How to watch the Charlotte Hornets' 2025 Summer League opener vs. Utah Jazz

Summer league ball gets underway tonight in Vegas for the Bugs.

Apr 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) arrives at the Scotiabank Arena before a game against the Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The next wave of young talent will begin their journey tonight with the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA's Summer League. Fourth overall pick Kon Knueppel and fellow first-rounder Liam McNeeley will get to show off their skillsets as they square off against fifth overall pick Ace Bailey and the Utah Jazz.

Expectations are mighty high for Charlotte's two first-round picks, but their second-round selections, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner, are also looking to make an impact and potentially play their way into the bottom of Charles Lee's rotation.

For Kalkbrenner, his performance in Summer League could give the Hornets the confidence to move forward with him in a three-man rotation with Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee, or it could trigger them to bring in another veteran to buy him some time.

Also, last year's first-round pick, Tidjane Salaün, needs to show some encouraging signs or he could find himself buried on the depth chart entering training camp this fall. As a rookie, he averaged 5.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 33% from the field and 28% from three-point range.

How to Watch Hornets vs. Jazz

TV: ESPN

Start time: Approximately 7 p.m. ET

Where: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada

- MORE STORIES FROM HORNETS ON SI -

Kon Knueppel set to make his Summer League debut tonight

Tidjane Salaun must look better in Summer League, analyst claims

NBA analyst makes bold claim: Kon Knueppel isn't built for Summer League

Hornets forward Tidjane Salaün taking on a leadership role in Summer League