2019 Las Vegas Summer League - Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons: Odds, Predictions and How to Watch

What: Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons

Where: Thomas and Mack Center/Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, NV

When: Wednesday, July 10th at 3:00 PM EST

How (TV): NBATV

Philadelphia 76ers (Away)

Head Coach: Connor Johnson (Amherst)

Tournament Record (Form):1-2 (LWL)

Projected Starting Five: (G) Shake Milton – (G) Zhaire Smith – (F) Matisse Thybulle – (F) Jalen Jones – (C) Norvel Pelle

Last Game Against OKC

Top Performers:

• G Zhaire Smith – 18 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST
• F Matisse Thybulle – 14 PTS | 4 REB | 2 STL | 3 BLK
• F Jalen Jones – 5 PTS | 16 REB | 2 STL

The Philadelphia 76ers were unable to take their most recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite coming back from a massive deficit to push the game to overtime, the overtime period was a nightmare for both sides.

The Sixers won the second half of their last game 55 to 29, but the overtime period saw the Sixers fail to score a single field-goal. While the Thunder defence was solid, Philadelphia was on a cold-streak that contrasted their entire second half.

They face off against a disciplined and mature Detroit Pistons side. While the Sixers are fielding a number of inexperienced players, the Pistons have a side with a multitude of experience. The Sixers can’t afford another poor start.

Detroit Pistons (Home)

Head Coach: Sean Sweeney (the University of St. Thomas)

Tournament Record (Form): 3-0 (WWW)

Projected Starting Five: (G) Bruce Brown – (G) Khyri Thomas – (F) Svi Mykhailiuk – (F) Jarrod Uthoff – (C) Matt Costello

Last Game Against IND

Top Performers:

• C Matt Costello – 20 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK
• F Jarrod Uthoff – 17 PTS | 4 STL | 3 BLK
• G Bruce Brown – 14 PTS | 10 REB | 6 AST

In their last match against the Indiana Pacers, the Detroit Pistons looked unstoppable. While the Pacers played a particularly switch-heavy defense, the Pistons were able to enforce Casey’s pick-and-option offense to perfection.

Their offensive organization wouldn’t be of any value if they couldn’t finish the play, but the Pistons were able to convert on most of their chances. Detroit shot 50.8% from the field while also converting on 40.7% from three.

The Pistons are running a pro-style offense that many don’t see in the Summer League. It is taking advantage of the inexperience of most summer league rosters, but the Sixers have shown a defensive resolve that could challenge Detroit’s style.

What’s At Stake?

With three games in, both teams are looking to define their tournament seeding.

Currently sitting 25th in the table, the Sixers look to vault themselves up the table by drawing their wins and losses level.

The Detroit Pistons sit at the top of the table. They’ll look to maintain their position with another win.

The Sixers Need to Win the Glass

Christ Koumadje DID NOT like that shot!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/VIOiLdvTwG

— Sixers News (1-2) (@SixersNews0719) July 5, 2019

The Detroit Pistons have shown themselves to be a capable offensive team to this point in the summer league. If the Sixers want to win this game, they can’t afford to give the Pistons any second-chances. Luckily, they are in good rebounding form.

Despite losing their last game against the Thunder, the Sixers were able to dominate the glass. They out-rebounded the Thunder 64 to 45 and had three players collect double-digit rebounds.

Christ Koumadje, Haywood Highsmith, and Jalen Jones were strong when rebounding against the Thunder. Unfortunately for that trio, they were also 4 of 26 from the field. They will need to contribute on the glass, as well as in the scoring column to defeat the Pistons.

Can the Pistons Hot Shooting Continue?

Andre Drummond and Bruce Brown giving Khyri Thomas a tough time during his interview. ?? pic.twitter.com/d20FcEji3h

— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) July 5, 2019

The Detroit Pistons have been well-organized in their first three games during the NBA Summer League. A team of outcasts and misfits, they’ve been able to come together and show an impressive commitment to their entire outfit.

While Summer League head coach Sean Sweeney has stayed committed to a solid eight-man rotation in the opening round, his players have rewarded his faith. In their last game against the Indiana Pacers, all but two players who played more than ten minutes contributed double-digit scoring.

They thrive on the screen and roll, but the Philadelphia 76ers are agile and switch-happy on the defensive end. Should point guard Bruce Brown be pressured by multiple defenders, the Piston role players will need to supplement his playmaking.

Philadelphia 76ers Roster Notes

The Philadelphia 76ers have no roster changes of note.

Detroit Pistons Roster Notes

The Detroit Pistons have no roster changes of note.

X-Factors: Zhaire Smith (PHI) vs Jarrod Uthoff (DET)

The Sixers and the Pistons have shown some real quality at this point in the Summer League. Zhaire Smith has led the Sixers while Jarrod Uthoff has shown flashes of impressive two-way ability. The fourth out of five games, both players will be looking to help secure their teams standing for the tournament portion.

Zhaire Smith

Shooting Guard | 6-4, 199lb (193cm, 90kg) | Texas Tech | Exp. 1 Year

6.7 PPG | 1.7 APG | 2.2 RPG | 0.3 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 1.0 TOV | .412 FG% | .375 3P%

.@zhaire_smith making MOVES.#HereTheyCome x #NBASumer pic.twitter.com/21Y0rNfh4P

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 8, 2019

After missing a significant amount of time during his rookie season, Zaire Smith is using this summer league in order to get back on track. Against the Thunder, Smith was able to rally his side to close the deficit and force overtime.

In his last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Smith was the Sixers’ offensive driver. Smith contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals in 35 minutes of play.

The Pistons were able to keep a talented Pacers side to 36%, so Smith may have to act as a playmaker as well as a primary scoring option. His co-stars failed to produce in their last match, so they will have to support him if they hope to pull off a victory.

Jarrod Uthoff

Power Forward | 6-9, 221lb (206cm, 100kg) | Iowa | Exp. 1 Year

4.4 PPG | 1.0 APG | 2.4 RPG | 0.2 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 0.3 TOV | .421 FG% | .333 3P%

The Detroit Pistons have a versatile forward in Jarrod Uthoff. Despite not playing in the NBA since the 2017 season, he has shown that he has the ability to be effective against some of the NBA’s top prospects.

In his last match against the Indiana Pacers, Uthoff showed that he can contribute valuably all over the court. Not only did he score 17 points with two made three-pointers, but he accumulated an impressive four steals and three blocks to the tune of a +31 on the match.

He is an excellent screen and roll option for the Pistons and has certainly improved on the defensive end. Head Coach Dwane Casey liked him when he was recruited to the Raptors 905 in 2017 and he is rewarding Casey’s faith now.

Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons Predictions and Odds

If you are in New Jersey you can bet on the Summer League game between the 76ers and the Pistons on BetStars. Here are the latest odds. Good luck!

Point Spread

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Total Points

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Money Line

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