Former Duke basketball players are making waves at the NBA Summer League, showcasing their skills and competing for roster spots. Among them is Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, who signed a lucrative four-year, $62.7 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg will be a key player to watch as he takes the court against the Los Angeles Lakers on July 10. Other notable Blue Devils include Kon Knueppel and Sion James, who were selected early in the draft and will play for the Charlotte Hornets.

Knueppel, the No. 4 pick, signed for $45.4 million, while James, a second-round selection, brings a significant skill set to the court. Tyrese Proctor, also a second-round pick, makes his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Khaman Maluach will represent the Phoenix Suns as their No. 10 pick. Each of these athletes aims to impress as they embark on their professional careers.

As NBA playoffs heat up, monitoring injury reports is crucial. The Cleveland Cavaliers face a dilemma with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter all questionable for Game 2 against the Pacers. The absence of these pivotal players could alter DFS strategies significantly, pushing reserves like Ty Jerome and Dean Wade into the spotlight as potential value picks. It's imperative to evaluate their expected production in light of their pricing.

DFS expert Mike McClure emphasizes the importance of predictive analytics in forming optimal lineups, having named players like Luguentz Dort as hidden gems. This highlights the value of scouting lesser-known players who can deliver strong outputs. Looking ahead, McClure is optimistic about Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Pacers' Myles Turner, recommending them as key picks based on recent performances and favorable matchups.

The San Antonio Spurs are preparing for a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, with veteran Harrison Barnes identifying the game as a significant challenge given their past struggles against Memphis. The Spurs are looking to bounce back after a home loss to the Miami Heat, a game in which their star rookie, Victor Wembanyama, was sidelined due to illness. With Wembanyama still listed as questionable, the Spurs' playoff ambitions hang in the balance as they currently sit at the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference. The team hopes for a stronger performance on their annual Rodeo Road Trip, which kicks off with this game.

The Detroit Pistons are utilizing their recent break to regroup and prepare for the upcoming games. Several veterans from the team attended a Motor City Cruise game, offering them a chance to observe potential talent, including rookie Bobi Klintman, who had an impressive performance. The Cruise, affiliated with the Pistons, secured a decisive victory against the Birmingham Squadron, dominating the game with a score of 122-101.

Currently, the Pistons hold a record of 14-18, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Chicago Bulls. As they gear up to face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, a win would not only boost their standing but also surpass last year's win total, reflecting notable improvement from their previous season's struggles.

The NBA trade deadline is approaching, and the Detroit Pistons are weighing their options. Currently, they are not actively pursuing trades, but their direction may shift as the deadline nears.

Paul Reed and Wendell Moore Jr. have been highlighted as potential trade candidates. Moore, a former first-round pick, has shown promise since joining the Pistons, while Reed, acquired after being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers, is competing for backup minutes.

Despite interest in veterans like Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley, the Pistons are focused on building a competitive roster, balancing short-term gains with long-term flexibility.