Also tonight? The always-electric PlayStation NBA Creator Cup<\/a> to finish the night in Vegas (8:30 PT, NBA App, NBA YouTube, NBA Facebook).<\/p>\n 5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n 2026 NBA Summer League Guide: Thirty teams. Eleven days. One city. One champion<\/p>\n Top Two Picks Clash: Wizards vs. Jazz, Dybantsa vs. Peterson and two parallel journeys<\/p>\n Watch List: More top Lottery picks take the floor in Vegas over the next two days<\/p>\n Meet The Creators, Pt. I: Get to know Pierre Andresen\u2019s star-studded Creator Cup roster<\/p>\n Meet The Creators, Pt. II: Darrick Miller\u2019s Creator Cup squad is loaded with talent, too<\/p>\n BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n The 2026 NBA Summer League<\/a> from Las Vegas begins with seven games today<\/a> across Prime, ESPN & ESPN2, beginning with Wolves-Pelicans at 3:30 ET (Prime), before AJ Dybantsa and the Wizards face Darryn Peterson and the Jazz at 9 ET (ESPN).<\/p>\n 1. 2026 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE IN 2 MINUTES<\/p>\n The 21st edition of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas tips off today, bringing all 30 teams together for an 11-day, 76-game showcase that culminates with a winner-take-all championship game on July 19.<\/p>\n Acclimate to the desert circuit with everything you need to know below:<\/p>\n What\u2019s the format?<\/p>\n The Slate: A total of 76 games will be played in the 11-day tournament, with all 30 teams playing at least five times Which players are participating in the 2026 NBA Summer League \u2013 and why is it important?<\/p>\n Why It Matters: Since its inception in 2004, the Summer League in Las Vegas has established itself as a main stage for emerging talent, annually showcasing future NBA stars How can I watch each game, and where are they played?<\/p>\n Game Locations: The games will be split between the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on UNLV\u2019s campus 2. TONIGHT ON ESPN: DYBANTSA & PETERSON MEET AGAIN<\/p>\n AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson\u2019s paths have run parallel for years.<\/p>\n They finished high school as ESPN\u2019s top two recruits. They shined in college as freshman superstars. They left the NBA Draft as the first two picks.<\/p>\n Now, they meet for the first time as professionals, headlining opening night of NBA Summer League when the Wizards face the Jazz (9 ET, ESPN).<\/p>\n High School Showdowns: Dybantsa and Peterson produced multiple memorable duels before college, highlighted by a legendary 61-point explosion from Peterson \u2013 capped by a last-second game-winning 3 \u2013 to overcome Dybantsa\u2019s 49 Salt Lake Splash: While Dybantsa is slated to make his debut tonight, Peterson has already turned heads, posting a Salt Lake City Summer League-high 26.5 ppg while adding 7 apg in two outings.<\/p>\n The highlights<\/a> have grabbed headlines, but it\u2019s Peterson\u2019s processing ability that\u2019s impressed his future backcourt mate, Keyonte George, the most.<\/p>\n \u201cJust how fast he picks up on things,\u201d George said of Peterson on Tuesday. \u201cWhenever he has a question, or there\u2019s certain people in the building that want to give him certain little knowledge on things, he can pick up on it right away \u2026 Wiz Kid: While Peterson has already flashed his potential, Thursday gives fans their first look at Dybantsa against NBA competition.<\/p>\n The No. 1 pick\u2019s physical tools are well documented, but it\u2019s his basketball IQ that\u2019s impressed 2nd-year guard Will Riley during their first practices together.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, how intelligent he is,\u201d Riley told ClutchPoints<\/a> after practice on Wednesday. \u201cHe\u2019s a very smart player for sure. Because I remember when I came in \u2026 adjusting to the defense and stuff, but he gets it right away. He\u2019s already there\u2026 Now, Dybantsa gets his first chance to show it on an NBA floor \u2013 facing the player whose path has mirrored his own since high school.<\/p>\n And in Dybantsa\u2019s words, it\u2019s \u201cgo time<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n 3. WATCH LIST: MORE TOP TALENT TAKES THE FLOOR TODAY & FRIDAY<\/p>\n Keaton Wagler won at Illinois. As a freshman, he helped the Fighting Illini return to the Final Four for the first time since 2005, finishing with a 28-9 record.<\/p>\n He also won at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. There, he powered the Cougars to KSHSAA Class 6A state championships in 2024 and \u201925.<\/p>\n Now, the No. 5 overall pick in this year\u2019s Draft hunts his first Summer League win when the Clippers tip off Summer League action against Darius Acuff Jr. and the Kings (8 ET, ESPN).<\/p>\n \u201c[I wanted] to prove to everyone that I can compete with anyone on the planet, and that\u2019s what I did,\u201d Wagler said of his rise to the NBA. \u201cStayed true to myself, worked hard each day and didn\u2019t take any days off.\u201d<\/p>\n New Face, New Era: The 19-year-old represents the next generation for LA, which reportedly traded for Brandon Ingram and officially signed Rui Hachimura earlier this offseason Friday\u2019s Grizzlies-Bulls matchup (8 ET, Prime) reunites No. 3 pick Cam Boozer and No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson, who meet again after facing off during their freshman seasons at Duke and North Carolina.<\/p>\n Epic Showdown: Wilson came out on top in the two players\u2019 lone head-to-head matchup in February, as UNC beat Duke, 71-68, on a thrilling buzzer-beater. Wilson finished with 23 points, while Boozer dropped 24 But first, more elite talent takes the floor in today\u2019s seven-game slate.<\/p>\n Hannes Steinbach (No. 14, CHA) and Christian Anderson (No. 18, CHA): The Hornets, defending Summer League champions, test their top picks versus the Magic (7:30 ET, Prime) 4. NBA CREATOR CUP: MEET TEAM PIERRE<\/p>\n The PlayStation NBA Creator Cup<\/a> also tips off tonight in Las Vegas (8:30 PT, NBA App, NBA YouTube, NBA Facebook), bringing together some of basketball\u2019s biggest digital stars for another electric showcase of hoops and creator culture.<\/p>\n With a combined social following of more than 125 million, this year\u2019s Creator Cup roster features some of the most influential names in basketball and gaming content, with Enjoy Basketball\u2019s Pierre Andresen and Darrick Miller serving as team coaches.<\/p>\n First, let\u2019s meet Team Pierre.<\/p>\n MDMotivator: A creator known for his philanthropy, Zachery Dereniowski, aka MDMotivator, has built a massive following through random acts of kindness, surprising strangers with life-changing gifts while promoting mental health awareness.<\/p>\n YPK Raye: A dynamic athlete and personality, YPK blends basketball highlights with viral skits and off-court charisma. He\u2019s also active in Las Vegas streetball leagues, showcasing his handle and bounce.<\/p>\n Cam Wilder: With over 10 million social followers, Wilder brings a unique blend of energy, skill and humor, while also chronicling his journey as the coach of his AAU team, Rod Wave Elite.<\/p>\n Kristopher \u201cLSK\u201d London: At 6-foot-10, London played college ball at Oral Roberts and Newman University and is now one of YouTube\u2019s most recognizable faces in the sports and gaming community.<\/p>\n Jay Cinco: A popular livestreamer, TikTok creator and rapper, Jay Cinco returns for his second NBA Creator Cup after competing at NBA All-Star earlier this year.<\/p>\n Jenna Bandy: A former All-Conference guard for California State University Monterey Bay, Bandy is a hoops creator known for her trick shots and viral challenges. She holds a Guinness World Record for the farthest football thrown into a target by a female.<\/p>\n Chris Staples: A former Harlem Globetrotter, Staples is a world-class dunker who has inspired high-flyers like Dwight Howard and Aaron Gordon. He also starred in the hoops film \u201cSlamma Jamma.\u201d<\/p>\n Mariah Linney: A former standout at UNC Charlotte and South Carolina Miss Basketball, Linney creates content centered around hoops, sneakers, fashion and photography.<\/p>\n Nicky Gathrite: An entrepreneur and CEO who co-founded Unruly and Elevate Agencies, Gathrite is a former \u201cFear Factor\u201d champion and has competed in multiple high-level pro-am and celebrity basketball circuits, including the Drew League.<\/p>\n 5. NBA CREATOR CUP: MEET TEAM DARRICK<\/p>\n This is Team Darrick \u2013 led by Enjoy Basketball\u2019s Darrick Miller.<\/p>\n LeeThe4th: Lee McCall is a digital creator and comedian who formerly played for Div. II Wingate University. Standing at 6-foot-9, he\u2019s gone viral for his \u201cshort person\u201d humor.<\/p>\n JDub: After playing for Lamar University and Victoria College, Jordan Wallace \u2014 known as JDub \u2014 has become popular on social media for basketball content, comedy skits and vlogs.<\/p>\n BenDaDonnn: Also known as Been Dat, started out as a stylist for high-profile NBA and NFL athletes. He\u2019s since become known for streaming, stand-up comedy and content creation.<\/p>\n Drifty Jay: Jordan Lewis is busy on the basketball content creator scene with park takeovers, 1v1 matchups and AAU tournaments and produces fun challenge videos.<\/p>\n Bree Green: He\u2019s taken all the skills and tricks learned during his time with the Harlem Globetrotters and now brings them to social media for the world to enjoy.<\/p>\n Whit3 Iverson: A frequent face in influencer basketball tournaments, Alan Palesano uses his background as a college, professional and street player to create highlights and tutorials.<\/p>\n Duke Skywalka: Dazeran Jones wears many hats \u2014 professional basketball player, internet personality and motion capture actor. He appeared in the 2023 remake, \u201cWhite Men Can\u2019t Jump.\u201d<\/p>\n Lynadia Whiting: She aims to inspire young athletes as a basketball YouTuber herself. Having played for Div. II Limestone University, Whiting now shares her love of the game with others.<\/p>\n CWhye: Christopher Whye is a member of BucketSquad, which is a sports-inspired apparel and lifestyle brand. He produces a mix of basketball challenges and comedic content.<\/p>\n Get Ready: Peep the Creator Cup at February\u2019s NBA All-Star weekend here<\/a> \u2014 and throw it back to last December, at Emirates NBA Cup in Vegas right here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"AJ](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/original.gif\")
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\nThe Playoffs: After each club plays four games, the top four teams advance to a single-elimination semifinals, followed by the championship on Sunday, July 19 (9 ET, ESPN)
\nThe Seeding: The four playoff teams will be determined by record in their first four games, with head-to-head matchups and point differential serving as the first two tiebreakers
\nMore Action: The 26 teams that do not advance to the four-team playoff will play a fifth consolation game on either July 17, 18 or 19<\/p>\n![\"Caleb](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616477_902_original.jpg\")
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\nWhy It\u2019s Special: That includes seven active Kia NBA MVPs, the last six Finals MVPs and 15 Kia Rookie of the Year winners \u2013 including the last five: Scottie Barnes (2021), Paolo Banchero (\u201822), Victor Wembanyama (\u201823), Stephon Castle (\u201824) and Cooper Flagg (\u201825)
\nWho\u2019s Hitting The Floor: Vegas is loaded with talent, from highly touted rookies and sophomores to young veterans seeking a breakout, as well as unsigned hopefuls looking to make a splash
\nCan\u2019t-Miss: See Brian Martin\u2019s five must-see games<\/a> and 15 players to watch<\/a>, plus more marquee matchups in Sections 2 & 3<\/p>\n![\"NBA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616477_247_original.jpg\")
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\nHow To Watch: All 76 games will air on Prime or ESPN platforms (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU)
\nFull Schedule: Check out the complete 11-day slate<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Darryn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616478_237_original.jpg\")
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\nCollege Duel: In January, they met in a highly anticipated showdown at Allen Fieldhouse, where Peterson scored 18 in the 1st half to ignite No. 14 Kansas past Dybantsa (17 pts) and No. 13 BYU
\nNo. 1 & 2, Again: But it was Dybantsa who ultimately earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year before hearing his name called first on Draft Night, adding to a friendly rivalry that\u2019s pushed both players to raise their game
\n\u201cObviously, when we step on the court, we try to go at each other,\u201d Peterson told ESPN before the Draft. \u201cThat\u2019s what we always do.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Darryn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616478_406_original.jpg\")
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\n\u201cAdding him to the group, he\u2019s going to be able to help all of us \u2026 it\u2019s going to be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"AJ](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616479_244_original.jpg\")
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\n\u201cAnd on offense, you guys know how special he is.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Darius](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616479_810_original.jpg\")
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\nTop-10 Clash: He\u2019ll go against the red-hot Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick, who already has Kings fans buzzing<\/a> after\u00a0leading the California Classic in scoring with 23.5 ppg<\/p>\n![\"Caleb](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616480_829_original.jpg\")
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\nBoozer Balling: Boozer looked sharp in the Salt Lake City Summer League, flashing his all-around game (16.5 pts, 5.5 reb, 4 ast), while shooting 62.5% from 3
\nWilson Ready: Now, Wilson is set to make his Summer League debut on Friday \u2013 and is ready to make his mark on the league
\n\u201cI expect to have Rookie of the Year, honestly,\u201d Wilson said in his Bulls introductory news conference. \u201cI\u2019m going to work hard. I\u2019m going to do what it takes. I feel like the team is really good for me and how I envision to play.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Yaxel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616481_252_original.jpg\")
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\nYaxel Lendeborg (No. 11, GSW) vs. Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9, DAL): Teammates become opponents when these two national champions from Michigan square off (7 ET, ESPN)
\nKingston Flemings (No. 8, ATL): The former Houston guard got his first taste of Summer League in Salt Lake City and now goes against the Spurs (4:30 ET, ESPN2)
\nWolves vs. Pelicans: Minnesota and New Orleans will feature newcomers Trey Kaufman-Renn and Jaron Pierre Jr., respectively (3:30 ET, Prime)
\nPistons vs. 76ers: Labaron Philon Jr., the No. 22 overall pick from Alabama, represents Philly for the first time (5:30 ET, Prime)<\/p>\n![\"NBA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783616481_177_original.jpg\")
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