3 Best Matchups to Circle on 2022 Summer League Schedule

NBA Summer League is the fix all of us basketball junkies were looking for. There’s going to be a lot of basketball played – some by players we know and some by players we don’t know. Either way, there are going to be certain games that will be “Box Office.” 

Here are the top three games to watch at the 2022 Summer League. 

2022 Summer League Best Matchups

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets

We’ve already seen Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren play in the Summer League circuit, but this matchup will be a fun one. The No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks will meet, which has the intrigue built into it. 

Holmgren’s defense has already put the league on notice. Smith Jr. will have to figure out how to score just days after playing Paolo Banchero. The Rockets already have one loss on their Summer League record. Let’s see if they can keep their hopes for a title alive. 

Orlando Magic vs. Sacramento Kings

Paolo Banchero looked every bit the part of a No. 1 overall draft pick against Jabari Smith. He was locked in on defense, had 17 points and led the Magic to a win. In this game, he’ll have to battle against Keegan Murray, who shined in the California Classic. Murray was touted as the most-league ready prospect and might be able to pose some issues for Banchero. 

If Murray is on his game, it will be interesting to see Banchero try and rise to the occasion. 

Detroit Pistons vs. Washington Wizards

The last game we’re going to circle is between the Pistons-Wizards. This is going to be a great matchup between two top 10-selected guards in Jaden Ivey and Johnny Davis.

Ivey shined in his first game, scoring 20 points and dishing out six assists. Davis is known for his ability to get a bucket, so the potential of a scoring duel between the two picks is very intriguing. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.