NBA Opens Las Vegas Summer League Thursday as Top 2 Picks Clash on ESPN
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
NBA Opens Las Vegas Summer League Thursday as Top 2 Picks Clash on ESPN
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
Summary
Thursday’s Las Vegas Summer League opens with the marquee matchup of the 2026 draft’s top two picks, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, tipping at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The event follows smaller California and Salt Lake City showcases, where Darius Acuff Jr. scored 25 points, Peterson had 28, and Cameron Boozer posted 15 efficient points.
Other opening-day games to watch include Acuff against Keaton Wagler at 11 p.m., Detroit’s Ebuka Okorie versus Philly’s Labron Philon Jr. at 4:30 p.m., and Morez Johnson Jr. against Yaxel Lendeborg at 7 p.m.
Charlotte and Orlando also meet at 7:30 p.m. on Prime Video, with the Hornets featuring No. 14 pick Hannes Steinbach and No. 18 Christian Anderson in one of the deeper rosters in Vegas.
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Dybantsa vs. Peterson: 2026 NBA Summer League Debut and In-Depth Rookie Class Breakdown
Overview
The 2026 NBA Summer League kicks off on July 9, 2026, in Las Vegas with a highly anticipated matchup between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, the top two picks of the recent draft. This game marks Dybantsa’s first official Summer League appearance and their first head-to-head meeting since draft night, which was just sixteen days earlier. As rookies begin their journeys with new teams and cities, all eyes will be on this clash, offering fans an exciting first look at these promising talents and setting the stage for the rest of the rookie class.