Chris Toman

Chris joined NorthStar Gaming from Covers.com where he was a publishing editor and wrote betting content. Before that, he was the sports editor at VICE Canada, worked for theScore and covered the Blue Jays for MLB.com. In addition to filling out the lineup card each day for the editorial team, Chris writes frequently himself, primarily on the NBA and MLB.

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 13: Back guards Bradley Beal and Ja Morant on Friday night

NBA prop bets

I’m targeting three big names for Friday’s top NBA prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Tonight’s plays are on Ja Morant and Bradley Beal, who should benefit from Kevin Durant’s return to the Phoenix Suns’ lineup.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 13.

NBA prop bets

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Best bet: Morant over 21.5 points (-112)

We continue to get light lines on Morant, which is unlikely for much longer if he can put together a good run of health. 

Morant’s numbers are down and he’s already missed three weeks after a season in which he was limited to nine games due to suspension and a shoulder injury. 

But the Memphis Grizzlies point guard is an elite scorer and appears to be getting hot. 

He has two 30-plus point games in his last three and averaged more than 25.0 points in each of the last three seasons. 

Morant will be fully rested for this plus matchup, having not played since Dec. 7 after sitting out a back-to-back. 

The Brooklyn Nets allow PGs to score at a top-10 rate and are 25th in the NBA in defensive rating.

Key stat: Morant scored 25 on the Nets in November and has cleared this number in four of six games since returning from a hip injury.

Quick picks

Beal over 3.5 assists (+120): Durant is expected to return to the Suns tonight after an ankle sprain sidelined him for the last three games, all losses. 

This is the second time Durant has already been on the shelf this season. While KD’s minutes and production might be limited, his return without question cuts into Beal’s scoring upside. 

Beal will go back to the third option on offence alongside Durant and Devin Booker. That should theoretically improve his assist upside. 

In 59 career games with Booker and Durant, Beal has averaged 4.8 assists (per StatMuse). 

He averaged 5.0 assists in 53 games with the Suns last season, marking the seventh straight season he has recorded more than 4.0 dimes per game. 

Beal’s assist numbers are down this season but he’s still 7-8 versus a 3.5 line and has topped this in three of his last four. 

This looks like solid value in a game that has the highest total (233.5) of tonight’s eight-game slate.

Picks made at 1:30 p.m. ET on 12/13/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 13: Back guards Bradley Beal and Ja Morant on Friday night

NBA prop bets

I’m targeting three big names for Friday’s top NBA prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Tonight’s plays are on Rudy Gobert, Ja Morant and Bradley Beal, who should benefit from Kevin Durant’s return to the Phoenix Suns’ lineup.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 13.

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Embed: #103440

Best bet: Morant over 21.5 points (-109)

We continue to get light lines on Morant, which is unlikely for much longer if he can put together a good run of health. 

Morant’s numbers are down and he’s already missed three weeks after a season in which he was limited to nine games due to suspension and a shoulder injury. 

But the Memphis Grizzlies point guard is an elite scorer and appears to be getting hot. 

He has two 30-plus point games in his last three and averaged more than 25.0 points in each of the last three seasons. 

Morant will be fully rested for this plus matchup, having not played since Dec. 7 after sitting out a back-to-back. 

The Brooklyn Nets allow PGs to score at a top-10 rate and are 25th in the NBA in defensive rating.

Key stat: Morant scored 25 on the Nets in November and has cleared this number in four of six games since returning from a hip injury.

Quick picks

Gobert over 23.5 points/rebounds (-108): The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled against centres and Rudy Gobert has already taken it to them twice this season. 

  • Oct. 22 vs. LAL: 13 pts, 14 reb
  • Dec. 2 vs. LAL: 17 pts, 12 reb

Gobert doesn’t get many looks on the offensive end, but he makes them count with an elite finishing rate.

He’s at 64.7% from the field and above 70% from the line (78.8%) for the first time in his career. 

The 7-foot-1 Minnesota Timberwolves centre remains a monster on the glass, too. 

Gobert is ninth in the NBA in rebounding, averaging 11.0 per game. 

Los Angeles allows the third-most rebounds to centres, per Betting Pros.

Beal over 3.5 assists (+114): Durant is expected to return to the Suns tonight after an ankle sprain sidelined him for the last three games, all losses. 

This is the second time Durant has already been on the shelf this season. While KD’s minutes and production might be limited, his return without question cuts into Beal’s scoring upside. 

Beal will go back to the third option on offence alongside Durant and Devin Booker. That should theoretically improve his assist upside. 

In 59 career games with Booker and Durant, Beal has averaged 4.8 assists (per StatMuse). 

He averaged 5.0 assists in 53 games with the Suns last season, marking the seventh straight season he has recorded more than 4.0 dimes per game. 

Beal’s assist numbers are down this season but he’s still 7-8 versus a 3.5 line and has topped this in three of his last four. 

This looks like solid value in a game that has the highest total (231.5) of tonight’s eight-game slate.

Picks made at 1:30 p.m. ET on 12/13/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 11: Back Jalen Brunson and fade Jalen Green in NBA Cup quarterfinals

NBA prop bets

The NBA Cup continues on Wednesday with two quarterfinal games.

The pregame narrative: With a berth in Saturday’s semifinals on the line, I have plays on Jalen Brunson, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 11

NBA prop bets

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Best bet: Brunson over 2.5 threes (-134)

Point guards generally do damage against the Atlanta Hawks and Brunson is one of the best in the NBA.

Brunson’s scoring is down on a deep and restocked New York Knicks roster, so I’m electing to back him on his 3-point prop.

Through 24 games, Brunson is averaging 2.7 triples on a career-high 43.2% from deep.

  • Brunson has cleared this in 5 of his last 6
  • ATL is last in the NBA in opponent 3P%
  • ATL allows second-most 3s to PGs

This game has a total of 237.5 points. We should expect plenty of scoring and Brunson to continue contributing from long range.

He attempted a season-high 11 threes against the Hawks in November, making four of them in a game that landed on 237 points.

Key stat: Brunson is 7-3 against this line in his last 10 games and is 14-10 against it on the season.

Quick picks

Green under 19.5 points (-112): The second game of tonight’s doubleheader has a total that’s 14 points lower than Hawks/Knicks.

That’s no surprise considering these are two of the top-rated defensive teams in the NBA. The Houston Rockets are second in defensive rating and the Golden State Warriors are right behind at fourth.

These teams met last week and combined for 192 points in a six-point win for Golden State. Green was held to 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field.

He had a season-low seven points on a dreadful 2-of-13 line when he saw the Warriors in November.

Beyond that, the shooting guard has remained an inconsistent and inefficient scorer this season.

  • Green was 5-0 vs. this line in October, averaging 27.6 PPG.
  • Since then, Green is 6-13 vs. this line while averaging 17.4/game.

Green is shooting career lows from the field (39.2%) and perimeter (32.8%).

Smith over 7.5 rebounds (-112): Smith’s minutes are up significantly in December, logging an average of 36.8 per game through four contests.

He has corralled double-digit rebounds twice and landed on seven in the other two, including against these same Warriors he’ll see tonight.

Smith also had seven versus Golden State when the teams met in November.

The 21-year-old has not been a particularly strong over play against this number, clearing it nine times in 24 games. But it’s important to note he was getting nearly 10 fewer minutes per game last month.

Smith averaged 8.1 rebounds in last year’s sophomore year and would have extra opportunities on the glass if either Alperen Sengun or Steven Adams are sidelined (both are questionable as of Wednesday morning).

Picks made at 12:28 p.m. ET on 12/11/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 11: Back Jalen Brunson and fade Jalen Green in NBA Cup quarterfinals

NBA prop bets

The NBA Cup continues on Wednesday with two quarterfinal games.

The pregame narrative: With a berth in Saturday’s semifinals on the line, I have plays on Jalen Brunson, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 11

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Best bet: Brunson over 2.5 threes (-136)

Embed: #103125

Point guards generally do damage against the Atlanta Hawks and Brunson is one of the best in the NBA.

Brunson’s scoring is down on a deep and restocked New York Knicks roster, so I’m electing to back him on his 3-point prop.

Through 24 games, Brunson is averaging 2.7 triples on a career-high 43.2% from deep.

  • Brunson cleared this in 5 of his last 6
  • ATL is last in the NBA in opponent 3P%
  • ATL allows second-most 3s to PGs

This game has a total of 237.5 points. We should expect plenty of scoring and Brunson to continue contributing from long range.

He attempted a season-high 11 threes against the Hawks in November, making four of them in a game that landed on 237 points.

Key stat: Brunson is 7-3 against this line in his last 10 games and is 14-10 against it on the season.

Quick picks

Green under 19.5 points (-113): The second game of tonight’s doubleheader has a total that’s 14 points lower than Hawks/Knicks.

That’s no surprise considering these are two of the top-rated defensive teams in the NBA. The Houston Rockets are second in defensive rating and the Golden State Warriors are right behind at fourth.

These teams met last week and combined for 192 points in a six-point win for Golden State. Green was held to 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field.

He had a season-low seven points on a dreadful 2-of-13 line when he saw the Warriors in November.

Beyond that, the shooting guard has remained an inconsistent and inefficient scorer this season.

  • Green was 5-0 vs. this line in October, averaging 27.6 PPG.
  • Since then, Green is 6-13 vs. this line while averaging 17.4/game.

Green is shooting career lows from the field (39.2%) and perimeter (32.8%).

Smith over 7.5 rebounds (-106): Smith’s minutes are up significantly in December, logging an average of 36.8 per game through four contests.

He has corralled double-digit rebounds twice and landed on seven in the other two, including against these same Warriors he’ll see tonight.

Smith also had seven versus Golden State when the teams met in November.

The 21-year-old has not been a particularly strong over play against this number, clearing it nine times in 24 games. But it’s important to note he was getting nearly 10 fewer minutes per game last month.

Smith averaged 8.1 rebounds in his sophomore year last season and would have extra opportunities on the glass if either Alperen Sengun or Steven Adams are sidelined (both are questionable as of Wednesday morning).

Picks made at 11:35 a.m. ET on 12/11/2024.

Juan Soto Blue Jays odds: ‘Widespread belief’ that Toronto will have highest offer on star free agent, per multiple reports

Juan Soto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays are one of a handful of clubs that have reportedly offered MLB’s biggest free agent a contract. Check out the latest rumours and Juan Soto Blue Jays odds as of Dec. 3.

The latest: Toronto reportedly met with the 26-year-old shortly after free agency kicked off and has presented the mega-star with a contract. Multiple reports indicate that Toronto will be among the top bidders on Soto, though it’s unknown when he’ll make a decision.

The Blue Jays have the fifth-shortest odds to sign the right fielder.

Juan Soto Blue Jays odds

Check our MLB markets for the latest Soto odds. Note: Betting lines may periodically be down throughout free agency.

As of the afternoon of Dec. 3, the Blue Jays were +700 to sign Soto. The New York Yankees were the favourites at -148.

Bet on Soto to sign with Toronto

Latest rumours

  • SNY’s Andy Martino reported on Dec. 2 that there is “widespread belief” that Toronto will have the highest offer among Soto’s bidders. MLB Network analyst (and former general manager) Jim Duquette said he heard “from many people” who think Toronto’s offer will be the highest.
https://twitter.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/1863649110261370898
  • As of Nov. 26, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported that five teams have made offers to Soto: the Blue Jays, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. He clarified that those “are not believed to be final offers.”
  • At the start of free agency, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman stated that his industry sources viewed Toronto as the biggest threat to pry Soto out of the Big Apple. More recently, he said he views the Mets as the favourite (USA Today’s Bob Nightengale said executives feel this way, too) but identified the Blue Jays and Yankees as teams with a “good shot” to sign Soto.
  • ESPN Jeff Passan said the Jays signing Soto is not a fantasy. “Offer the right amount of money, and he will take it,” he wrote in a Nov. 22 column.
  • MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand said “the feeling around the industry” is that Soto could make his decision before the Winter Meetings, which begin Dec. 9 (Morosi gave a similar timeline, estimating Dec. 12 or sooner). So whether it’s the Blue Jays or another team, we might soon know of Soto’s next landing spot.

The money should be there

A year after missing out on Shohei Ohtani, the Jays will attempt to snag this offseason’s biggest fish.

According to Heyman, the Blue Jays were among the first teams to meet Soto. Heyman reported that Toronto’s ownership group made an impressive in-person presentation to the Dominican native.

Beyond the big MLB national reporters, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi has also linked Soto and the Blue Jays.

Davidi says the price tag won’t be an obstacle for Blue Jays owner Rogers Communications.

The Sportsnet insider reported that any Soto deal would likely be covered under a special payroll allocation, the same financial idea the club had for Ohtani.

The Yankees (-148), Mets (+200), Red Sox (+400) and deep-pocketed World Series-champion Dodgers (+500) are the clubs with shorter odds than Toronto. Toronto’s odds to sign Soto are +700, which is where Boston stood until Nov. 28.

New! MLB Team and Player Stats

What Soto brings to the table

Soto enters free agency in his prime — a rarity — after arguably the best season of his career. 

Here’s what he did in his debut with the Yankees in 2024:

  • 41 homers (career high)
  • 8.1 fWAR (career high)
  • 128 runs scored (career high)
  • AL MVP finalist

Soto hit even better over 14 playoff games, slashing .327/.469/.633 with four home runs.

He led the team in hits, OBP and OPS and delivered a memorable ALCS series-clinching homer to help New York reach the World Series. 

Stat bites:

  • Since his debut in 2018, Soto leads MLB in walk rate and OBP while ranking top five in runs, wRC+ and WAR. 
  • Soto’s elite numbers and age have MLB Trade Rumors projecting his super agent Scott Boras to secure a 13-year, $600 million deal. Ohtani ($700 million) is the only player in MLB history to sign a more lucrative deal.
  • Toronto is coming off a last-place 74-88 finish after reaching the playoffs in consecutive years.
  • Fellow Dominican stud Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, as is two-time all-star shortstop Bo Bichette.
  • The Blue Jays, per Spotrac, had the ninth-highest payroll ($218.4 million) in MLB last season.
  • Rogers is the second-wealthiest owner in MLB behind the Mets’ Steve Cohen, according to Statista.

Full MLB Coverage

Best NBA prop bets Nov. 29: Back Isaiah Hartenstein and Anthony Edwards on Friday night

NBA prop bets

The NBA is serving up all-day basketball action for Black Friday’s 10-game slate.

The pregame narrative: I have three plays for the occasion, betting on Jalen Suggs, Isaiah Hartenstein and Anthony Edwards to produce.

Check out the best NBA prop bets on Nov. 29.

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Best bet: Suggs over 15.5 points (-130)

The Orlando Magic point guard gets a juicy matchup coming off a career-best performance. 

Suggs lit up the Chicago Bulls for 31 points on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive, non-injury-related game that he has cleared this mark. 

A hamstring issue limited Suggs to nine minutes the game before that after he had back-to-back contests scoring 16 and 23 points. 

Paolo Banchero remains out for Orlando, meaning Suggs will stay a bigger piece of the offence.

He has a great opportunity tonight to continue his increased scoring production (he’s averaging a career-high 15.6 PPG). 

The Brooklyn Nets have struggled to contain PGs, allowing the fourth-most points to the position (per Betting Pros). 

They’re 23rd in opponent 3-point percentage and Suggs is shooting and making more from long range than ever before (2.2 threes on 6.9 attempts). 

He’s also shooting a career-best 93.1% from the line. While Suggs doesn’t get to the stripe often, he’s been near-automatic and a few trips could be the difference in helping him clear this modest line.

Key stat: Suggs has topped this number in over half of his games.

Quick picks

Hartenstein over 22.5 points/rebounds (-118): The Oklahoma City centre has been on fire since making his season and Thunder debut.

Hartenstein missed the first month recovering from a hand fracture but has double-doubled in all three games since returning, averaging 30.3 minutes for the worst-rebounding team in the NBA.

  • Nov. 27 vs. Warriors: 14 pts, 14 reb
  • Nov. 25 vs. Kings: 19 pts, 10 reb
  • Nov. 20 vs. Blazers: 13 pts, 14 reb

The undersized Thunder desperately needed the 7-footer’s size and rebounding prowess down low and he’s delivered on that.

Centres have performed well against the Los Angeles Lakers and Hartenstein seems to have found a new gear in an expanded role after two years with the New York Knicks.

Edwards over 26.5 points (-130): Let’s get this out of the way right away: No team allows fewer points to shooting guards than the Los Angeles Clippers, Edwards’ opponent tonight. 

The Clippers have the second-best perimeter defence in the NBA and are fifth in the league in defensive rating. 

This is by all accounts a difficult matchup for Edwards and his underperforming Minnesota Timberwolves. 

That said, Edwards is an elite scorer who’s shooting more than all but three players. 

  • Averaging 28.1 PPG (career high)
  • Topped this line in 3 straight 
  • 24-plus points in 8 straight 
  • Leads NBA in 3PM/game (4.7)

Edwards has taken at least nine shots from deep and 20-plus shots from the field in six of his last seven. 

The volume should at the very least be there tonight. As long as that’s the case, he’s going to get his whether he does it efficiently or not.

Edwards has topped this number in 11 of 18 games.

Picks made at 1:26 p.m. ET on 11/29/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Nov. 29: Back Isaiah Hartenstein and Anthony Edwards on Friday night

NBA prop bets

The NBA is serving up all-day basketball action for Black Friday’s 10-game slate.

The pregame narrative: I have three plays for the occasion, betting on Jalen Suggs, Isaiah Hartenstein and Anthony Edwards to produce.

Check out the best NBA prop bets on Nov. 29.

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Best bet: Suggs over 15.5 points (-124)

Embed: #101991

The Orlando Magic point guard gets a juicy matchup coming off a career-best performance. 

Suggs lit up the Chicago Bulls for 31 points on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive, non-injury-related game that he has cleared this mark. 

A hamstring issue limited Suggs to nine minutes the game before that after he had back-to-back contests scoring 16 and 23 points. 

Paolo Banchero remains out for Orlando, meaning Suggs will stay a bigger piece of the offence.

He has a great opportunity tonight to continue his increased scoring production (he’s averaging a career-high 15.6 PPG). 

The Brooklyn Nets have struggled to contain PGs, allowing the fourth-most points to the position (per Betting Pros). 

They’re 23rd in opponent 3-point percentage and Suggs is shooting and making more from long range than ever before (2.2 threes on 6.9 attempts). 

He’s also shooting a career-best 93.1% from the line. While Suggs doesn’t get to the stripe often, he’s been near-automatic and a few trips could be the difference in helping him clear this modest line.

Key stat: Suggs has topped this number in over half of his games.

Quick picks

Hartenstein over 22.5 points/rebounds (-117): The Oklahoma City centre has been on fire since making his season and Thunder debut.

Hartenstein missed the first month recovering from a hand fracture but has double-doubled in all three games since returning, averaging 30.3 minutes for the worst-rebounding team in the NBA.

  • Nov. 27 vs. Warriors: 14 pts, 14 reb
  • Nov. 25 vs. Kings: 19 pts, 10 reb
  • Nov. 20 vs. Blazers: 13 pts, 14 reb

The undersized Thunder desperately needed the 7-footer’s size and rebounding prowess down low and he’s delivered on that.

Centres have performed well against the Los Angeles Lakers and Hartenstein seems to have found a new gear in an expanded role after two years with the New York Knicks.

Edwards over 26.5 points (-114): Let’s get this out of the way right away: No team allows fewer points to shooting guards than the Los Angeles Clippers, Edwards’ opponent tonight. 

The Clippers have the second-best perimeter defence in the NBA and are fifth in the league in defensive rating. 

This is by all accounts a difficult matchup for Edwards and his underperforming Minnesota Timberwolves. 

That said, Edwards is an elite scorer who’s shooting more than all but three players. 

  • Averaging 28.1 PPG (career high)
  • Topped this line in 3 straight 
  • 24-plus points in 8 straight 
  • Leads NBA in 3PM/game (4.7)

Edwards has taken at least nine shots from deep and 20-plus shots from the field in six of his last seven. 

The volume should at the very least be there tonight. As long as that’s the case, he’s going to get his whether he does it efficiently or not.

Edwards has topped this number in 11 of 18 games.

Picks made at 12:38 p.m. ET on 11/29/2024.

Juan Soto next team MLB odds: Yankees favoured, Blue Jays in mix after star reportedly receives offers

Soto next team odds

The Juan Soto rumour mill is heating up with reports that the superstar has received offers from several clubs — including the Toronto Blue Jays — and could be just days away from a decision.

The latest: Soto, 26, is set to land one of the biggest deals in MLB history this offseason. Three AL East clubs and two powerhouses from the National League have reportedly offered the five-time Silver Slugger a contract. Speculation is that he’ll sign around the Winter Meetings (Dec. 8-11).

Check out our latest Soto next team odds as of Dec. 3.

Soto next team odds

Click linked odds to add selection to betslip. Note: Lines changed/market no longer available if grey.

Odds as of 4:20 p.m. ET on 12/03/24.

Check out our MLB markets for the latest Soto odds.

TeamBetting odds
Yankees-148
Mets+200
Red Sox+400
Dodgers+500
Blue Jays+700
Phillies+2,500
Giants+4,000

Latest rumours

  • Whether or not the Blue Jays are Soto’s eventual pick, they’re believed by some to have the highest offer. SNY’s Andy Martino and MLB Network’s Jim Duquette both reported on Dec. 2 that they’re hearing Toronto will be the top bidder. Still, four clubs are ahead of the Blue Jays on the odds leaderboard.
  • ESPN’s Buster Olney and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale have both put the Mets near or at the front of the pack. Nightengale recently shared that executives around the league view the Mets as the “clear-cut favourite.” On Nov. 30, NJ.com’s Randy Miller said the Red Sox and Mets are Soto’s most likely landing spots.
  • Multiple reports, including from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, stated that Soto has received offers from five teams. In addition to the Blue Jays, Morosi says the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox have made offers.
  • On Nov. 26, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman said the Red Sox are increasingly seen as a “legitimate contender” for Soto. Boston’s odds have shortened in late November from +700 to +400 as speculation about Soto’s destination mounts. The Red Sox only have $107 million committed to their 2025 payroll.
  • Heyman also noted in the same Nov. 26 column that executives around the game believe Soto’s contract could reach or exceed $600 million. At the start of free agency, MLB Trade Rumors projected Soto to land a 13-year, $600 million deal. Shohei Ohtani is the only player in MLB history to sign a bigger contract than that (10 years, $700 million, with a significant amount deferred).
  • After signing star free agent pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal, the Dodgers don’t appear to be out on Soto, according to Heyman.

Blue Jays odds to sign Soto

Here we go again.

Toronto was linked to Ohtani last offseason before the Dodgers signed the two-way star to the biggest contract MLB history.

Now the club will aim big again and has already enjoyed an impressive, in-person presentation with Soto, according to Heyman.

Toronto might not have the shortest odds but its inclusion as a potential suitor makes sense for several reasons.

  • The team has a wealthy ownership group that has shown a willingness to spend. Rogers Communications is the second-richest owner in MLB (according to Statista) and the team had the ninth-highest payroll in 2024, per Spotrac.
  • Despite a last-place AL East finish, Toronto’s core players are under contract for at least another season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are set to become free agents after 2025, while top arms Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios are both under contract beyond that.
  • Following an expensive stadium renovation that raised ticket prices considerably, it’s unlikely the club is ready to rebuild. Multiple reports earlier in the offseason from Heyman and Olney (ESPN) indicate Toronto is expected to be a major player this offseason.

Toronto’s interest in Soto should be taken seriously. The club was reportedly the first group to meet with the four-time all-star.

Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported the club is willing to make a special payroll allocation to acquire him.

Yankees favoured to sign Soto

The betting favourite Yankees reportedly met with Soto on Nov. 18, according to Heyman.

Among the selling points they pitched the superstar on was the idea of playing playoff baseball with Aaron Judge for years to come (per Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media).

Soto and Judge formed one of the game’s most fearsome duos in 2024, both placing as AL MVP finalists.

The Yankees top the odds board after Soto helped power New York to the World Series. But several deep-pocketed teams, including the Mets and Red Sox, have been linked to him.

Heyman says he heard Boston’s ownership group, like Toronto’s, also impressed during a recent meeting with Soto.

The MLB insider further reported that the Mets had a detailed sit-down with Soto, and put on a big production that went extremely well.

Those clubs, along with the Dodgers, are the top contenders to sign Soto.

Soto and agent Scott Boras reportedly turned down a 15-year, $450 million from the Washington Nationals in 2022. He was traded to the San Diego Padres later that year. 

Over his next two full seasons, Soto proceeded to put up 14.1 fWAR — fourth among all position players. 

As such, Soto’s price tag is going to be astronomical. But the Yankees are committed to winning and know better than anyone what Soto brings to a ball club.

Soto betting notes

  • If any organization can shock the world, it’s the Dodgers. They worked Ohtani into a payroll that now has six other $100-plus million contracts after the Snell signing. After making significant moves for starters Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason, the reigning World Series champs are threats for acquiring any superstar, evidenced once again by the Snell acquisition.
  • Speaking of high payrolls, no team spent more on its 2024 roster than the Mets, who were paying big money to players they didn’t even have on their team. With several key free agents following a surprise run to the NLCS, don’t be surprised if the Mets and Steve Cohen (the richest owner in the game) pony up big money to bring more stars to Queens.
  • The Giants reportedly tried hard for both Judge and Ohtani during their free agencies. But the team has still coughed up big money in recent years to Matt Chapman, Robbie Ray and Jung Hoo Lee, all of whom got north of $100 million.
  • The Philadelphia Phillies operated MLB’s fourth-largest payroll in 2024 and were among the top World Series contenders all season. They won the NL East for the first time since 2011.

Best NBA prop bets Nov. 25: Fade Towns, back Haliburton and Irving

NBA prop bets

Three stars are featured in Monday’s top NBA prop picks.

The pregame narrative: I’m riding point guards Tyrese Haliburton and Kyrie Irving and am fading Karl-Anthony Towns later in the night.

Check out the best NBA prop bets on Nov. 25.

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Best bet: Haliburton over 27.5 points/assists (-118)

Haliburton comfortably cleared this line against the Washington Wizards yesterday. I expect him to do it again tonight versus another bottom-feeder, the New Orleans Pelicans. 

The Indiana Pacers PG has turned in a pair of strong efforts following a dismal, four-point dud last Wednesday. 

While his shooting from the field remains a problem, he was strong from deep over those two games and piled up points/assists in both outings. 

  • Nov. 24 vs. WSH: 21 points, 9 assists, 5 threes
  • Nov. 22 vs. MIL: 18 points, 9 assists, 4 threes

Both of those teams are plus matchups for point guards, which Haliburton took advantage of. While the Pelicans don’t get shredded by PGs the same way, they’ve been terrible defensively. 

New Orleans is tied for last in the NBA in defensive rating and sits 28th in opponent effective field goal percentage. 

Only two teams allow opponents to shoot better from the perimeter. Haliburton is taking a career-high 8.1 triples per game. 

The 24-year-old had an 11/11 double-double when these teams met on Nov. 1, a Pelicans victory. New Orleans has just one win since then.

Key stat: Haliburton averaged more than 30 points/assists in consecutive seasons coming into the year.

Quick picks

Irving over 26.5 points (-112): The Dallas Mavericks are on a back-to-back but I don’t expect that to help the Atlanta Hawks slow down Irving tonight.

  • Atlanta surrenders 120.5 PPG (28th)
  • The Hawks are 30th in opponent 3P%
  • They allow the 5th-most points per game to PGs

Irving should eat and having Luka Doncic on the sidelines doesn’t hurt. Since joining the Mavs, Irving has averaged 28.5 points in 14 games without Doncic (per StatMuse).

He comes in with career-best marks from the field and long range and there should be as many shots available to Irving as he’d like.

Towns under 37.5 points/rebounds (-118): This is a huge number for any player to hit. 

Nikola Jokic is second in the NBA in scoring and leads in rebounding and his points/rebounds line is only a point higher for this New York Knicks/Denver Nuggets game. 

Towns (questionable, it should be noted) has been excellent, averaging 26.1 PPG and a career-high 12.5 rebounds. Still, he’s 7-8 versus this line.

New York is deep, with four players averaging 15-plus points, so Towns’ production from game to game is likely to be more sporadic than most go-to scoring options.

While he was in a different situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves, this is not a number Towns has had success with in recent matchups against Jokic’s Nuggets. 

  • Over the last three seasons, playoffs included, Towns is 2-13 against this line when facing Jokic.
  • Only two centres have topped this number versus Jokic in 12 contests this season. None have done it over the last 10 games.

Making matters worse for Towns, the game is at the notoriously challenging Ball Arena in Denver.

Picks made at 1:20 p.m. ET on 11/25/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Nov. 25: Fade Towns, back Haliburton and Irving

NBA prop bets

Three stars are featured in Monday’s top NBA prop picks.

The pregame narrative: I’m riding point guards Tyrese Haliburton and Kyrie Irving and am fading Karl-Anthony Towns later in the night.

Check out the best NBA prop bets on Nov. 25.

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Best bet: Haliburton over 26.5 points/assists (-124)

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Haliburton comfortably cleared this line against the Washington Wizards yesterday. I expect him to do it again tonight versus another bottom-feeder, the New Orleans Pelicans. 

The Indiana Pacers PG has turned in a pair of strong efforts following a dismal, four-point dud last Wednesday. 

While his shooting from the field remains a problem, he was strong from deep over those two games and piled up points/assists in both outings. 

  • Nov. 24 vs. WSH: 21 points, 9 assists, 5 threes
  • Nov. 22 vs. MIL: 18 points, 9 assists, 4 threes

Both of those teams are plus matchups for point guards, which Haliburton took advantage of. While the Pelicans don’t get shredded by PGs the same way, they’ve been terrible defensively. 

New Orleans is tied for last in the NBA in defensive rating and sits 28th in opponent effective field goal percentage. 

Only two teams allow opponents to shoot better from the perimeter. Haliburton is taking a career-high 8.1 triples per game. 

The 24-year-old had an 11/11 double-double when these teams met on Nov. 1, a Pelicans victory. New Orleans has just one win since then.

Key stat: Haliburton averaged more than 30 points/assists in consecutive seasons coming into the year.

Quick picks

Irving over 25.5 points (-121): The Dallas Mavericks are on a back-to-back but I don’t expect that to help the Atlanta Hawks slow down Irving tonight.

  • Atlanta surrenders 120.5 PPG (28th)
  • The Hawks are 30th in opponent 3P%
  • They allow the 5th-most points per game to PGs

Irving should eat and having Luka Doncic on the sidelines doesn’t hurt. Since joining the Mavs, Irving has averaged 28.5 points in 14 games without Doncic (per StatMuse).

He comes in with career-best marks from the field and long range and there should be as many shots available to Irving as he’d like.

Towns under 38.5 points/rebounds (-124): This is a huge number for any player to hit. 

Nikola Jokic is second in the NBA in scoring and leads in rebounding and his points/rebounds line is only a point higher for this New York Knicks/Denver Nuggets game. 

Towns (questionable, it should be noted) has been excellent, averaging 26.1 PPG and a career-high 12.5 rebounds. Still, he’s 7-8 versus this line.

New York is deep, with four players averaging 15-plus points, so Towns’ production from game to game is likely to be more sporadic than most go-to scoring options.

While he was in a different situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves, this is not a number Towns has had success with in recent matchups against Jokic’s Nuggets. 

  • Over the last three seasons, playoffs included, Towns is 2-13 against this line when facing Jokic.
  • Only two centres have topped this number versus Jokic in 12 contests this season. None have done it over the last 10 games.

Making matters worse for Towns, the game is at the notoriously challenging Ball Arena in Denver.

Picks made at 10:46 a.m. ET on 11/25/2024.