The Portland Trail Blazers are set to check in for their first game in the NBA 2K25 summer league, facing the San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas, NV.
Spurs had already attended three games in the California Classic Summer League. Despite trouncing Team China 89-67, they dropped the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings by more than 25 points. But the team found confidence from the big victory. Other than Stephon Castle’s game-high 18 points performance, the Spurs held off China by only seven points in the third quarter, showcasing the desire to bounce back in the upcoming schedule in Las Vegas.
Before heading to Las Vegas, the Trail Blazers signed Bryce McGowens with a two-way contract and added him to their Summer League roster. In the past two seasons with the Hornets, McGowens averaged 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and one assist on 41.9% shooting (33% from beyond the arc) in 105 games. Turning to the Summer League this year, he put up an average of 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on the stat sheet. With their first-round pick Donovan Clingan, the addition is expected to revamp the team and give a fresh look during the event.
Which of these teams can start the 2k25 tournament with a win?
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs Details
Fixture: Portland Trail Blazers @ San Antonio Spurs
Date and Time: July 13th @ 9:00 pm ET
Location: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
Network: ESPN 2
Summer League Team Preview
Portland Trail Blazers
Though the team has yet to show up in the Summer League, we can still see the promise for the Trail Blazers before the outings. Fans can take a look at Trail Blazers’ No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan, who averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per game, helping UConn win the National Championship last season. Third-year forward Justin Minaya will make his third appearance this summer and his second with Portland. He is averaging 16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game for the Rip City Remix.
Although Scoot Henderson will not attend the game, his absence offers availability for other gifted reserves to shine on the court. Interestingly, the team also added an Asian duo to the roster. Jacky Cui is a 6’5″ guard from China who can provide versatile production for the team. Hyunjung Lee, a Korean shooter, played three years in NCAA D1 Basketball before going to professional basketball, scoring 12.7 points with 39.7% three-point made for Davidson College. After honing their basketball skills with high-level coaches in America before the draft, they both seem prepared physically and mentally for the upcoming challenges.
San Antonio Spurs
Since the Spurs had already showcased three games, we can temporarily evaluate the draft picks the team got this year. Stephon Castle, Clingan’s college teammate at UConn, led the team in average scoring (15.0). Therefore, the Castle-Clingan matchup would be intriguing entering the game. Otherwise, the second-round pick Harrison Ingram also demonstrated his value. He powered the Spurs in a blowout victory over Team China with a double-double play.
Despite the major focus on how these two men can generate positive chemistry with Victor Wembayama, the Spurs should also concentrate on the upcoming fixtures and find methods to deal with their offensive struggle. In those three previous games combined, Spurs only scored 71.7 points per game, the second least above Team China.
Possible Breakout Players of the Game
Portland Trail Blazers
Being one of the most prosperous players in the camp Donovan Clingan is expected to be one of the most physically imposing players with his 7’2″ height and 282-pound weight. His breakout potential lies in his ability to dominate both ends of the floor. Clingan’s defensive prowess particularly his rim protection and pick-and-roll defense will be crucial for the Blazers. His ability to anchor the defense and finish plays at the rim will provide a significant boost to the team’s overall performance.
San Antonio Spurs
Harrison Ingram has been turning heads with his solid performances in the Summer League. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a key player for the Spurs. Ingram’s recent game against Team China where he posted 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals, showcased his all-around capability. His improved shooting and scoring ability will allow him to positively impact the team, especially when it comes to supporting another major scorer Stephon Castle.
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