The NBA Summer League keeps trucking along on Thursday, and I've dialed up my three favorite NBA free picks for July 17.
Find out why I'm backing the Charlotte Hornets to get the better of the San Antonio Spurs, while the Rockets and Lakers stay inside of the spread as small underdogs.
NBA Summer League best bets for July 17
Hornets moneyline (-150)
Rockets +4.5 (-110)
Lakers +3 (-105)- 💲+521 parlay💲
NBA Summer League predictions
Hornets moneyline (-150 at bet365)
While most people who bet on the NBA regular season are used to the Charlotte Hornets being the doormat of the league, they will likely need to do a double-take as the Hornets sit at 3-0 in Summer League action.
Led by KJ Simpson and Kon Knueppel, the Hornets are averaging just north of 98 points per game and are actually attempting to play defense, giving up just a shade under 90.
Tonight's opponent, the San Antonio Spurs, enter with a 3-0 record of their own, and boast a +16.6 differential. The problem is, outside of Dylan Harper — who is every good — they have no depth scoring, which justifies their underdog status.
The Hornets have more NBA-ready players, and they will pick up the win on Thursday night.
Rockets +4.5 (-110 at bet365)
The Houston Rockets may be 0-3 in Summer League action, but this is the perfect spot to buy low on them and grab as many points as possible.
They've unfortunately run into three really good, competitive teams, and I don't think that will be the case tonight. The Rockets had five guys score in double figures in their last game. If they can continue to get scoring from guys looking to impress and clamp down a bit defensively, the Rockets will be a tough out.
On the flip side, the Portland Trailblazers are 2-1, but a close win against a 0-4 New Orleans Pelicans side shows their vulnerability. Caleb Love and Yang Hansen are going the bulk of the scoring, but the drop off after them is steep.
Grab as many points as you can with the Rockets.
Lakers +3 (-105 at bet365)
This isn't your dad's Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers rivalry, but it's a game where there's value on the underdog.
The Lakers enter with a 1-2 record, despite having a positive scoring differential. They were held to a poultry 58 points in their last game, so you can be sure a bounce-back effort is in the cards.
Led by Bronny James (that was weird to write), the Lakers have good pieces that can trouble this Celtics side.
The C's are a team that continues to empty the bench during these exhibitions, and so chemistry issues are always lingering.
Play the line here, take the Lakers and the points.
Thursday’s NBA Summer League parlay
Hornets moneyline
Rockets +4.5
Lakers +3
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
