference.
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Indiana Pacers as 1.5-point favorites and -125 on the moneyline. The New York Knicks are listed at +105 odds on the moneyline with the game total set at 187.5. Let’s get into a breakdown of the two Summer League squads, players to watch, and a pick for the contest.
Editor’s Note: Quenton Jackson, RayJ Dennis and Johnny Furphy have been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Knicks.
Pacers vs. Knicks prediction, preview
The Indiana Pacers will be remembered in Summer League for one thing: Johnny Furphy dropping the hammer on Bulls rookie Noa Essengue:
While that Furphy dunk will (rightfully) echo through the halls of Vegas lore, there’s plenty going on for Indiana that has been noteworthy. Enrique Freeman, a 2024 second-round pick, has popped off. The 24-year-old is putting up 16 points and nine rebounds per night on excellent shooting splits. With frontcourt minutes up for grabs in what should be a gap year season, it’s the kind of performance that could get him a big opportunity.
The Knicks have had a few breakout performances in the summer. Kevin McCullar Jr. captured a lot of eyes with his 30-point performance in their second game. Then, Tyler Kolek went off for 25 points in their last game. But the player I have my eyes on is Mohamed Diawara. Viewed as a lottery-ticket talent in the second round, the 20-year-old has shown an advanced ability with the ball in his hands.
At 6’9″ with a 7’4″ wingspan, showing this kind of passing and dribbling skill is scary. New York might have a gem on their hands. Thursday is another chance for Diawara to prove he’s the best prospect in the Knicks’ system.
Pacers vs. Knicks pick, best bet
Both teams have quality summer talent. But man, these Knicks just keep finding a way to get big performances from unheralded names. McCullar, Kolek, Diawara, and Pacome Dadiet have all shown extremely strong NBA traits. It’s the kind of depth that the Pacers cannot match.
Furphy, Freeman, and Taelon Peter have all looked good in Las Vegas. But the Knicks have a stash of talent that Indiana cannot match. Assuming the Knicks run the majority of their young guys in this one, I love them as underdogs.
Top Pick: New York Knicks Moneyline (+105)
