Chet Holmgren matches up with Jabari Smith Jr in Vegas debut

The Oklahoma City Thunder wrapped up a three-game in as many days sprint in Salt Lake City to tip off their Summer League schedule. Now, the Thunder head to Vegas, joining the 29 other teams in a five-game slate from July 9th-17th. This is the stage to showcase the latest OKC Thunder draft picks like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Ousmane Dieng, and Jaylin Williams. This slate is loaded and starts with perhaps the most interesting game on the docket.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Houston Rockets on Saturday night as the two rosters are loaded with intriguing young prospects. The Rockets fell in game one of their Vegas Summer League action to the Orlando Magic when Paolo Banchero clearly outplayed Jabari Smith.

The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Houston Rockets in Chet Holmgren’s Vegas Summer League debut he will match up with 3rd overall pick Jabari Smith Jr

Jabari Smith Jr was at times ignored by his teammates, and the Rockets certainly did not force the team to play through him, and it resulted in moments where Smith disappeared. We will see if Houston fixes that issue or if this trend keeps up.

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma City, the Thunder wanted Chet Holmgren touching the ball nearly every time down the floor which led to his flawless debut in game one of the Salt Lake City circuit. Holmgren sat out the third and final game in Salt Lake City which was the team’s third game in as many days. Now, he is ready to take on Vegas and debut on the big stage of the NBA Summer League. This session in Vegas is for the NBA Summer League Championship, which is accompanied by rings for the first time ever.

This matchup goes far beyond Jabari Smith Jr and Chet Holmgren, though. Each team is filled with other talented young players that make each organization’s future bright.

For the Rockets, you get a glimpse at TyTy Washington and Tari Eason from this draft class both players that made highlight plays on Thursday against the Magic. Plus, a key returner in Josh Christopher will be on the floor with fun project prospects like Daishen Nix and Usman Garuba.

The Houston Rockets Summer League roster has a very high “watchability” grade, just as the Thunder’s roster has.

This will be the best opponent Oklahoma City has faced this summer, and test this draft class.