MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 26: Tomoyuki Sugano #11 of the Colorado Rockies prepares to pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on June 26, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Despite a hot start to July, the Colorado Rockies dropped under .500 on the month with a loss to the Cincinnati Reds last night. In the first game back after the All-Star festivities, the bats were cold and the Rockies started the back half of the season off on the wrong foot. The Rox managed just two runs on six hits alongside eight strikeouts, surrendering a taco special worth of runs in a 7-2 loss.
Gabriel Hughes looked solid and kept the Rockies in contention for most of the game, but Colorado’s offense couldn’t get things finished, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Hunter Goodman had a bit of an All-Star hangover, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. The bullpen let things get further out of reach with Jimmy Herget giving up two runs, Victor Vodnik another, and Jeff Criswell capping the night off allowing two more.
Looking to right the course, Colorado hopes the return of a key piece of the starting rotation could get them back in the win column. After a stint on the injured list, Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之) is set to start for the Rockies. He brings an 8-4 record across 16 starts into the weekend matchup, tossing 48 strikeouts across 84.1 innings with a 4.80 ERA. Before his injury, Sugano had one of his roughest outings of the year in a 9-8 loss to the Minnesota Twins, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits with two home runs and just two strikeouts.
For the Reds, Rhett Lowder is projected to take the mound. Lowder is also rejoining Cincinnati’s starting rotation. He shifted to the bullpen following Hunter Greene’s return from the IL, but a recent injury to Nick Lodolo warrants Lowder’s return. He carries a 3-6 record and a 4.91 ERA across 13 starts and 16 games played. In his last appearance, Lowder posted a clean two innings in relief, notching one strikeout and two walks with no hits at the end of an 8-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs.
The Saturday matinee presents two teams at the bottom of their respective divisions shuffling their rotations and battling it out in the hopes of stringing together some wins during the dog days of summer.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 13: Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu #42 of the Dallas Mavericks converts an alley-oop dunk over Olivier-Maxence Prosper #18 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We had overused the basketball witticism, “He can jump out of the gym” to the point that it had lost all meaning.
Then Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu materialized before us, as if from thin air, on the Dallas Mavericks Summer League roster, to remind us what jumping out of the gym really looks like.
You can’t overthrow this guy on a lob. Believe me, Sergio de Larrea and Vsevolod Ishchenko have tried on several occasions over the course of the four games Akobundu-Ehiogu has played with the Summer Mavs.
His standing vertical is said to be better than 41 inches, and his maximum vertical has been measured at 48 inches. Already standing 6’10”, that makes him one of the highest flyers the basketball-watching audience has ever seen.
“My mom was 5’8” and my dad was short,“ Akobundu-Ehiogu said in a video for something called Whistle Sports back in 2022. ”It doesn’t make any sense.“
Dallas has been a big part of his sidewinding journey in and out of the game of basketball, and not just because he’s become a Summer League sideshow this year while wearing a Mavericks uniform. He was born in Imo, Nigeria, near Lagos, where he spent his early childhood, before his parents both passed within the span of 11 months, according to a report from WATN-TV.
Akobundu-Ehiogu was just six years old at the time. An aunt who was living in Mesquite brought him and his siblings over to live with her and began the years-long process of officially adopting them.
He didn’t start playing basketball until less than three weeks before tryouts for the seventh-grade team. He was just 5’4” at the time, but would grow more than 14 inches over the next five years, until he stood 6’6” entering his senior year of high school at Mesquite Poteet.
His only offer after high school was to play for a tiny private Christian school just south of Dallas in Waxahachie. It was then called Southwestern Assembly of God University (SAGU), but it now called Nelson University. He played for one season there before telling his coach he wouldn’t return for a second year, because his dream was to play for a Division 1 program. He suffered a Jones fracture in his foot toward the end of the year. He said in the video above that he broke his foot while playing ball in the rec center at SAGU after informing his coach he wouldn’t be back.
It’s important to note here just how sparingly he was used in 2018-19, his freshman season at SAGU. His season-high point total was just seven points. He appeared in 25 games.
His name means “patience” — though that virtue seemed to elude Akobundu-Ehiogu as he kicked and scratched for his place in the game of basketball. The D1 offers were not piling in. He was going to go find one.
This part is somewhat murky, but here or soon after enters one Mike Schmitz. Then a mere NBA Draft analyst, Schmitz would receive his own big break in the game years later when he grappled his way into a front office position with the Portland Trail Blazers. He’s now, of course, the Mavericks’ general manager under Masai Ujiri.
Somehow, after that stint at SAGU, Akobundu-Ehiogu ended up at UT Arlington for the 2020-21 season. He did not play anywhere the prior year, instead working with a trainer with a focus on coming back from the broken foot. He reportedly worked at Home Depot while taking a couple of classes at Collin College to improve his academic transcript before he could transfer in. Can you imagine the value he must have held to his Home Depot coworkers, standing 6’10” with a 7’4” wingspan?
Akobundu-Ehiogu would average 3.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and a jaw-dropping 3.3 blocks per game in the Sun Belt Conference in his redshirt sophomore season at UTA.
Word has it that Schmitz was already onto Akobundu-Ehiogu at the time. Word is that Schmitz knew someone at UT Arlington, and word is that connections were made. Whatever the case may be, Schmitz was interested enough in Akobundu-Ehiogu a year later to descend upon the basketball mecca of Arlington a year later to see the athletic specimen in person.
In Arlington tonight to check out UT Arlington big man Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu. The 6-9 Nigeria native blocked 5.5 shots per 40 min last season. Long and rangy athlete with elite bounce. Vertical spacer with Sun Belt DPOY potential. Incredible trajectory as a former walk-on. pic.twitter.com/XkB4fBQpSE
The timestamp on that post reads Nov. 1, 2021. If you cross-reference the UTA men’s basketball schedule for the 2021-22 season, you’ll see there was no game that night. That means that Schmitz was in the College Park Center, where the Dallas Wings now play, likely for a preseason scrimmage. That’s an incredibly high level of interest in an extreme far-fringe prospect, but it would come back around less than five years later, when Akobundu-Ehiogu was selected as a member of the Summer Mavs.
But first, he played two years at UTA, then another at Memphis, under Penny Hardaway. In those three seasons combined, he had a block rate of close to 17%. After that, he played in Europe for four seasons, with a Summer League stint for the Denver Nuggets squoze in last year.
If you find yourself asking whether Akobundu-Ehiogu is simply benefiting from the passing genius of the young Spaniard de Larrea or if there is some there there with his game, I’d bet on Akobundu-Ehiogu at least breaking through this year into a roster spot with the Mavericks’ G-League Affiliate the Texas Legends.
Schmitz’s whole energy as an analyst, a scout and now a prominent member of the Mavs’ front office has screamed, “I know something you don’t know” at every turn. He clearly believes in this guy, even though his offensive game clearly still needs a couple of levels of graduation. Add in the fact that the Mavericks are being put to a decision on whether or not to match the offer sheet restricted free agent center Moussa Cisse signed with the New York Knicks on Saturday, and there might be room for Akobundu-Ehiogu in the organization.
Restricted free agent Moussa Cisse has agreed to a two-year contract offer sheet with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. His salary is half guaranteed in the first year and 2027-28 is non-guaranteed. The Dallas Mavericks have 48 hours to match or not. pic.twitter.com/pxo45v0Bw2
The Mavs have until Monday to decide whether to match New York’s offer to Cisse, but even if they do bring Cisse back, giving Akobundu-Ehiogu an opportunity to develop for one more year in the G League may be just what Schmitz was after all along.
Do not be surprised if the highlight dunks we’ve become acquainted with during Summer League play become old hat if Akobundu-Ehiogu spends a year in Dallas with the Legends.
If he can pull it off, it will be a remarkable full-circle moment for a kid from Nigeria whose world travels in the game of basketball have always been routed through Dallas.
Perhaps it’s kismet. Maybe Kao is meant to be here. Maybe Schmitz knew it all along.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 22: Jakob Junis #16 of the Texas Rangers celebrates with teammates against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on June 22, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers have activated relief pitcher Jakob Junis from the injured list, the team announced today. In addition, the Rangers have recalled righthanded pitcher Jose Corniell from AAA Round Rock. To make room for the pair on the active roster, the Rangers optioned relievers Emiliano Teodo and Gavin Collyer to AAA Round Rock.
The return of Junis is a big deal, as he and Jacob Latz have been, for much of the season, the only two really reliable relievers the Rangers have had. Junis will, I imagine, resume his role as the primary eighth inning guy now that he is back.
The other moves are just the rotation of guys in the bullpen to provide for fresh arms. Teodo came up because the Rangers needed an arm in the pen and he was available. He and Collyer both pitched yesterday in the 15-1 blowout. Neither was effective, and neither would be available for the weekend, most likely, so Corniell comes up to provide an arm in the pen for length.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Tim Tawa #13 of the Arizona Diamondbacks scores after hitting a solo home run against the St Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Chase Field on July 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ketel Marte’s Decision Stuns Fans Just when it ooked like the team might get through the upcoming trade deadline without weeks of Ketel Marte rumblings, the pitchforks are out once again, calling for Marte to be moved, largely due to his decision to not use his challenge on the last pitch of the game.
Injury Update News Zac Gallen will be making the worrisome trip to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday. Michael Soroka could be back in the first week of August. Tommy Troy just cannot catch a break and will likely be out until at least mid-August.
MLB Restricts Use of AI on Dugout Tech Oh no, managers aren’t able to quickly ask Claude what to do with a runner on second, no one out and the game tied in the 14th.
Former Mets RP Adam Ottavino reveals the Mets used an AI program to pick their pitches 😳
"The Mets were the main team that got cracked down on it. They had an AI program helping them pick pitches but MLB got wind of it and shut that down."
Players Who Could Gain the Most from Deadline Trades These players cold benefit from a change of scenery and some could see themselves in line for a better free agent contract this winter with the qualifying offer not being able to be applied.
Jun 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Mets Lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – DH
Bo Bichette – 3B
Francisco Alvarez – C
Carson Benge – RF
Marcus Semien – 2B
Tyrone Taylor – LF
A.J. Ewing – CF
Eric Wagaman – 1B
Sean Manaea – LHP
Phillies Lineup
Trea Turner – SS
Kyle Schwarber – DH
Bryce Harper – 1B
Alec Bohm – 3B
Edmundo Sosa – LF
Brandon Marsh – RF
J.T. Realmuto – C
Derek Hill – CF
Bryson Stott – 2B
Jesús Luzardo – LHP
Broadcast Info
First pitch: 3:05 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 16: A general view of Citizens Bank Park in the top of the seventh inning in the game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies on July 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets defeated the Phillies 4-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jul 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Royce Lewis (23) reacts after making a play against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images
First Pitch: 1:20 pm CDT TV: Twins.TV Radio: TIBN / WCCO 830 / The Wolf 102.9 FM / Audacy
I can hardly believe it myself, but the 2026 Twins have reached a point of being so decent, their record actually reflects the notion that they might be okay. For the first time in nearly three months, Minnesota has a perfectly respectable .500 record at 49-49, has the chance to add another series win to their streak and claim a road series at Wrigley Field, and potentially set themselves up to leapfrog Cleveland in the standings next week.
Taj Bradley might be the most exciting member of Minnesota’s rotation, and he gets the ball for his first post-break start this afternoon. Coming off consecutive winning starts of 7 innings, Bradley has seen the team go 5-0 in his last five starts, as he pitches to a 2.32 ERA and a 38/10 K/BB ratio in 31 innings. Still just 25 years old, Bradley’s 2.6 bWAR would be far and away his highest career mark, and there’s still over 60 games left in the season.
For the Chicago Cubs, it’s a familiar name in lefty Matthew Boyd, who spent eight years in the division with Detroit, although I mostly remember him for putting up Blyleven-esque home run numbers (allowing a league-leading 39 homers despite a 3.8 bWAR in 2019, then somehow managing to allow a league-worst 15 homers and a league-leading 45 earned runs in the pandemic season.)
The Twins look to have a winning record in a matter of hours, as their quest to buy at the deadline continues.
Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson screams during the New York Knicks Championship Parade through the Canyon of Heroes. Mandatory Credit: Brenden Willsch-Imagn Images | Brenden Willsch-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks are bringing back most of their championship roster to the team next season, with one glaring exception.
Mitchell Robinson, the longest-tenured member of the team, left New York after eight seasons to sign with the rival Boston Celtics in free agency. Bleacher Report contributor Grant Hughes believes losing Robinson is a downgrade for New York.
“Mitchell Robinson, a more prominent rotation piece than any of the Knicks’ retentions, was the one that got away,” Hughes wrote.
“He’ll play for the Celtics next season in the first year of a three-year deal worth $47.4 million.
“The Knicks didn’t have to let him go, and there’s a good chance they’ll miss his elite offensive rebounding and defensive force. Sure, health concerns and the foul-shooting struggles that rendered Robinson occasionally unplayable during the title run loom large. But it’s nonetheless disappointing to watch a defending champion lose a critical piece over money.”
Robinson was offered far more than the Knicks were willing to spend, which ultimately led him to leave the team. In his place, Andre Drummond steps in for his 15th NBA season. Drummond was a two-time All-Star with the Detroit Pistons back in 2016 and 2018, but he has been primarily a backup since leaving the Pistons in 2020.
Drummond will be asked to step up to the plate with Robinson no longer on the roster, but it’s clear that the team is not getting the same amount of value.
We’re about to find out exactly how valuable Robinson was to the Knicks. It showed a lot in this past season when he was healthy and the team’s best rim protector, but replacing him with Drummond could have long-term effects that could prevent the Knicks from repeating as champions.
P&T community, how do you feel about swapping out Robinson for Drummond? Let us know in the comments section below.
INDEPENDENCE PASS, CO - JUNE 13: A large sign on Highway 82 designates the official crossing of the Continental Divide on June 13, 2013, at Independence Pass, Colorado. Colorado's Rocky Mountains are part of a range that extends 3,000 miles from New Mexico all the way into Canada. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds slugged four homers in their series opening 7-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday, with Spencer Steer responsible for a pair of them. On Saturday, they’ll look to take the series victory as they face off against righty Tomoyuki Sugano.
Sugano’s one of those rare birds who’s actually been a bit better pitching in Coors Field in 2026 than he has in other parks. He owns a 4.14 ERA at home and has held opponents to roughly 50 points lower in terms of OPS, and only 5 of the 16 dingers he has yielded have come in the high altitude of his home park. That said, lefties have slugged .581 off him so far this season, and Elly De La Cruz is red hot at the moment…
Rhett Lowder gets the ball for the Reds as their shuffled rotation takes form in the season’s second half while Nick Lodolo recovers from yet another blister problem. Lowder has pitched in long relief in each of his last trio of outings, his last start coming back on June 30th.
First pitch in this afternoon affair is set for 3:10 PM ET. Here’s how both clubs will line up to start:
It’s the same old story for Rory McIlroy: he just can’t keep any momentum going this week. He follows that chip-in eagle on 9 with bogey at 11. Back to -1, and a second Claret Jug continues to hover out of reach. At least he’s got one. Jon Rahm has a strangely underwhelming record at the Open: a couple of high finishes in 2019 and 2023 without ever really looking likely to win. And it’s threatening to happen again. He carves his opening drive over the bushes to the right and out of bounds, and starts with a double-bogey six. His fume is internal, but it is real, registering eight-and-a-half out of ten on Bryson DeChambeau’s patented R&A-o-meter™.
Ryan Fox speaks to Sky. “The game plan was to be aggressive … I hit driver a lot … your strategy changes with the wind around here … I had a couple of interesting shots on the back nine and kinda got away with them … pretty happy with 62 in the end, that’s for sure … had a lot of fun with [Xander Schauffele] … he played really well too and we kind of fed off each other … was pretty happy to make par [on 18] from that fairway trap … I haven’t really put four rounds together [at the Open] … hopefully this is a sign … I’m in a pretty good place to give myself a chance so we’ll see what happens!”
An eventful weekend series between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies continues today, with first pitch moved up to 3:05 p.m. ET in advance of expected thunderstorms.
The Mets won the opener, snapping a three-game losing streak, but Philadelphia is a -169 moneyline favorite and should have the pitching edge by a wide margin.
Read on for my Mets vs. Phillies predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, July 18.
Who will win Mets vs Phillies today: Phillies -1.5 (+119)
Ideally, I'd like to keep those runs, but the moneyline is far too expensive to take the Philadelphia Phillies straight up. It's currently in the -160 range. I'd prefer -120 and would go up to the mid -130s.
The last-place New York Mets have a .377 winning percentage with a -1.2 differential per game against .500+ teams. Against current playoff teams, they're .333, -1.9. The Phillies, meanwhile, are .651 against losing teams.
The Phillies start Jesus Luzardo, who is fourth in MLB in strikeouts and is above the 80th percentile in every major pitching metric except walk rate (62nd) and chase rate (78th).
Mets vs Phillies Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-103)
The Mets' four runs on Friday matched their total for the previous three games. New York also saw Juan Soto leave in the eighth with a sore left calf, the same problem that sent him to the IL in April. He's listed as day-to-day.
The Mets start Sean Manaea, who is being showcased as a likely deadline deal to a contender. He's 2-4, 4.56, but is 4.35 with a 1.258 WHIP in his last four starts, 3.75, 1.083 in his last two. Philly has scored 3.5 runs per game in the last 10, nearly a full run lower than their season average.
Play to -110.
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 25-35, -6.98 units
Over/Under bets: 35-20, +2.53 units
Mets vs Phillies weather
Humid with rain in the forecast. The winds are moderate and blowing out to center field.
Mets vs Phillies odds
Moneyline: Mets +156 | Phillies -163
Run line: Mets +1.5 (-133) | Phillies -1.5 (+127)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-108) | Under 8.5 (+104)
Mets vs Phillies trend
The Phillies have hit the F5 team total Over in nine of their last 12 games at home (+5.55 Units / 40% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Phillies.
How to watch Mets vs Phillies and game info
Location
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Saturday, July 18, 2026
First pitch
3:05 p.m. ET
TV
SNY, NBCSP
Mets starting pitcher
Sean Manaea (2-4, 4.56 ERA)
Phillies starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo (8-4, 3.51 ERA)
Mets vs Phillies latest injuries
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.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: The Orlando Magic bench reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 12, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (3-1) vs Orlando Magic (3-1) Saturday, July 18, 2026 4:30 PM ET Summer League Game #5 TV: NBCSB, Prime Video Thomas and Mack Center
Both of these teams have played 4 games so far in Summer League as neither team played in Salt Lake City or California prior to Las Vegas. Both teams are 3-1 in Las Vegas. The Magic lost their first game to Charlotte and then won their next three over Miami, Portland and Philadelphia. The Celtics beat Toronto, Charlotte, and Sacramento but lost to Atlanta.
The Celtics are coached by Amile Jefferson. Jefferson was named Director of Player Development for the Duke Blue Devils in 2021. He was promoted to assistant coach at Duke for the 2022-23 season. In 2023, Jefferson became an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics under head coach Joe Mazzulla. Jefferson played with Jayson Tatum at Duke and he played for the Celtics on an Exhibit 10 contract before being hired as an assistant coach.
The Magic are coached by DJ Bakker. He started his coaching career as a video coordinator for the Bulls in the 2009-10 season. Then he was hires as a scout for the Magic for thr 2013-14 season. He then was the player development coach for the Mavericks for the 2015-16 season. From 2016-2018, he was the player development coach for the Raptors. From 2018-2020, he was the player development coach for the Pistons. And from 2020-2023 he was an assistant coach for the Pistons and for the 2021-22 season, he was the head coach for the Motor City Cruise. He was a Bucks assistant coach for the 2023-24 season and from 2024-2026, He was an assistant coach for the Hornets and head coach for the Greensboro Swarm. He was hired in June as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic.
The Celtics are averaging 41.3 rebounds per game while the Magic are averaging 35.5rebounds per game. The Celtics need to continue to crash the boards and beat the Magic to rebounds. The Celtics are turning the ball over 17.3 times per game while the Magic are averaging 19.3 turnovers per game. It’s not unusual for Summer League teams to turn the ball over a lot because of limited playing time together. The Celtics could help themselves if they could take better care of the basketball.
The Celtics as a whole have not shot the ball very well, but they were able to play enough defense to get wins in 3 games. The Celtics are shooting 37.4% from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc. The Magic are shooting 49.4% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to continue to play good defense to slow down the Magic’s offense.
The Magic is the more experienced team in this match-up, They have one player with 6 years of experience, 2 players with 4 years experience, 3 players with 3 years experience, 2 players with 2 years experience, 4 players with 1 year experience and 8 rookies. The Celtics, on the other hand, have 13 rookies, 2 players with 1 year experience and 1 player with 3 years experience.
Celtics Summer League Roster Mohammad Amini #54 R Chris Cenac, Jr #12 R Tucker DeVries #41 R Hugo Gonzalez #28 1 Caleb Grill #37 R Curtis Jones #26 R Kyle Mangas #43 R Dillon Mitchell #20 R Hank Morgan #51 R Nick Pringle #40 R Day Day Thomas #38 R John Tonje #8 R Milos Uzan #29 R Chauncey Wiggins #50 R Alondes Williams #46 3 Amari Williams #77 1
Head Coach Amile Jefferson
Starters in 1st 2 games Curtis Jones, John Tonje, Hugo Gonzalez, Dillon Mitchell, and Amari Williams Starters in 3rd game Curtis Jones, John Tonje, Tucker DeVries, Dillon Mitchell, and Chris Cenac, Jr
Starters Game 4 Milos Uzan, John Tonje, Hugo Gonzalez, Tucker DeVries, Amari Williams
Celtics Players to Watch
Hugo Gonzalez | NBAE via Getty Images
Hugo Gonzalez – Hugo was the 28th pick in last year’s draft. In last year’s Summer League, he averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He averaged 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14 minutes per game last season. His +11.9 rating was the highest for any rookie that played at least 100 minutes. So far in Summer League he is averaging 15.5 points, 8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 31.8% from the field and 25.9% from beyond the arc.
Dillon Mitchell – Mitchell is a 4 year college player who was drafted with the 40th pick. He is 6’8″ with a 6’10” wingspan. He is a super athlete, good finisher, rebounder and defender. He averaged 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over 37 games with 25 starts last year. He was named to All Big East 3rd team and Big East All Defensive team. In the first 4 games, he is averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 47.2% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc.
John Tonje – Tonje came to the Celtics as a 2-way player from Utah in the Chris Boucher trade at last year’s deadline. At the end of last season, his contract was converted to a standard contract. His option wasn’t picked up this season but the way he has played in Summer League, he is earning at least a 2 way contract again. He has started all 4 games so far and is averaging 15 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.5 assist, and 1.3 steals while shooting 47.6% from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc. Amari Williams – Amari was the 46th pick in last year’s draft. He spent most of last season on a 2-way deal but was converted to a standard contract at the end of last season. He averaged 1.4 points, and 1.8 rebounds in 6.6 minutes with Boston last year. He averaged 15.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.8 blocks with Maine last season. He has already been signed to a 2-way contract for this season. He is averaging 11.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 blocks while shooting 55% from the field with no 3’s. Orlando Magic Roster Ricky Council IV #7 2 DJ Armstrong #10 R Jase Richardson #11 1 Ace Baldwin, Jr #12 R Colin Castleton #14 3 Ty Ty Washington, Jr #15, 4 Tre Holloman #16 R Keon Johnson #17 4 CJ Elleby #18 Phillip Wheeler #20 1 Lester Quinones #24 3 Izaiyah Nelson #25 R Johnell Davis #28 R Alex Morales #30 1 Hunter Tyson #31 3 Cam Reddish #33 6 Malik Reneau #42 R Mike Sharavjamts #44 R Will Baker #45 R Noah Penda #93 1 Magic Starters Games 1,2 and 4 Jase Richardson, Lester Quinones, Alex Morales, Noah Penda, and Colin Castelton
Magic Starters Game 3 Ty Ty Washington, Lester Quinones, Alex Morales, Phillip Wheeler and Colin Castleton Magic Players to Watch
Jase Richardson | NBAE via Getty Images
Jase Richardson – After spending 1 year at Michigan State, Richardson became the 25th pick of the Orlando Magic in the 2025 draft. In 18.9 minutes, he averaged 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 47.3% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. He is the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson. In Summer League, he is averaging 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 54.1% from the field and 50.3% from beyond the arc. Lester Quinones – Quinones was a 3 year player at Memphis before going undrafted in the 2022 draft. He has played for the Santa Cruz Warriors and the Birmingham Squadron of the G-League and has signed 2-way contracts with the Warriors, 76ers and Pelicans. In 4 games so far in Summer League, he is averaging 16.3 points, 3.8 reebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal while shooting 51.2% from the field and 47.6% from beyond the arc.
Noah Penda – Penda is a French player who was drafted by the Celtics in 2025 but traded to the Magic on draft night. He played 59 games for the Magic last season, averaging 3.8 points. 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 12.8 minutes per game. He shot 40.4% from the field and 32.3% from beyond the arc. So far in Summer League, he is averaging 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 56% from the field and 47.1% from beyond the arc.
Colin Castleton – Castelton was a 5 year college player between Michigan and Florida. He went undrafted in 2023. He has played for the Lakers, Memphis, Toronto, Philadelphia and Orlando. He has also played for the South Bay Lakers, Memphis Hustle, Raptors 905 and Osceola Magic of the G-League. He averaged 3.3 points, and 3.1 rebounds over his career, while shooting 47.9% from the field and 12.5% from beyond the arc.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics looks on during the first inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Too bad the crossroads seem to overlook a cliff on all sides, but which way do you want to go? This reminds me of a trip to Europe years ago in which Siri instructed, calmly, “turn left”. Only we were driving on a mountain road and for as long as the eye could see a left turn sent you plunging off a cliff down a steep embankment. I bring this up because had I just followed Siri’s guidance I would not have had to endure this 3-18 stretch on the heels of a 1-20 free fall last season.
But here we are, alive in some technical sense and wondering which way to turn as the team faces a double-digit losing streak capped by a downright embarrassing 23-4 loss.
I think the absurdity of the A’s pitching failures are summed up by Johnny Doskow’s note on the radio last night when he said, “The 23 runs given up ties a season high for the A’s.” Ties. Not in literally the last 71 years has a team been able to say that — oh and in 1955 it was the Kansas City A’s.
I could emphasize the level of quagmire the A’s are in with stats, but that would be wantonly cruel. OK fine, I will. The A’s now have a home ERA of 6.63 and have surrendered 97 HR in 48 games. They are 15-27 (.357) in West Sacramento. Their -125 run differential is the only one in negative triple digits. Over their past 15 games the A’s are 1-14. Since July 1st they have held a lead for 6 pitches.
But the question in front of the A’s right now, besides “How do we outscore our opponent for a night, or at least for 7 pitches?”, is what direction to go as a team that thought it had transitioned from “rebuild” to “ competitive” only to find itself with the 3rd worst record in the American League?
Option 1 is to attribute much of the problem to injuries, and wait for key players such as Nick Kurtz and Zack Gelof to return, and to hope some of the pitchers like Jacob Lopez, Jeffrey Springs, and maybe at some point Luis Morales, can revert back to their 2025 selves or better.
This is a naive and terrible option, as what has become glaring is that right now the A’s are not 1 starting pitcher, 1 reliever, or 1 position player away from being contenders. Getting guys back will certainly help a lot, but the A’s have gotten to the point where “much improved” would be to go 7-8 instead of 1-14, for the pitchers to give up 5 runs in a game instead of the 8+ they allow 41.6% of the time at home (yes, folks, 20 times in 48 tries).
Option 2 is not just to sell, but to try to sell pieces at the deadline that can bring back a meaningful return. The A’s are in the unfortunate position where most of their players are either essential core pieces or have little trade value due to contract or performance.
The closest thing to a possible “sweet spot” exception is Shea Langeliers, whose name has begun to be bandied about in online trade rumors — but not ones coming from reliable inside sources, just internet chat buzz at this point. There is also a prevailing sense that even if the A’s were open to trading Langeliers the best time to do it would be the off-season, not the trading deadline.
That being said, given that the A’s — still with plenty of their players healthy — are not 38-38 but rather 41-56 and sinking fast with abominable pitching, I think the A’s probably do need to listen on Langeliers especially were a deal to fall into their lap in which they could procure a decent replacement catcher and a top young pitching prospect.
It’s hard to know who is looking for what and then which players they would be willing to move, not to mention which players the A’s scouts believe in as trade targets. So it’s generally foolish for fans to sit suggesting specific deals, but I will offer examples of possible frameworks.
If the White Sox came calling ready to deal Kyle Teel and Hagen Smith (the #5 overall pick in 2024) that might be a worthwhile conversation. (Updated note: I wrote this not realizing Smith is out with a sore shoulder, which changes the landscape.) Same if the Red Sox came calling offering Carlos Narvaez and Connelly Early (whose current IL stint with elbow inflammation might make him a riskier get but also a more possible one). The Yankees could potentially make Carlos Lagrange available along with the excellent defensive catcher Austin Wells, whose bat cratered this season but was much better in 2025. So there are frameworks and specific players who could make sense — but there truly are not many.
As far as other possible trade chips that could bring back value, it doesn’t help that Henry Bolte’s fast start has been followed by a stat-wrecking funk on both sides of the ball, that Lawrence Butler continues to wade in the waters of the Mendoza line, that Jacob Wilson has not been able to stay healthy, or that Colby Thomas’ many shortcomings have been soundly exposed.
Option 3 is probably the most likely one and that is some tepid moves at the deadline that don’t move the needle unless some prospect breaks out far more than expected. Mark Leiter Jr. might draw interest, but the return is not going to be much. The same is true of Jonah Heim, whose most recent transaction was to be dealt for cash.
Option 4 probably came and went with the All-Star break, at least until the off-season, and that is to clean house of more than just one pitching coach and bring new voices and leadership to a still talented group that has veered off course like Columbus trying to find Asia with a broken compass and plays a generally undisciplined and not fundamentally sound brand of baseball.
The front office seems strangely forgiving of and committed to a band of coaches/manager who are best known for epic skids of 21 games and an ability to adjust. Perhaps a lack of sufficient talent on the field, partly due to injuries, is to blame — that seems to be the common refrain. But its mid-July and the quality of at bats, pitch selection and execution, fundamentals, and ability to stop the bleeding has not improved and this should not be summarily excused.
2026 will mark the 5th consecutive season the A’s have fallen out of contention by the All-Star break, and this year it was hard to do given that the AL West leader is 1 game over .500 while 48-48 gets you the 3rd wild card spot.
Without question the plan has been for the A’s to contend in 2027 and so the question becomes: how would you proceed in the next couple weeks in order to further that goal? And then again in the 0ff-season? The team may be at a crossroads, and every turn may take you off a cliff, but the A’s have to do something (doing nothing qualifies as something) and the next test of a chosen direction will be the August 3rd trading deadline.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Patrick Bailey #16 of the Cleveland Guardians rounds third base against the Miami Marlins in the eighth inning of the game at loanDepot park on July 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It's semifinals time at the NBA Summer League, with the Memphis Grizzlies battling the Houston Rockets, while the Las Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors.
My predictions see the Grizzlies and Lakers going through to the finals, while I also like the Spurs to win a consolation matchup tonight.
Keep reading to see my NBASummer League picks for Saturday, July 18.
NBA Summer League predictions for July 18
Pick
Grizzlies moneyline
-186
Lakers moneyline
-117
Spurs moneyline
+100
💰 All three parlayed
+470
Today's Summer League picks
Grizzlies moneyline (-186 at Kalshi)
The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a massive win over the previously undefeated Atlanta Hawks, winning by 32 points to fight their way into the Summer League semifinals.
Cameron Boozer lived up to his hype as the No. 3 overall pick with 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting on Thursday, while Cedric Coward poured in 23 points of his own.
Memphis has put up 96.8 ppg and is playing a more talented and more experienced group than the Houston Rockets. I'm backing the Grizzlies to move on to the final in Vegas.
Lakers moneyline (-117 at Kalshi)
The Los Angeles Lakers are the only undefeated team remaining in the Summer League, heading into the semifinals with a 4-0 record. They've outscored opponents by an average of 17.5 points, and lead all playoff teams in both points scored (97.8 ppg) and allowed (80.3 ppg).
Cameron Carr is putting up 18.3 ppg for the Lakers in Vegas, while Arthur Kaluma (20.3 ppg) is impressing as a three-and-D guy who's fighting for a roster spot after spending last year in the G-League.
This team is playing extremely well and should overwhelm Yaxel Lendeborg and the Golden State Warriors tonight.
Spurs moneyline (+100 at Kalshi)
Beyond the semifinals, there's some great action in store in the consolation games, including the matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns.
Spurs draft pick Ja'Kobi Gillsepie has starred in Summer League play, scoring 16 ppg and going for 25 points against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Guard RJ Davis has also been making his case for a roster spot, putting up 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
The Suns have found success playing a consistent lineup in Vegas, but San Antonio's older talent should win out against a younger Phoenix squad led by 19-year-old Khaman Maluach.
Start trading with Kalshi today!
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS20' and get a $20 trading bonus after you trade $20 on any other event contracts — including NBA Summer League!
Sign Up Now at img src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/336/kalshi.svg" alt="Kalshi" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
*Eligible U.S. locations only
Saturday’s NBA Summer League parlay
Grizzlies moneyline
Lakers moneyline
Spurs moneyline
+470 at Kalshi
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.
COVERS INTEL: Luzardo has added almost 
Grizzlies moneyline
Lakers moneyline
Spurs moneyline