Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League 16 July 2023 Preview, Prediction, Players to watch, Rosters and More
by Rubaditsha | Updated Jul 17, 2023
Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League 16 July 2023 Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers had a 3-1 record against the Miami Heat held on July 16. They aimed to finish the tournament strongly in order to qualify for the semi-finals. The Miami Heat, on the other hand, had a 2-2 record and no chance of advancing beyond Sunday's game.
However, they will likely be motivated to end their time in Las Vegas with a winning record. Both teams possess impressive young talent, but the Trail Blazers seem to had a slight advantage over the Miami Heat, who were the runners-up in the 2023 NBA Finals.
Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League 16 Prediction
The depth and talent of Portland's roster made it highly unlikely for the Miami Heat to secure a victory. If Shaedon Sharpe participated, he is expected to be the most skilled player on the court and could greatly contribute to the Trail Blazers' pursuit of their fourth win in five games.
Miami relied on Dru Smith and Jamal Cain to spearhead their offensive efforts against Portland. Although they formed a formidable duo, neither of them posed a significant threat to the Trail Blazers' chances of success.
Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League 16 Rosters
Miami Heat Summer League Roster
Nikola Jovic
5
F
6-11
225 lbs
JUN 09, 2003
20
1
Mega Basket
Jamal Cain
8
F
6-7
205 lbs
MAR 20, 1999
24
1
Oakland
Dru Smith
9
G
6-3
200 lbs
DEC 30, 1997
25
1
Missouri
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
11
F
6-7
220 lbs
FEB 18, 2001
22
R
UCLA
Orlando Robinson
25
C
6-11
245 lbs
JUL 10, 2000
23
1
Fresno State
Jamaree Bouyea
71
G
6-2
180 lbs
JUN 27, 1999
24
1
San Francisco
Justin Powell
72
G
6-6
200 lbs
MAY 09, 2001
22
R
Washington State
Chase Audige
73
G
6-4
200 lbs
JUN 29, 1999
24
R
Northwestern
Caleb Daniels
74
G
6-4
210 lbs
MAY 17, 1999
24
R
Villanova
Trenton Massner
75
G
6-2
175 lbs
NOV 20, 1999
23
R
Western Illinois
Alondes Williams
76
G
6-4
205 lbs
JUN 19, 1999
24
1
Wake Forest
Drew Peterson
81
F
6-9
205 lbs
NOV 09, 1999
23
R
USC
Taylor Funk
83
F
6-9
220 lbs
NOV 06, 1997
25
R
Utah State
Ja'von Franklin
84
F
6-7
210 lbs
OCT 14, 1998
24
R
Georgia Tech
Brandon McCoy
94
C
7-0
250 lbs
JUN 11, 1998
25
R
UNLV
Patrick Gardner
95
C
6-11
250 lbs
JUN 16, 1999
24
R
Marist
PLAYER
#
POS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
BIRTHDATE
AGE
EXP
SCHOOL
HOW ACQUIRED
#27 Pick In 2022 Draft
Signed On 07/15/22
Signed On 07/01/23
#18 Pick In 2023 Draft
Signed On 07/06/22
Signed On 07/01/23
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Portland Trail Blazers Summer League Roster
Scoot Henderson
0
G
6-2
196 lbs
FEB 03, 2004
19
R
NBA G League Ignite
#3 Pick In 2023 Draft
Keon Johnson
6
G
6-3
185 lbs
MAR 10, 2002
21
2
Tennessee
Traded From LAC On 02/04/22
Kris Murray
8
F
6-8
215 lbs
AUG 19, 2000
22
R
Iowa
#23 Pick In 2023 Draft
Shaedon Sharpe
17
G
6-5
200 lbs
MAY 30, 2003
20
1
Kentucky
#7 Pick In 2022 Draft
John Butler Jr.
21
F
7-0
190 lbs
DEC 04, 2002
20
1
Florida State
Signed On 10/20/22
Jeenathan Williams
23
G-F
6-5
206 lbs
FEB 12, 1999
24
1
Buffalo
Signed On 04/01/23
Jabari Walker
34
F
6-7
200 lbs
JUL 30, 2002
20
1
Colorado
#57 Pick In 2022 Draft
Ibou Badji
41
C
7-1
240 lbs
OCT 13, 2002
20
1
FC Barcelona
Signed On 11/18/22
Jaizec Lottie
53
G
6-2
190 lbs
FEB 16, 1998
25
R
Monthey
-
Michael Devoe
54
G
6-4
183 lbs
DEC 17, 1999
23
R
Ontario Clippers
-
Antoine Davis
57
G
6-1
165 lbs
OCT 03, 1998
24
R
Detroit Mercy
-
Justin Minaya
60
F
6-7
210 lbs
MAR 26, 1999
24
1
Providence
-
Malachi Smith
63
G
6-4
210 lbs
DEC 06, 1999
23
R
Gonzaga
-
Duop Reath
68
C
6-11
245 lbs
JUN 26, 1996
27
R
Al Riyadi
-
Rayan Rupert
72
G-F
6-7
195 lbs
MAY 31, 2004
19
R
New Zealand Breakers
#43 Pick In 2023 Draft
Jamie Echenique
76
C
6-11
258 lbs
APR 27, 1997
26
R
Rytas Vilnius
PLAYER
#
POS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
BIRTHDATE
AGE
EXP
SCHOOL
HOW ACQUIRED
Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League 16 Players to watch
The matchup between the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers presented interesting odds and betting options. The Heat are listed as underdogs with odds of +134, while the Trail Blazers are favored with odds of -168.
In terms of the spread, the Heat had a +3.5 point advantage, while the Trail Blazers had a -3.5 point deficit. The total points projected for the game is set at 181.5, with both the over and under options having odds of -113. To catch the game, viewers can tune in to ESPN, NBA League Pass, or FUBO TV. The contest will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center and is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
In terms of players to watch, standout performers Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. were unlikely to participate against the Trail Blazers, leaving Orlando Robinson, Dru Smith, and Jamal Cain to lead the charge for the Miami Heat. Robinson, in particular, has been impressive as one of the top big men in the competition and were expected to create problems for Portland's interior defense.
On the Trail Blazers' side, Shaedon Sharpe and Kris Murray were the primary offensive weapons, with Sharpe being considered the most talented player on the court. Additionally, Jabari Walker and Micahel Devoe provided additional support if Miami effectively shuts down Portland's main offensive options.
Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League 16 July 2023 Preview:FAQs
The game holds importance for both teams as their final opportunity to make an impression in the Summer League and end on a positive note.
A victory would give the Trail Blazers a 4-1 record, solidifying their position as one of the top-performing teams in the league, apart from the eventual champion.
The Heat currently hold a 2-2 record, and a win in this game would help them avoid a disappointing 2-3 finish.
Greg Brown III, an athletic forward with shot-blocking ability, and Trendon Watford, a versatile scorer, are players to watch for the Blazers.
The game is scheduled for July 16 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time/5:00 PM Pacific Time and will be televised on ESPN2.