The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their perfect run in the 2025 Summer League with a decisive 92-75 victory over the Orlando Magic, bolstered by standout performances from Branden Carlson and Ajay Mitchell. Carlson, returning from an ankle injury, scored 23 points, while Mitchell set a personal best with 27 points. As the Thunder gear up to face the New Orleans Pelicans, who are still seeking their first win after a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, both teams will look to capitalize on their respective momentum. The Thunder's lineup features key talents, while the Pelicans will be looking to adjust and find success on the court.

Mo Bamba, the former sixth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, has struggled to make a significant impact in the league, averaging just 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds over his career. After stints with the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Orleans Pelicans, he is reportedly assessing opportunities overseas, with Olympiacos in Greece showing interest. At 27, Bamba is seeking a fresh start to revive his career, as he has not consistently lived up to the expectations that accompanied his draft position.

Bamba's journey from being a highly regarded recruit out of Texas to his current circumstances highlights the challenges athletes often face in the NBA. The transition to European basketball could provide him with the opportunity to redefine his game away from the intense scrutiny of the NBA.

The Denver Nuggets suffered a narrow 101-97 defeat against the Toronto Raptors, dropping to 0-3 in the NBA Summer League. Hunter Tyson sat out, and the late-game brilliance of Spencer Jones and Curtis Jones nearly salvaged a comeback. However, a critical foul with just seconds left allowed the Raptors to secure the win with free throws. This loss highlighted a glaring issue for Denver: their lack of ball handling. The Nuggets turned the ball over 24 times, with point guard Reece Beekman contributing seven turnovers. Tamar Bates showed some scoring ability but struggled with playmaking. The team's struggles were compounded by Boo Buie's injury and Tyrell Harrison’s uncharacteristic performance.

Harrison, a 7-footer from Australia, had a tough night, committing six turnovers in the first half. Despite this, he managed to display positive attributes in terms of plus-minus when paired with teammate DaRon Holmes II. Holmes was effective with 10 points and 11 rebounds, hinting at a better fit for Denver's lineup. The Nuggets also faced challenges with EJ Liddell getting ejected late in the game after a physical altercation, which further emphasized their struggles against aggressive defenses.

The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for their final game of the NBA Summer League, facing off against the New Orleans Pelicans at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 18. This matchup will take place at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas and is set to be broadcast on ESPN. The Pacers, who have had a mixed performance with a record of 1-2 thus far, are not advancing to the playoffs this year but will look to end on a high note.

Previously, the Pacers played the New York Knicks on Thursday, losing 116-115 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and suffering defeats against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls. Notable performances from the Summer League include contributions from their roster as they attempt to build chemistry ahead of the regular season. The focus will be on how the younger players handle the pressure in their final outing.

Creating a winning fantasy basketball draft strategy requires a comprehensive understanding of player roles, injury history, age effects, and team dynamics. Targeting players who are top options on their teams, such as Bam Adebayo and Domantas Sabonis, can provide a reliable foundation. Additionally, assessing injury-prone players like Zion Williamson and LeBron James helps in avoiding potential pitfalls. Age is also a critical factor, with players over 33 years often showing decline. Understanding team success is paramount, especially with tanking teams likely to rest players as the season progresses. Thus, drafting players from teams like the Charlotte Hornets or Washington Wizards may pose risks. In late rounds, prioritize upside over conventional risk management.