Following the excitement of the World Cup, there are only a few weeks to catch your breath before football arrives. That doesn’t mean the sports world has slowed down—especially after LeBron James’ latest decision.
When the NBA legend opted to sign with Philadelphia, the team’s championship odds shortened dramatically, moving from 15-to-1 to 9-to-1.
With that in mind, let’s review the past week in sports and look at what’s ahead on the STN Sports App and at STN Sportsbooks.
Lebron and the NBA
How will LeBron James fit into a 76ers lineup that already includes multiple superstars?
“He’s going to elevate the rest of the team,” said Chuck Esposito, Station Casinos Race and Sports Book Director. “The key to them is that they’re a little bit long in the tooth and they’re going to have to stay healthy.”
“I don’t think they can just expect to kind of waddle through the regular season and then they’re all going to miraculously be healthy and be at their very best when the postseason comes.”
There’s no doubt the Eastern Conference’s balance of power has shifted with James headed to Philadelphia. However, the New York Knicks’ championship odds are only slightly lower than the Sixers’, which some could view as disrespectful to the reigning champions.
“It’s tough to repeat in that league. They did lose some players through free agency, but they’re still really good,” Esposito said. “I think it’s just a competitive East at the top when you look at the top five or six teams.”
NFL Preview
The Los Angeles Rams enter the upcoming NFL season as the Super Bowl favorite—and deservedly so, considering their explosive offense and the defensive upgrade provided by Myles Garrett.
In recent weeks, speculation has grown that future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald might come out of retirement and return to the Rams. If that happens, opposing offenses could be grounded like an airplane during a Las Vegas heat wave. However, don’t expect the Rams’ odds to change dramatically.
“It just makes them better defensively, but I don’t know that a defensive lineman’s going to move the needle,” Esposito said. “The needle was already moved with the addition of Myles Garrett.”
On a game-to-game basis, Donald’s return could result in approximately a half-point adjustment.
Health will also be a significant factor in the Rams’ Super Bowl pursuit, particularly because there isn’t much veteran experience behind Matthew Stafford at quarterback.
“If you can line up an Aaron Donald and a Myles Garrett on defense, it’s tough,” Esposito said. “So defensively, I think they’re really good. Offensively, they’re really good, but they do have an aging quarterback, so I think it’s just something to look out for.”
MLB’s Latest
If you asked the average baseball fan to name the three teams leading their respective American League divisions, they probably wouldn’t say the Rays, White Sox and Rangers—but here we are.
Bettors aren’t necessarily convinced, either.
“They’re betting the Rays a little bit because they’ve been so good all year, but I think it’s tough for a lot of guests to actually pull the trigger on the White Sox right now,” Esposito said. “Bettors are very lukewarm on them.”
Although Tampa Bay is rarely active at the trade deadline, there’s growing belief that the organization could make a major move and pursue Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. If that happens, the Rays would be well positioned for a deep playoff run.
“The American League really appears to be wide open. I think that the two best teams are in the East, and that’s the Rays and Yankees,” Esposito said.
“I just find it hard to believe the Rays actually do it. Maybe I’m wrong, but this might be the year where they look at it and say, ‘Hey, we can win this American League and get to the World Series, and anything can happen.’”
“So it’s a real opportunity for the Rays maybe to make that splash. But again, I hate to keep saying the same thing, but it’s never proven to be in their DNA.”
Bets To Know
If you’ve got the football itch, it’s time to look to the future(s). Take a look at the app for early CFB win totals, along with other picks to win conferences and, of course, the National Championship.
Weekly Winners
Throwing darts (or baseballs) – plenty of bettors are sprinkling a little cash on nice payday, like this STN Sports bettor: $3 cashed for $74 on Monday at +2379 odds:
-Rangers/Mariners over 8
-Pirates/Diamondbacks under 9
-Mets/Braves over 8.5
-Marlins/Phillies over 7.5
-Nationals/Blue Jays under 10