The Las Vegas NBA Summer League tips off Thursday with seven games across two venues, headlined by the No. 1 vs. No. 2 pick showdown between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. Here's a look at every matchup on opening day.
Game 1: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans
3:30 p.m. ET | Cox Pavilion | Prime Video
The Timberwolves open their Vegas slate with a roster headlined by second-year big man Joan Beringer and a deep rotation of two-way pieces. Beringer averaged just 7.9 minutes per game as a rookie last season, so Summer League offers an extended look at the 7-footer's development. Isaiah Evans, Minnesota's 2026 second-round pick, is also expected to see significant run.
New Orleans counters with a roster heavy on G League contributors and veteran filler. Hunter Dickinson anchors the middle, and Jaron Pierre Jr. — the Pelicans' lone 2026 draft pick (No. 58 overall) — gets his first taste of NBA action. The Pelicans opted not to play 2025 lottery picks Jeremiah Fears or Derik Queen, so this is largely a depth evaluation squad.
Prediction: Timberwolves 82, Pelicans 74 — Minnesota has more young talent and continuity.
Game 2: San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks
4:30 p.m. ET | Thomas & Mack Center | ESPN2
This matchup features four first-round picks between two of the most intriguing young rosters in Vegas. San Antonio brings 2025 first-rounder Carter Bryant — already an NBA Finals participant as a rookie — alongside 2026 draft picks Jayden Quaintance, Tarris Reed Jr., Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown. Bryant's elite athleticism and perimeter defense make him the headliner.
Atlanta counters with Kingston Flemings, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 Draft. Flemings averaged 13 points, 7 assists and 2.5 steals in two Salt Lake City Summer League games, showcasing the two-way potential that made him a lottery pick. Zuby Ejiofor and Henry Vasser provide additional frontcourt depth for the Hawks.
Prediction: Spurs 88, Hawks 83 — Bryant's experience and San Antonio's depth edge a tight one.
Game 3: Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
5:30 p.m. ET | Cox Pavilion | Prime Video
Detroit's Summer League roster features second-year wing Ron Holland, who showed flashes as a rookie and will be the focal point of the Pistons' offense in Vegas. The Pistons also get a look at their 2026 draft class in a setting that rewards the up-tempo style Holland thrives in.
Philadelphia brings a roster built around second-year guard Jared McCain and 2026 first-round pick Kon Knueppel, who returns to Summer League after a strong rookie campaign. Knueppel set the rookie record for three-pointers last season, and the 76ers will lean on his shooting to space the floor.
Prediction: Pistons 85, 76ers 81 — Holland's athleticism creates problems in a Summer League setting.
Game 4: Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
7:00 p.m. ET | Thomas & Mack Center | ESPN
The headline storyline here is a Michigan reunion: Warriors lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg and Mavericks lottery pick Morez Johnson Jr. — former college teammates — face off in their Summer League debuts. Lendeborg, the No. 11 pick, was one of the most polished prospects in the draft and will be Golden State's primary offensive weapon.
Dallas counters with Johnson (No. 9 overall), a versatile forward who fills the stat sheet. The Mavericks also feature second-round guards Sergio De Larrea and Tobi Lawal, plus returning rotation players John Poulakidas and Ryan Nembhard. This is arguably the most talent-rich matchup of the early slate.
Prediction: Mavericks 90, Warriors 87 — Morez Johnson's all-around game makes the difference in a high-scoring battle.
Game 5: Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
7:30 p.m. ET | Cox Pavilion | Prime Video
The reigning Summer League champion Hornets begin their title defense without star rookie Kon Knueppel, who is resting after an excellent rookie campaign. Charlotte's roster features second-year players Tidjane Salaun, Liam McNeeley and Sion James, plus 2026 picks Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr. The Hornets went 3-0 at the California Classic and carry momentum into Vegas.
Orlando's roster is headlined by second-year guard Jase Richardson and 2026 second-round pick Izaiyah Nelson. The Magic are in a developmental phase after missing out on lottery picks due to the Desmond Bane trade, making this a critical evaluation period for their young depth pieces.
Prediction: Hornets 79, Magic 73 — Charlotte's continuity and California Classic success carry over.
Game 6: Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards
9:00 p.m. ET | Thomas & Mack Center | ESPN
The marquee game of the night features the top two picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. AJ Dybantsa (No. 1, Wizards) makes his Summer League debut against Darryn Peterson (No. 2, Jazz) in the most anticipated matchup of opening day.
Peterson already turned heads at Salt Lake City Summer League, scoring 28 points in his debut and following it with a 25-point, 12-assist performance. His polished scoring and disruptive defense have drawn comparisons to a young Paul George. Dybantsa is a high-usage scorer who can create off the dribble and finish above the rim — a prototypical Summer League weapon. The Wizards will give him free rein to operate.
These two faced off in college, and the rematch on an NBA stage has been circled on calendars since draft night.
Prediction: Jazz 92, Wizards 88 — Peterson's momentum from Salt Lake City carries into a statement performance on national TV.
Game 7: Sacramento Kings vs. LA Clippers
11:00 p.m. ET | Thomas & Mack Center | ESPN
The nightcap features two of the more intriguing rookie classes in Vegas. The Kings are led by Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 pick, who averaged 23.5 points per game at the California Classic and has already earned buzz as one of the most exciting rookies in the class. He's flanked by second-year guard Nique Clifford and 2026 picks Emanuel Sharp and Alex Karaban (though Karaban is nursing an ankle sprain).
The Clippers counter with fifth overall pick Katon Wessler, a versatile big who can stretch the floor and protect the rim. LA's roster also features a mix of returnees and undrafted free agents looking to crack the rotation.
Prediction: Kings 91, Clippers 85 — Acuff's California Classic momentum and the Kings' young guard depth prevail in the late-night finale.
Tyler Harlan
Tyler Harlan covers sports with an eye for rotations, trends, scheduling spots, and the game context that often gets overlooked.