The next generation of NBA stars will converge in Las Vegas for the NBA 2K23 Summer League, which begins on Thursday, July 7.
With all 30 teams in action, the biggest names from the 2022 NBA Draft are set to take the floor, including top three picks Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr.
Over 11 days, 75 games will be played in Vegas, many of which will pit top picks from the last two years against one another. While the meeting between Banchero and Holmgren is a marquee matchup that's set to happen, it's one of a multitude of matchups worth keeping an eye on.
Here is everything you need to know about the best matchups at the Las Vegas Summer League, including each matchup between top-five picks in the 2022 NBA Draft.
MORE: NBA Draft grades 2022: All 30 teams ranked from best (Pistons) to worst (Bulls)
Thursday, July 7
Paolo Banchero (Magic) vs. Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets) — 10:00 PM ET, ESPN
You won't have to wait long for a marquee matchup as Banchero, the No. 1 pick from two weeks prior, goes against Smith, the No. 3 pick. In addition to the feature rookies, both Orlando and Houston are up-and-coming teams with talented young cores to add to the excitement.
Jaden Ivey (Pistons) vs. Shaedon Sharpe (Trail Blazers) — 12:00 AM ET (July 8), ESPN
You'll have to stay up late on the East coast but it'll be worth it to see Ivey and the Pistons take on Sharpe and the Blazers.
Detroit's Summer League roster features a number of big names, including 2021 No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham, but it's unclear who outside of Ivey will play. On the other hand, fans will finally get an opportunity to watch Sharpe in action after he sat out his lone season at Kentucky.
Saturday, July 9
Paolo Banchero (Magic) vs. Keegan Murray (Kings) — 4:00 PM ET, ESPN
The first of two top-five matchups on Saturday, the No. 1 overall pick leads the Magic against Murray, the No. 4 overall pick, who has already made a good impression during the California Classic Summer League.
If both suit up, the two forwards will likely spend plenty of time matched up.
𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚gan Murray drops 26 points (4-5 from three) and 8 rebounds in his NBA debut 👑 pic.twitter.com/bCNwwX0Or4
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 3, 2022
Chet Holmgren (Thunder) vs. Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets) — 8:00 PM ET, ESPN2
How about No. 2 vs. No. 3? Holmgren and Smith are two unique forwards with versatile skill sets, making for an intriguing Summer League matchup. It'll be the first look at two draft classmates who are likely to face off plenty of times throughout their careers.
MORE: When does Chet Holmgren play in NBA Summer League?
Dyson Daniels (Pelicans) vs. Shaedon Sharpe (Trail Blazers) — 10:00 PM ET, ESPN2
Let's take it out to the perimeter. Daniels, the No. 8 overall pick, will face off against Sharpe, the No. 7 overall pick.
After fans get their glimpse of Sharpe against Ivey on Thursday, they'll see him take on another test in Daniels, a lengthy guard with defensive prowess. It should be a good one.
Monday, July 11
Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets) vs. Jeremy Sochan (Spurs) —7:00 PM ET, ESPN
Smith's Rockets and Sochan's Spurs will meet four times a year every year as both franchises begin their race back to becoming contenders in the West.
The Rockets-Spurs rivalry runs deep and a glimpse of the future of it will be provided in this summer meeting.
Paolo Banchero (Magic) vs. Chet Holmgren (Thunder) — 9:00 PM ET, ESPN
Banchero gets put to the test early and often, as his first three Summer League games are against each of the three players selected directly after him. This one is arguably the main event.
Over seven months after the pair went head-to-head in Las Vegas as college stars, they'll meet back in Vegas as the top two picks from the 2022 NBA Draft. A lot of eyes will be on this one.
Tuesday, July 12
Jaden Ivey (Pistons) vs. Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers) — 9:00 PM ET, ESPN
Two of the most electrifying players in this draft happen to be guards that were selected back-to-back on draft night.
If the age-old rivalry between the Pacers and Pistons is to be renewed, much of it will revolve around these two rookies, who are key figures in the young cores of their respective teams. Both Ivey and Mathurin are fiery competitors with elite athleticism. Their roles on and off the ball may differ but the two will inevitably be matched up, which is a treat for fans in itself.
Wednesday, July 13
Chet Holmgren (Thunder) vs. Keegan Murray (Kings) — 8:00 PM ET, NBA TV
All the top-five matchups, you say? The fifth and final scheduled matchup between top picks in 2022 comes when the Thunder take on the Kings.
Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick, is set to go head-to-head with Murray, the No. 4 overall pick. Since all four of the top picks in this year's draft play the forward position, there is room for clean comparisons when they do face off.
How to watch Las Vegas Summer League games
When: Thursday, July 7 through Sunday, July 17
Where: Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas
Channels: ESPN | ESPN2 | ESPNU | NBA TV
Streaming: ESPN app | Sling TV | fuboTV
NBA 2K23 Summer League games will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. All 30 NBA teams will participate and play five games each.
Games will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and NBA TV in the United States. Viewers in the U.S. can also stream Summer League games on Sling TV and fuboTV.
