Las Vegas — The NBA’s brightest young stars and recent draft picks are set to headline another showcase of talent Thursday as the NBA 2K26 Summer League rolls into a pivotal day of action at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. With semifinal berths on the line and standout rookies eager to impress, tonight’s matchups promise both fierce competition and a glimpse at the league’s future.
This article will be updated with final scores, live reactions, and breaking news from Thursday, July 17th.
Today’s Key Summer League Matchups
Time (ET)
Matchup
Network
4:00 PM
Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat
NBA TV, ESPN+
4:30 PM
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
ESPN2
6:00 PM
Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
NBA TV, ESPN+
7:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Hornets
ESPN
8:00 PM
Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
NBA TV, ESPN+
9:00 PM
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
ESPN
10:00 PM
Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors
NBA TV, ESPN+
11:00 PM
Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers
ESPN2
Featured Matchup: Celtics vs. Lakers
Boston and Los Angeles renew their storied rivalry at 9 p.m. ET. The Celtics’ Summer League squad is led by 2025 first-round selection Hugo Gonzalez, alongside Amari Williams and Max Shulga, all eager to carve out roles with the reigning Eastern Conference champions. The Lakers counter with a lineup featuring 2024 draftees and Bronny James, whose dynamic performance has electrified fans throughout Vegas.
Top Prospects to WatchKobe Bufkin (Hawks): Coming off shoulder surgery and limited appearances last season, Bufkin has a crucial opportunity to reassert his spot in Atlanta’s backcourt rotation.Dylan Harper (Spurs): The No. 2 overall pick has already made a splash with San Antonio and will look to build on his hot start.VJ Edgecombe (Hornets): The versatile rookie offers Charlotte both scoring and defensive punch, giving fans another reason to watch tonight’s Hornets-Spurs tilt.Tournament Stakes
After tonight, each team will have played four games, with the top four advancing to the playoffs. Only the best will move on to Saturday’s semifinals, while others will finish with consolation contests before Sunday’s championship.
How to WatchHow to watch NBA Las Vegas Summer League 2025: TV channel, live streamTV channel: ESPN | ESPN2 | ESPNU | NBA TVLive stream: Fubo | ESPN+
The vast majority of contests throughout the 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League will air on live broadcast television. ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and NBA TV are all scheduled to air games. Viewers can stream those games live with Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Select games will be available to stream exclusively on ESPN+.
Storylines to FollowCan the Celtics’ rookie trio outshine the Lakers’ depth?Will Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe keep up their impactful debuts?Who will clinch semifinal spots with statement performances tonight?
Follow live updates and full coverage as the Summer League’s future stars make their mark on the NBA stage.