Following a strong performance in the California Classic, the Miami Heat Summer League squad will face another test on Monday when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Miami exudes some of its young phenoms, the Thunder have a cadre of intriguing potential rookies, so these are always fun clashes when it comes to experience versus potential.
Miami Heat vs. OKC Thunder preview
Flashing in California was Heat's Summer League coach Dan Bissacio. Five-star recruit Kel'el Ware (first-round pick) flourished as a scorer, proving his athletic and shooting ability.
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UCLA-bound veteran Gabe Brown has worked playing a leader role, while six-foot-10 undrafted prospect Pelle Larson is intriguing due to his combination of size with ability on the boards.
Miami will look to carry over that momentum to Las Vegas. Consistency will be key, and they will hope that Ware can continue his dominant play. How Bissacio integrates recent addition Jaime Jaquez Jr., who impressed with the USA Select Team, will also be keenly watched.
The Thunder, meanwhile carry a collection of some of the most intriguing prospects in their rotation. The focal point of the response will be Ousmane Dieng, who has been rated as a unanimous top talent.
Due to his size, skillset and stamina for a big man along with an extremely high basketball IQ, Dieng is ready to create some noise. The Thunder have a deep roster of rookies as well.
For OKC, this game is about development. They would want to see their young players adjust to the pro game, build chemistry and showcase their individual strengths. Whether they translate their talent into wins will be a point of emphasis.
Miami Heat vs. OKC Thunder game details and odds
The game between the Miami Heat and OKC Thunder will be hosted at The Pavilion in Las Vegas. NBC Sports Boston and NBA TV will air the game locally, and streaming options are available via the NBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Thunder (3.75) v Heat (3.35)
Spread: Thunder (+2.37) v Heat (-2.37)
Total (o/u): 177.5
Miami Heat vs. OKC Thunder: NBA 2K25 Summer League rosters
Miami Heat Summer League roster
Miami Heat Summer League coach Dan Bissacio has a deeper bench, with the confirmed participation of Jaime Jaquez Jr. Jaquez, fresh off competing with the US Select Team against the 2024 Olympians, adds experience and a scoring punch to the summer squad.
Here's the Heat roster:
OKC Thunder Summer League roster
In the 2024 NBA Draft, the OKC Thunder used their 12th pick to select Nikola Topic. They also added Dillon Jones (26th) and Ajay Mitchell (38th) to their roster. Jones and Mitchell are participating in the Summer League.
Here's a look at the Thunder roster:
- Buddy Boeheim, F
- Clarence Daniels, F
- Ousmane Dieng, F
- Alex Ducas, F
- Adam Flagler, G
- Jack Gohlke, G
- Keyontae Johnson, F
- Dillon Jones, F
- Kylor Kelley, C
- Miller Kopp, F
- Malevy Leons, F
- Hunter Maldonado, G
- Ajay Mitchell, G
- Tre Mitchell, C
- Cormac Ryan, G
- Jaden Shackelford, G
- Jaykwon Walton, G
- KJ Williams, C
OKC Thunder vs. Miami Heat prediction
The Heat have the advantage in this game based on recent history and a potential long-term stud in Jaime Jaquez Jr. But the Thunder's athleticism and scoring potential should not be underestimated. It should set up for a very interesting matchup, as neither team will lack motivation.
This game is a chance for NBA fans to get a glimpse of the future. With young talent hungry to make a name for themselves, expect an energetic and competitive matchup in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, expect the Heat to prevail.
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