Greetings, gamblers.
The most glorious time of the year is upon us, but it may have lost some of its pizazz. Thursday welcomes back the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island, and the Fourth of July tradition is normally one that is dominated by one Joey Chestnut. However, the defending champ has been banned from the competition for representing Impossible Foods. It's an unfortunate turn of events, but that does open the door for another participant to take home the coveted Mustard Belt. Our Matt Severance is taking the 2023 runner-up Geoffrey Esper at -120 odds to win the contest after Esper ate 49 hot dogs and buns in last year's competition. Esper was the 2017 and 2019 Hooters wing-eating champion and also holds a record of eating 26 soft pretzels in eight minutes, so he has some valid credentials. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.
All times Eastern | Game odds via SportsLine consensus
LEBRON JAMES AGREES TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT WITH LAKERS
In a much anticipated move, LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to CBS Sports NBA insider Bill Reiter. The deal allows the Lakers star to earn a maximum salary during the 2024-25 season, but also includes a player option for 2025-26. James' new contract also includes a no-trade clause, which marks the first time that James has ever had on in his NBA career. CBS Sports NBA writer Sam Quinn writes that James was willing to take a pay cut in order for the Lakers to have more financial flexibility to sign free agents.
Astros at Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV
SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall is 8-4 in his last 12 Astros moneyline picks.
👀 Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game: The Projection Model has "C" picks on the moneyline, spread, and total. Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo code NEWSLETTER*. Sign up here to get started!
Mets at Nationals, 6:45 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV
SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the total and spread with a "C" grade for the moneyline for the contest. The over is 6-0-1 in the Mets' last seven games, so we're going to back their bats to stay hot against their NL East rivals.
🔒 SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Wednesday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the season continues. Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo code NEWSLETTER*. Sign up here to get started!
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2024-07-03T22:35:48Z dg43tfdfdgfd