Start time, where to watch, betting odds

Summer League is finally here for the Hawks.

Atlanta takes on the Washington Wizards in one of the most anticipated games of the night. The matchup between Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, who were selected with the first two picks of the 2024 NBA Draft, will be the center of attention.

Viewing and Betting Information

Start time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Cox Pavilion and Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Where to watch: ESPN, ESPN+

Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks are the underdogs tonight, as they are 6.5-point underdogs according to the latest odds from SI Sportsbook and the over/under is set at 179.5.

Both teams will be watching this matchup closely to see how their top pick performs in an NBA-style offense. However, there are a few things Hawks fans should pay close attention to.

According to our own Jackson Caudell, it will be interesting to see what kind of impact Nikola Durisic will be able to have in his minutes tonight:

“The Hawks’ 2024 second-round pick will also make his debut tonight and he’ll have a chance to make a huge impact this summer. Durisic will also be challenging for a roster spot this season and a big summer will help that a lot. Durisic is a gifted passer and playmaker and could be brought in to lead the Hawks’ offense with Kobe Bufkin out for the summer. I’m interested to see if Durisic makes the starting five tonight. With Bufkin out, he could be the best option to be the primary point guard.”

In a previous article, I talked about some of the specific things the Hawks will want to see from Durisic:

“Their selection of Durisic indicates that they believe they can develop him into a playmaking wing who can put pressure on the basket. His ability to get through a defense should translate well to Summer League while his passing ability is really interesting. It’s not fully developed yet, but he can make impressive passes while driving to the basket. The loss of Bufkin means the team is missing a ball handler and distributor, which gives Durisic a chance to show how much potential he has as a passer. I think his shooting still needs some work, but he could make the roster with a good performance in Vegas.”

Durisic isn’t the only former second-round pick in tonight’s game that Hawks fans should keep an eye on. Forward Mohamed Gueye has a chance to make an impact as a possible starting center for this team. Here are some of my thoughts on what he brings to this team:

“Gueye was selected by the Hawks in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft and saw some playing time in College Park. Unfortunately, most of his year was wiped out due to a back injury and an ACL sprain. That being said, he finished his season on the Hawks roster and posted 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals (both steals and blocks) against Indiana in the Hawks’ final game of the year. For Gueye, the Summer League season will be about showing his defensive potential. Even in his games in College Park, he averaged 1.3 blocks and 1.8 steals. At 6’6″, he can credibly play center in a variety of lineups. Summer League isn’t the best environment for big men, but the fact that he’s showing his defensive potential and positive growth on offense should give him a chance to be part of the Hawks’ rotation. At a minimum, he’ll be a developmental project worthy of the name for College Park.”

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