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.
Summer League live updates, results, highlights from Thursday's games
2:45 PM PST// 5:45ET
Our first two games are well underway from Las Vegas. The Detroit Pacers and Miami Heat are underway in the Cox Pavilion, beginning the fourth quarter. Detroit leads the Heat, 81-64. Bobi Klintman leads the Pistons with 18 points, while Myron Gardner leads the Heat with 16.
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are underway in the larger Thomas and Mack Center, with the Pacers leading the charge at the end of the 3rd, 68-59. MarJon Beauchamp is leading the way for the Knicks with 25 points -- while on the opposite side, Enrique Freeman leads with 14 points.
3:25PM PST//6:25ET
The first two games of the morning are in the books here in Las Vegas. The Detroit Pistons cruised past the Miami Heat with a 108-88 victory, while the Indiana Pacers edged out the New York Knicks in a close 91-88 battle.
This afternoon’s action is just around the corner. The Atlanta Hawks will face the Memphis Grizzlies at Cox Pavilion, tipping off at 6:00 PM ET. The San Antonio Spurs then meet the Charlotte Hornets at Thomas & Mack Center, with game time set for 7:00 p.m. ET. The Hawks and Grizzlies game will be on NBA TV and ESPN+, while the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets will be on main ESPN.
4:04 PT // 7:04ET
Both games are in progress: the Spurs and Hornets have just tipped off, while in Atlanta, the Hawks lead Memphis 46-44 midway through the game.
4:40PM // 7:35ET
We're just about to the halfway point of the Spurs vs. Hornets game. Things are rather even, 30-33, Hornets on top. Both teams are 3-0 in Summer League action. It will be an interesting one for sure. On the other court, the 4th quarter is about to tip off. Atlanta is leading 75-65 over Memphis.
6:15PM PST // 9:15PM EST
The NBA Summer League is on fire! The Hawks surged past the Grizzlies, 92-88, while the Hornets snapped the Spurs’ undefeated run with a commanding 106-81 win. Now, in prime time, all eyes are on the Houston Rockets facing the Trail Blazers (Portland leads 41-35) at COX Pavillion, and the electric Lakers-Celtics showdown at Thomas & Mack, where Bronny James is lighting up the crowd.
7:15PM PST // 10:15PM EST
Portland appeared firmly in control as the Trail Blazers built a commanding 97-79 lead over the Houston Rockets with just four minutes remaining in regulation. The Blazers showcased a balanced attack, overwhelming Houston on both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the arena, a classic rivalry played out as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers engaged in a tightly contested matchup. At the latest update, Boston held a narrow 43-42 edge, with both teams trading leads and neither able to gain significant separation. Six minutes remains in the 3rd on that game.
7:55PM PST // 10:55PM EST
The Portland Trail Blazers used a strong early run to defeat the Houston Rockets 102-83 on Thursday in NBA Summer League action. At Cox Pavilion, the Golden State Warriors took a 21-13 lead over the Toronto Raptors after the first quarter. The Warriors’ perimeter shooting and aggressive defense set the tone early against the Raptors.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics held an 85-73 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers with just under three minutes remaining in their matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Thursday’s slate will conclude with the Denver Nuggets facing the Los Angeles Clippers. Tip-off for the Nuggets-Clippers game is expected to be delayed due to the conclusion of the Lakers-Celtics game.
8:15PM PST//11:55PM EST
The Boston Celtics handed the Los Angeles Lakers a defeat Thursday night, pulling away for an 87-78 victory in NBA Summer League action at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Following the game, the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers took the court to warm up for the final matchup on Thursday’s schedule.
Over at Cox Pavilion, the Golden State Warriors maintained control against the Toronto Raptors, holding a 28-24 lead with under four minutes remaining in the first half. The Warriors’ up-tempo offense and balanced scoring kept them in front as halftime approached.
10:00PM PST // 1:00AM EST
The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors, 81-69, while the Denver Nuggets earned an 81-76 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
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 Watch
- Kobe 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 Watch
How to watch NBA Las Vegas Summer League 2025: TV channel, live stream
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 Follow
- Can 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.