The post What’s On Tap: NBA Free Agency, NHL Draft, And PointsBet Shareholder Meeting appeared first on SportsHandle.

Each week, our “What’s on Tap” series previews the week ahead in the world of sports betting. Come here for a summary of upcoming financial happenings, legislative and regulatory meetings, industry conferences, top games scheduled for the week, and much more. Also, check out our weekly review, “Get a Grip,” for a look back at last week’s notable news.

Monday, June 26

Florida faces LSU in decisive College World Series Game 3

Florida clobbered LSU 24-4 on Sunday, setting a College World Series record for runs scored in a single game. But the Tigers have no time to wallow in their sadness. Nearly 24 hours later, the SEC rivals will meet again, this time with the national title on the line.

Despite the lopsided result, it is important to remember that LSU entered the best-of-three series as the slight favorite. For Monday’s game, LSU has moneyline odds of -143 at Barstool Sportsbook to defeat the Gators (+110). LSU will likely start Thatcher Hurd, a pitcher who boasts a 1.50 ERA in six CWS innings. The Tigers can also use staff ace Paul Skenes, who is coming off three days rest.

Florida’s bats put up some big numbers in their win over LSU in Game 2 of the MCWS.

– Most runs in any MCWS game (24)
– Most HR in a MCWS Finals game (6)
– Largest win margin in a MCWS Finals game (+20)
– Tied record for most hits in any MCWS game (23) pic.twitter.com/RYKvL9U7g0

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 25, 2023

Wednesday, June 28

Blackhawks near lock to take Bedard at No. 1

Much like last week’s NBA Draft, there will not be any drama at the top of Wednesday night’s NHL Draft. Regina Pats center Connor Bedard finished last season with 143 points, becoming the first Canadian Hockey League player to surpass the 140-point barrier in more than 20 seasons. Since Bedard is a virtual lock to be taken by the Chicago Blackhawks, DraftKings does not have odds for the No. 1 overall pick.

DraftKings, however, is taking action on the No. 2 pick, currently held by Anaheim. University of Michigan center Adam Fantilli (-425) is the heavy favorite to be selected with the second pick. Last season, Fantilli captured the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in college hockey.

Friday, June 30

Several options on the table at PointsBet shareholder meeting

As the U.S. sports betting industry turns its eyes and ears to Sydney, Australia, for PointsBet‘s general meeting, the plot has thickened. At Friday’s meeting, PointsBet shareholders are expected to vote on whether to approve Fanatics’ $150 million proposal to acquire the company’s U.S. assets. In the interim, DraftKings has swooped in with a proposal of $195 million, representing a 30% premium over the original proposal.

Last week, the New York Post reported that Fanatics and DraftKings engaged in deep negotiations in 2021 on a proposed $48 billion merger that ultimately fell through. After Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin reportedly left the negotiating table two years ago, DraftKings counterpart Jason Robins is looking to “return the favor,” a source told the Post. Per Earnings + More, if Fanatics sweetens the pot with a higher bid, DraftKings may have limited appetite to respond.

DraftKings, Fanatics vie for PointsBet — after scrapping $48B merger, sources say https://t.co/AdqbkcA8Hx pic.twitter.com/YuY88BWlgg

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 23, 2023

Green, Harden highlight NBA free agency

While NBA free agents cannot officially sign with teams until July 6, the negotiating window begins on Friday at 6 p.m. ET. The biggest question facing the Golden State Warriors is whether the 2022 NBA champions will re-sign Draymond Green.

If the Warriors intend to remain championship contenders, the team will re-up with Green, coach Steve Kerr recently said. As of Monday, the Warriors had odds of +1200 at FanDuel to win the 2024 NBA Championship.

The Warriors enter Monday as the fifth choice to win the title, three spots above the Sixers (+1700). Philadelphia opens free agency with questions in the backcourt amid trepidation that James Harden may bolt to Houston. The Rockets, one of the youngest teams in the league, would see their season win total increase markedly if they land Harden.

Saturday, July 1

Vingegaard favored to repeat at Tour de France

The Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling event, typically begins in a neighboring country before riders spend three grueling weeks traversing the French terrain. On Saturday, the 110th edition of the Tour will begin in Bilbao, Spain, for a 113-mile trek through the Basque region. The first two days of the Tour will be held in Spain before riders arrive in Bayonne next Monday.

Last year, Jonas Vingegaard upset two-time defending champ Tadej Pogacar to become the first Danish rider to win the Tour since 1996. Vingegaard is the +110 favorite at Caesars Sportsbook, just ahead of Pogacar (+125). The two former champions have separated themselves from the field, with Australian cyclist Jai Hindley installed as the third choice at +2200.

Who will win the third Tadej Pogacar vs Jonas Vingegaard Tour de France GC battle?#TDF2023 @sam_bewley | @brentbookwalter pic.twitter.com/3IdC7fuAOo

— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) June 24, 2023

Stallions look to defend USFL title

After capturing the USFL title in 2022, the Birmingham Stallions have been the overwhelming favorite to repeat throughout the season. The Stallions entered the USFL playoffs with odds of +135 at FOX Bet, a price that could fall even further after Birmingham’s 47-22 win over New Orleans on Sunday.

Winners of six straight, the Stallions will face the Pittsburgh Maulers, a 31-27 victor over the Michigan Panthers on Saturday.

Have a good week, everyone!

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