Will Kai get to play this time?

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto can only hope for some playing time as Orlando shoots for a bounce-back win against Indiana in the NBA Summer League today at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Game time is at 8:30 a.m. (Manila time) with Sotto hoping to finally see action after being benched in the first game that foiled the Filipino fans’ anticipation worldwide.

Sotto, the tallest player in the Magic’s 22-man roster, did not play a single second in their 89-78 loss against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

The 7-foot-3 Filipino pride is one of only three centers for the Magic, who, however, utilized Robert Baker II and veteran DJ Wilson against the Pistons.

Orlando under the tutelage of G League affiliate Osceola Magic mentor Dylan Murphy fielded only 10 players.

Hopes are high that the Magic may expand the rotation this time which would give other players, including Sotto, their time to shine even against the Pacers who bested the Washington Wizards, 91-83, in their debut.

If fielded, Sotto could share the court with his former Adelaide 36ers teammate Mojave King, who was picked by the Pacers as their 47th overall pick.

But Sotto is out for the bigger picture in a bid to become the first Filipino homegrown player in the NBA.

Orlando, bannered by No. 6 pick Anthony Black and No. 11 pick Jett Howards, will also play New York and Portland on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s top draft pick, showed improvement Sunday in his second game with San Antonio, scoring 27 points in an 85-80 NBA Summer League loss to Portland.

The 19-year-old French center, who stands 7-foot-4 (2.24m), has been hyped as the NBA’s best prospect since LeBron James 20 years ago, but had received a wake-up call in his first game against NBA talent.