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.
Thursday, July 7
Banchero makes Magic debut at NBA Summer League
Last month, the Orlando Magic surprised many by bypassing Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. with the No. 1 overall pick in favor of Paolo Banchero of Duke. Banchero, an all-ACC forward, had odds as high as 21/1 to be taken with the first pick in the week leading up to the NBA Draft. On Thursday, the NBA Summer League kicks off in Las Vegas when the Magic take on the Rockets — who took Smith with the No. 3 pick.
The intriguing matchup of #Rockets No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith vs. #Magic No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero happens on the first night of Vegas games July 7 https://t.co/g6khSPxcP0
— Howard Chen 陈定豪 (@TheHoChen) July 4, 2022
While the Magic-Rockets matchup is the only contest on Thursday’s slate, there are nearly 25 games in total over the first weekend of the NBA Summer League. Since a number of teams have a tendency to rest their top rookies throughout Summer League play, keep an eye on last-minute lineup changes before placing any wagers.
Detroit will make its Summer League debut on Friday against the Blazers. Last week, the Pistons announced that point guard Cade Cunningham, swingman Saddiq Bey, and center Isaiah Stewart will be on their Summer League roster. With the three veterans plus rookie Jaden Ivey on the roster, the Pistons are sure to be among the betting favorites.
Friday, July 8
Robins headlines NCLGS summer conference in Boston
A bevy of top state legislators will convene in Boston for the 2022 National Council Of Legislators From Gaming States (NCLGS) Summer Meeting. The four-day conference will be headlined by a keynote luncheon address on Friday from DraftKings CEO Jason Robins.
The conference will be held at the Westin Copley Place, blocks away from DraftKings’ headquarters in the Back Bay of Boston. On the eve of the conference, sports betting still remains illegal in Massachusetts. While the Massachusetts Senate passed a sports betting bill in late April, the state’s two legislative chambers still need to settle key differences on advertising, marketing, and limits on credit card funding.
Other top panels at the summer conference
- Masterclass on Federal and State Taxation of Gambling Activity
- Welcome to the Major Leagues: How Has Legal Sports Betting Affected the Business of Sports?
- Online Gaming and Crypto: Match Made in Heaven or Nightmare for State Policy Makers and Regulators?
- The Business Case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Revisiting Statutory Minimum Race Days in the Face of a Deepening Horse Shortage
- How Court Rulings are Shaping Internet Gaming for Tribes
- Developing Best Practices on Responsible Gambling
Suns remain favorites to land Kevin Durant
Will the Brooklyn Nets trade Kevin Durant before the team’s NBA Summer League opener on Friday? Last week, Durant provided a jolt to an otherwise dull start to the offseason when he asked Nets management for a trade. Though Durant prefers to be traded to either the Suns (-125) or the Heat before the start of the 2022-2023 NBA regular season, a new wild card has emerged.
On Monday afternoon, the Raptors (+250) became the second choice at DraftKings to land Durant after opening last week as a considerable longshot at +3500. In order to acquire Durant, the Raptors may need to part with reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.
Raptors hesitant to ship Scottie Barnes to Nets in Kevin Durant trade https://t.co/MUsFoyzBvI …How long before Barnes delivers a championship?! Your odds that Durant can deliver one outweigh Scottie ceiling to deliver that 2nd championship!!!…
— WhyNotMe (@felixma70575228) July 5, 2022
Four teams have odds of less than +1500 to get Durant, with the Warriors and Nets as other top possibilities besides the favored Suns. Golden State has odds of +1400 to reacquire Durant, while the Nets have odds of +800 to retain the former NBA Most Valuable Player.
Saturday, July 9
Halep looks to win second Wimbledon title
Iga Swiatek’s shocking loss to Alize Cornet in the third round of Wimbledon created a wide-open draw in the women’s singles tournament in London. Swiatek, the overwhelming favorite, had her 37-match win streak snapped on Saturday in a resounding straight-set loss to Cornet. As a result, only one player in the Top 10, No. 3 seed Ons Jabeur, advanced to the quarterfinals.
Jabeur, however, is not the favorite at FanDuel to prevail. Should she advance to the final on Saturday, Simona Halep can win her third career Grand Slam tournament with a victory. The 2019 Wimbledon champion, Halep has odds of +190 to win the tournament after notching a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win over No. 4 seed Paula Badosa in Monday’s fourth round. Halep is followed by Jabeur at +195, along with Amanda Anisimova and Elena Rybakina at +500 and +650, respectively.
Sunday, July 10
Potential Djokovic-Nadal showdown in men’s final
While Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have met in Grand Slam matches 18 times, the two legendary tennis players have only faced each other just once in a Wimbledon final, a four-set victory by Djokovic in 2011. If form prevails this week at Wimbledon, the two will face off in Sunday’s singles final.
Regardless of the outcome, at least one streak will end on the grass courts in London. Djokovic, a six-time Wimbledon champ, has won three consecutive titles at The All England Lawn and Tennis Club. In total, Djokovic has won 25 straight grass court matches dating back to 2018. Nadal, meanwhile, has won 18 consecutive Grand Slam matches. His last defeat in a Slam came against Djokovic at last year’s French Open.
Djokovic hasn’t lost on Centre Court since the 2013 final vs Murray. 34-0 since that defeat. Includes a win vs Nadal, 3 wins vs Federer, 5 titles. Frightening consistency. pic.twitter.com/eMLARYyvw6
— DanRodenby (@DRodenbyTennis) June 29, 2022
Djokovic has odds of -250 at DraftKings to win Wimbledon — far ahead of Nadal, the second choice at +400. Nick Kyrgios, the third choice, has odds of +700 to win his first Grand Slam tournament. None of the five other players left in the draw has odds better than +2000.
