The Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks will face off in their third game of the 2025 NBA Summer League on July 14 in Las Vegas. The Rockets will seek their first victory after losing their first two games, while the Hawks come in with a perfect 2-0 record. Reed Sheppard, a promising second-year guard for the Rockets, is looking to bounce back after a tough outing against the Pistons where he scored 28 points previously. Meanwhile, rookie Asa Newell has made an impressive start for the Hawks, contributing significantly in their latest victory against Phoenix.

Both teams will be tired, as they are on a back-to-back, which could lead to potential rotations and minutes management. The game will tip off at 3:30 p.m. CDT and will be broadcast on NBA TV.

Cooper Flagg's brief appearance in the NBA Summer League has come to an early close after just two games, as the Dallas Mavericks decided to prioritize his long-term health. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, showcased his potential with averages of 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 block, impressively complementing the Mavericks' veteran roster.

Despite the summer league's limited sample size, Flagg's skill set stood out. His ability to initiate offense and respond to defensive pressure, particularly against the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs, highlighted his high basketball IQ. Flagg's confidence in mid-range jumpers and his athleticism, including impressive dunks, suggest he is set to be a human highlight reel next season.

Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers is on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus in December. The 2024 No. 16 pick out of Duke showed promise during his rookie season, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in just 23 games before his injury. Although he missed the summer league, McCain is optimistic about his recovery progress, stating that he is eager to return to the court. His upcoming steps in recovery include ramping up to full-speed contact practices.

The Sixers are prioritizing McCain's health over rushing him back to play, aiming for him to be ready ahead of the regular season. McCain expressed excitement about getting back to competitive play, emphasizing the importance of not rushing the healing process. His presence will be crucial for the Sixers as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.

The Denver Nuggets have made significant changes recently, including the surprising decision to fire head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth just before the regular season's end. Despite this, the Nuggets advanced to the playoffs, showcasing their competitive edge by pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to a seven-game series. Unfortunately, injuries weighed them down, particularly with Nikola Jokic's fatigue becoming a factor.

As the offseason kicked in, the Nuggets continued to shake things up by trading Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson. They also re-signed Bruce Brown, who was pivotal in their 2023 title run, and made a crucial trade sending Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for veteran Jonas Valanciunas. Moreover, they added former champion Jared Dudley to the coaching staff, who will focus on enhancing team intensity and identity.

The New York Knicks showcased a remarkable season, finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting one of the league's most potent offenses. Following a six-game victory in the first round against the Detroit Pistons, they faced the defending champion Boston Celtics. After rallying from 20-point deficits to take a 2-0 series lead, they capitalized on an injury to Jayson Tatum, eliminating the Celtics. However, their playoff run ended in the next round against the Indiana Pacers, who advanced in six games.

Despite a return to the conference finals for the first time in 25 years, the Knicks made a surprising decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau following their playoff exit. New head coach Mike Brown aims to revamp the offense, focusing on ball movement and cuts, as the Knicks hope to break their title drought since 1973. The Knicks will hinge their hopes on a more dynamic offensive scheme to elevate them to championship contention.