NBA

NBA Summer League 2019: Previewing Day 4 of action in Las Vegas

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After an eventful opening weekend, we've reached Day 4 of the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League.

VEGAS SUMMER LEAGUE RECAPS: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

While No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson has been shut down for the remainder of the summer with a minor knee injury, there are a number of young talents to follow as play continues in Las Vegas. Over the weekend, a number of offseason trades were made official, meaning there will be even more debuts throughout the week.

Here are some things to keep an eye on throughout Day 4.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Hamidou Diallo made a name for himself last season impressing during the Dunk Contest.

In his one game so far this Summer League, he posted 20 points and five boards to lead OKC to a win. He'll be going at it against recently signed forward Marial Shayok who's 16.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game has earned him a two-way deal with Philly.

Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks

This is a battle between two unbeaten teams as Sacramento's Kyle Guy will try and take down the first place Mavericks. Guy posted 21 points, five assists and two rebounds in the Kings' Summer League opener and was signed to a two-way deal shortly thereafter.


Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons

A battle between two promising guards

This contest beholds an enticing matchup between two of the best players in Summer League so far.

Aaron Holiday is the second leading scorer in Vegas after going for 24 points in the Pacers' debut. He'll be going head-to-head against Pistons' up-and-coming guard/forward Bruce Brown, who has taken over a role as a point forward for Detroit. Brown is averaging a Summer League-best 8.5 assists per game to go wtih 14.5 points and 4.0 rebounds to start the Pistons off 2-0.


Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets

Troy Brown Jr. put on a show in his first Summer League game going for a monster double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds. He'll have a much harder time fighting for boards in this contest, as he'll be up against a starting calibre centre in Jarrett Allen. When Allen goes to the bench, Nicolas Claxton fills in as rookie centre who's rebounding and shot blocking has taken the eye of scouts leading up to the draft.

Lets see if Brown can keep this up.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Toronto Raptors

Lonnie Walker IV tore it up in his 2019 Summer League debut scoring 28 points while shooting 65% from the field, but the Spurs took the L in that contest. In their second game, rookie first-round pick Keldon Johnson continued his high level of play this Summer by going for a team-high 19 points in a win. Raptors two-way player and G League reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Chris Boucher impressed in his Summer League debut going for 21 points and 13 rebounds.

This matchup holds the potential of players who could crack the rotation for their respective teams in the coming season.


Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics

Two impressive guards are set to face off as Celtics rookie Carsen Edwards looks to follow up his 20-point performance with another big game while the Cavs Naz Mitrou-Long has averaged 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field through two games.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

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Could Culver take the floor?

Through two games, Bonzie Colson (20.0 ppg) and Jock Landale (19.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg) have led the way for Milwaukee, who has split its opening pair of games. The Wolves, who are 2-0 so far, have been led by the duo of Josh Okogie (14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Keita Bates-Diop (14.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg.)

With a draft-day deal becoming official over the weekend, No. 6 overall pick Jarrett Culver is officially a member of the Timberwolves. The 6-foot-7 wing is one of the most talented players from this year's draft class and will almost certainly make an immediate impact whenever he makes his summer debut.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls

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Three Pelicans rookies reportedly set to make their debut

Although Zion Williamson won't suit up, a trio of Pelicans rookies that were forced to sit out over the weekend are set to make their debut.

No. 8 overall pick Jaxson Hayes, No. 17 overall pick Nickeil Alexander-Walker and No. 35 overall pick Marcos "Didi" Louzada Silva are now officially members of the team and are reported to take the floor when the Pelicans face No. 7 overall pick Coby White and the Bulls.

Chinese National Team vs. Charlotte Hornets

Both teams are taking the floor for the third time in Vegas.

While China is in search of its first win, the Hornets look to bounce back from a 10-point loss to the Spurs. Miles Bridges, who is averaging 18.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game so far this summer, is certainly good for a highlight or two.


Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers (0-2) are in search of their first win in Las Vegas while the Warriors (1-1) look to make it two straight wins after defeating the Toronto Raptors in their summer league opener.

Through two games, Golden State has been led by No. 28 overall pick Jordan Poole (18.0 ppg) and second-year pro Jacob Evans (18.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.0 apg), who saw some playing time during the 2019 Finals.

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