We’re almost at the end of the first round of Group Stage matches, and there have been some stunning upsets in terms of draws. It’s early, but after Spain’s shocking 0-0 tie with Cape Verde on Monday, France is now a +425 odds to win the World Cup title, though they finally open play on Tuesday against Senegal (+10000) at 3pmET on Fox from East Rutherford, N.J . France (-215) to win Group I) is not in an easy group, which also features Norway (+275 to in the Group).
(odds from DraftKings)
Argentina, 2022’s World Cup champ featuring Lionel Messi, also takes on Algeria in their first match from Group J at 9pmET from Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina is +1000 to repeat as World Cup champs and -265 to win their Group, while Algeria is +800. Austria (+370) appears to be Argentina’s top competitor in Group J.
On Tuesday, Iraq will face Norway at 6pm from Foxborough, and then we move to the end of the first round of the Group Stage featuring Austria/Jordan, Portugal/Congo DR, England/Croatia, Ghana/Panama, and Uzbekistan/Colombia on Wednesday. The England vs. Croatia match takes place at Jerry’s World in Arlington, Texas, and that could be the highlight of the day at 4pmET on Fox.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the NBA, the season is over with the underdog New York Knicks shocking San Antonio in just five games, with the Spurs having led by double digits in each game. The NBA’s season might be over, but the NBA Draft comes up next on Tuesday, June 23rd. To the Knicks credit, they built their roster through trades and free agency. The Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder went through a long process of rebuilding.
Washington has the first pick in the draft and is expected to take BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa (-400), but they’ve also worked out Darryn Peterson (+300) from Kansas (reportedly twice). Unlike last season, when Cooper Flagg was undeniably the top pick, though Dylan Harper was fantastic at times for the Spurs in the playoffs, this draft is all about Dybantsa against Peterson.
Next year’s odds are out, even though free agency and the draft have yet to hit. One potential move that could rock the odds next season is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been rumored to be dealt to Miami and Boston before or during the draft. At the moment, the Spurs are the favorite at +250, while OKC is +260. Boston (+550) is third, followed by New York (+650), and there are no teams remotely close.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events at ATS:
- The World Cup runs through July 19. Consists of 48 teams and 12 groups in the Group Stage, mainly playing in the United States. It’s the biggest event in the world.
- US Open Golf (June 18-21) and Wimbledon Tennis Championships (June 29-July 12)
______________________________________________________________________________