Game Info
Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers: July 9, 8:30 p.m. (Eastern)
How to Watch: The Comcast Network, ESPN 2
Top Two Picks Face Off
After Ben Simmons played against the No. 3 pick Jaylen Brown during Philadelphia’s first game in the Utah summer league, the former LSU Tiger will square off against this year’s No. 2 pick, Brandon Ingram.
Although he sat out the Sixers’ second game, Simmons was thoroughly impressive during his playing time in Utah. Throughout two games, the first-year Sixer averaged eight points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game (led the entire Utah league).
In regard to LA’s Ingram, the Las Vegas League is the first time fans get a chance to see the No. 2 pick in NBA action, as the Lakers participated in neither the Orlando nor Utah summer leagues.
Entering the league, Ingram was praised for his pure shooting ability and stroke. Ingram averaged 17.3 points per contest, and shot an efficient .442 from the field, and .410 from three-point range during his time at Duke.
Quick Hits From the Final Game of the Utah League
Familiar Faces Join the Fray
Joining the Sixers for the Las Vegas league will be small forward Jerami Grant, and shooting guard Nik Stauskas. Both players were members of last year’s regular-season team.
The 6’8″ Grant emerged as an energetic shot-blocking presence for the Sixers a year ago. He finished the 2015-16 season averaging 9.7 points and 1.6 blocks per game.
Stauskas, who was acquired in a trade with the Sacramento Kings last July, appeared in 73 games last year, and started 35. “Sauce Castillo” finished his season averaging 8.5 points per contest.
Who Else Will Step Up?
During the Utah summer league, second-year forward Christian Wood made the most of the extended playing time he received.
Throughout the entire summer league, Wood totaled 18.7 points and six rebounds per game. Wood is a perfect example of a young player shining and seizing an opportunity.
While players such as Kwame Vaughn, Levi Randolph and Maodo Lo have shown flashes, no unheralded player outside of Wood has consistently stepped up.
As the Sixers move forward to Las Vegas, it will be interesting to see which player follows Wood’s lead.
Quote of the Day:
Summer league head coach Billy Lange on the opportunity young players have
“Our message to the guys from day one was whether it’s two minutes or 26 minutes, game or shootaround or practice, they have a chance to be evaluated, and an opportunity to play in front of 30 teams, who will pour over these games and watch all of these guys; not just our nation, but other countries.”
