When the NBA season ends, the league veterans earn some much needed rest before the start of a new season, while the rookies, undrafted free agents and second year players are sent to the NBA Summer League to sharpen their basketball skills, or to prove that they deserve a roster spot on their respective teams.
The 2014 NBA Summer League began in Orlando, Florida earlier this month, and has moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where it will continue from July 11 to July 21, when the Summer League tournament ends.
The eight teams that were eliminated in the first round will be playing each other in the consolation bracket, on Friday, July 18, and previews of those games are listed below.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns 4:00 PM. ET.
The most impressive player for Dallas in the Summer league has been second year man Ricky Ledo, who only averaged three minutes a game during the season. He has played very well, averaging 15.5 points a game, and is hoping that will lead to more minutes next season.
The Phoenix Suns first round pick T.J. Warren has been shooting the ball very well during the Summer League, and is averaging 20 points per game. He might not be able to crack the starting rotation next year, but he will be a scoring threat coming off the bench.
Game line: There is no line for this game.
Personal Pick: The high scoring Suns should be able to win this game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors 4:30 PM. ET.
The Milwaukee Bucks will be trying to end their winless streak in the Summer League against the warriors, with the help of their shooting guard Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is playing well and averaging 17 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
The Golden State Warriors will try to bounce back from their loss, behind the play of Justin Holiday, who wasn’t in the league last season, but is showing he belongs, by averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds a game.
Game line: There is no line for this game.
Personal Pick: The Warriors shouldn’t have any problems with the hapless Bucks.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Toronto Raptors 6:00 PM. ET.
Delonte West spent the last season playing ball overseas, and is trying to land a roster spot with an NBA team, so he is playing in the Summer League with the Los Angeles Clippers in an attempt to mentor some young players, and rejuvenate his career in the process.
Toronto has seen some good basketball from Dwight Byucks, their second year player who saw limited time during the season, but is averaging 19.7 points with 4 assists a game in Summer League play.
Game line: There is no line for this game.
Personal Pick: Both teams haven’t looked very good, but the Clippers have looked better, and should win the game.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 6:30 PM. ET.
Denver has to be excited about the play of their top draft pick Gary Harris, who is averaging 18.8 points per game, and has been one of the top scorers in the Summer League.
The Lakers have to be happy with their second round selection Jordan Clarkson, whose rights they bought from the Washington Wizards for $1.8 million. The rookie has been averaging 16.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in the Summer League, and looks like a lock to make the team’s final roster.
Game line: There is no line for this game.
Personal Pick: The Nuggets should be able to win this game.