2026 NBA Summer League: Easy-Peasy Betting Picks for Monday, July 13

What’s Happening in Sin City?

The 2026 NBA Summer League is in full swing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Think of the Summer League like a special July basketball festival where NBA teams send their young players and rookies to play games and show their skills.

We are the Vegas Sports & Information Network (VSIN), and because this event is happening right in our hometown (Las Vegas is also called "Sin City"), it’s only fitting we cover it. We are sharing daily best bets (smart wagers we like) for the games. Below are our Summer League picks and predictions for Monday, July 13.

Betting Words Made Super Simple (ELI5)

Before the picks, let’s learn the baby-talk versions of betting terms:

• Moneyline (ML): A bet on which team will simply win the game. No extra points needed.
• Parlay: A combo of two or more bets. All must win for you to get paid. If one loses, the whole ticket loses—but the prize is bigger!
• Spread (-4.5): One team is favored by 4.5 points. They must win by 5 or more for your bet to win.
• Odds (+161, -110, -115): Shows profit. +161 means $100 bet wins $161. -110 means bet $110 to win $100. -115 means bet $115 to win $100.
• Knockout stage / Semifinals: Like playoff rounds where teams must win to advance.
• Tips: Slang for when the game officially starts.
• From deep: Basketball speak for long-distance three-point shots.
• Frontcourt: The tall players (forwards/centers) who play near the basket.
• Guard / Wing: Smaller ball-handlers (guard) and outside players (wing).

Bet 1: Parlay – Pistons Win & Bulls Win (+161)

The Bet (combine both for a parlay):

1. Detroit Pistons to beat New York Knicks (Moneyline)
2. Chicago Bulls to beat Utah Jazz (Moneyline)

If both win, the odds are +161 (a $100 bet would profit $161).

Why we like it (ELI5 style):

• The Pistons are still playing for something in Vegas, so they should beat the Knicks.
• New York has been one of the worst teams in the event so far.
• The Knicks likely have no answer for Detroit’s player Ebuka Okorie.
• Detroit plays super early in the day, and that early timing also affects how we look at the other game.
• Chicago faces a Utah team that lost to Los Angeles on Sunday, making them 0-2 (zero wins, two losses). That means Utah has very little reason to go “balls to the wall” (try super hard).
• We think the Bulls will be favorites, and we hope to grab the +161 odds before the Bulls game tips off.

Important: A parlay needs BOTH teams to win. If either loses, the entire bet is lost!

Bet 2: Hawks -4.5 Points vs. Celtics (-110)

The Bet: Atlanta Hawks are favored by 4.5 points. They must win by 5 or more for the bet to pay.

Why we like it:

• We already placed a future bet on Atlanta to win the whole Summer League, but they need to win this game to reach the knockout stage in Vegas.
• We view this as a game Atlanta should win somewhat convincingly.
• Boston beat Charlotte yesterday, but this Atlanta team is way more talented, balanced, and organized.
• The Hawks have the best guard (ball-handler) on the floor: Kingston Flemings.
• They also have a serious advantage in the frontcourt (the big guys).
• They just need to contain Boston’s talented wing Hugo Gonzalez (if he plays). We’ll take our chances.
• Atlanta has been the best team in the Summer League, yet we haven’t even seen them shoot well from deep (three-pointers) yet!

Important: “Covering the spread” means winning by more than 4.5 points. A 4-point win would lose this bet.

Bet 3: Parlay – Grizzlies Win & Timberwolves Win (-115)

The Bet (combo of two moneylines):

1. Memphis Grizzlies to beat Dallas Mavericks
2. Minnesota Timberwolves to beat Portland Trail Blazers

Odds are -115 (bet $115 to profit $100).

Why we like it:

• We were wrong about Dallas earlier. We thought the Mavericks would be set in the backcourt (guards), but their guard play has been suboptimal (not good).
• Dallas is now 0-2 and has no shot at making the semifinals, so motivation should be lacking.
• Memphis is 1-0 and needs a win to get into the knockout stage. The Grizzlies also have the more talented roster, so they should take care of business.
• In the second game, we’re hoping Joan Beringer suits up (plays) after missing the last game.
• If he plays, Minnesota has the size to keep Portland’s big frontcourt in check.
• The Timberwolves also have the advantage when looking at guards and wings.

Important: Team motivation matters! Teams that can’t advance may not play their hardest, making them easier to beat.

Summary

Here’s the quick recap of our beginner-friendly picks for Monday, July 13, 2026:

• Parlay 1: Pistons ML + Bulls ML (+161) – both should win because opponents are weak or unmotivated.
• Single Bet: Hawks -4.5 vs Celtics (-110) – Atlanta should win by 5+ points.
• Parlay 2: Grizzlies ML + Timberwolves ML (-115) – Memphis needs a win; Minnesota has size and talent.

Remember: betting is for fun and should be done carefully. Know the terms before you play!

FAQ

Q1: What does “ML” mean in these bets?
A: ML means moneyline—just betting on a team to win the game outright, with no points involved.

Q2: Why is a parlay riskier than a single bet?
A: Because every part of the parlay must win. If even one team loses, the whole bet loses, even if the others won.

Q3: What does “-4.5” mean for the Hawks?
A: It means the Hawks are expected to win by 4.5 points. They must win by 5 or more points for your bet to pay out.

Q4: Why does a team having “little incentive” matter?
A: If a team can’t make the next round (like knockout stage or semifinals), they might not try as hard, making them easier to beat for teams that still have a goal.

Q5: What is the NBA Summer League in plain English?
A: It’s a summer basketball event in Las Vegas where NBA teams’ young and developing players compete in July—like a sneak peek at future stars.