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Last year was the first year I started handicapping the NBA summer league. It seems to be gaining more attraction this year. More books are offering the games and the level of play seems to be better than a year ago. It doesn’t hurt to see new head coaches, either present, or gracing the sidelines (Steve Kerr, Derek Fisher, etc.)

Currently I’m two games above .500 at 5-3 ATS in summer league plays. Today I have two premium plays available. Both plays can be had for $20 by emailing me at notjustagame23@gmail.com.

Todays free play comes in the Philadelphia 76ers vs the Phoenix Suns. Currently this spread sits as the 76ers favored at 2.5 points. The only reason I can figure out why this spread is in Philadelphia’s favor is because they have some players that played in the Orlando summer league. Phoenix has just two games thus far in Vegas.

I like Phoenix tonight as I think they’re a better team overall in the summer league. They could easily be 2-0 if they did not squander a lead against Golden State. One thing I like about the Suns is they let their young big men get experience in the summer league. The prior two seasons the Morris twins were on the floor. This year Plumlee and Len (before injury) have been gaining experience.

Having a presence such as Plumlee in the paint is a huge x-factor in summer league play. Confidence is rising for guard Seth Curry after he willed the Suns back against the Bucks.

Philadelphia has not been able to play four complete quarters on the floor in any summer league game in Vegas thus far. When Nerlens Noel has been on the floor they’ve been a functional team. But tonight his minutes should be relegated to protect his knee.

Take Phoenix tonight