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Sure enough, the pre-Christmas rush of moves has happened, with a ton of activity through the weekend and right on into the overnight period if you missed it (Sean Manaea signed, Joc Pederson signed, and before that Nathaniel Lowe was traded). I would tentatively expect that to continue today, and maybe even spill over into tomorrow. Harder to predict what the rest of the week looks like from there, given that Christmas is on a Wednesday. I don’t know how much teams and agents will be pushing to get deals done before the New Year, but it’s possible that there could be a lull after Christmas, with action heating back up in January. Of course, at that point, you’re just a couple weeks away from a Roki Sasaki decision, and when it’s that close, you could imagine it having an impact on the broader market (all it takes is a team or two or a player or two waiting out that decision for the waterfall effect to hold up a whole lot more). It’d be nice if the Cubs could lock something down this week – a late-inning reliever, for example, would be really nice to have in the fold and is realistic – but their roster is now structured such that they can probably be patient and choosy (which is what they prefer to be anyway). Unless Manaea signing pushes things forward rapidly on guys like Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler, for example, I don’t know that the Cubs are going to “miss” on anyone they’re otherwise targeting this week. It’s been almost exactly a decade since the Padres, Rays, and Nationals got together on a wild, shocking, and had-to-be-so-hard-to-pull-off three-team trade that involved Trea Turner, Wil Myers, Steven Souza, Joe Ross, Jake Bauers, Burch Smith, Travis Ott, Rene Rivera, Ryan Hanigan, Jose Castillo, and Gerardo Reyes. It was crazy seeing that trade come together, and looking back, it’s just nuts that they could actually get it over the finish line with so many players involved. It seems Myers is now finished playing baseball, which is why the trade was coming back up. Though he may not have lived up to the hype of his days as one of the top few prospects in baseball, Myers did put together a solid MLB career, which saw him hit .252/.326/.437/107 wRC+ over exactly 1100 games. His final season was an ugly partial year with the Reds in 2023, when everything fell off a cliff for him at age 32. Sometimes that happens. A reminder that the Miami Marlins made the postseason just last year, but then they let their baseball chief walk because they were going to hire someone to be her boss, and instead started this process: 26 down, 9 to go pic.twitter.com/dFUUGNe2j3— Alex Ferrer (@PastyA_) December 22, 2024 I’m not saying the Marlins were necessarily wrong to rebuild when they did, and if they weren’t going to spend money to supplement that 2023 team, then this may have been the only way going forward. I’m only saying it’s wild to see a playoff team immediately cast off the person who stewarded that group, and then tear the team completely apart. Then again, maybe tearing teams apart after a successful run is baked into the Marlins’ organizational DNA. Give me the over on the Rangers, Rays, and Nationals, give me the under on the Padres, Braves, and Tigers current 2025 vegas MLB win total over/unders pic.twitter.com/3N2G5C9odc— BrooksGate (@Brooks_Gate) December 23, 2024 The Cubs having the 8th highest win total is largely a reflection of the betting behavior of the market, but I’m not so sure that is an unreasonable level right now. I don’t think the Cubs will, realistically, get to being a 90-win-on-paper team by Spring Training, but 87/88 wins? Something like that? There is no reason they should not get there. And then obviously you hope they win quite a bit more than that when the actual games are played …. MORE FROM BLEACHER NATION: Check Out BN Fantasy | Subscribe to The BN Newsletter Here’s hoping: ICYMI: A new report has Ben Johnson as being "interested" in the Chicago Bears head coaching gig.https://t.co/vHHpn76q5h pic.twitter.com/jsltc1XD5K— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) December 23, 2024

The Murray State Racers (6-5) will look to turn around a three-game losing streak when they visit the Charlotte 49ers (6-5) on December 24, 2024 at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. In its most recent game, Murray State lost to Nebraska on Sunday, 66-49. Kylen Milton scored a team-high 19 points (and chipped in one assist and four boards). In its previous game, Charlotte lost to Hawaii on Sunday, 78-61. Jaehshon Thomas scored a team-high 16 points (and added one assist and three boards). When is Murray State vs. Charlotte and when does it start? This matchup between the Racers and 49ers will happen on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Expect to see the opening tip at 12:30 AM ET. Where to Watch Murray State vs. Charlotte The Racers and 49ers will hit the floor at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center for this matchup on December 24, and if you want to see the event live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats! What channel is the game on? You can catch this game live on ESPN2. Murray State Racers vs. Charlotte 49ers Game Preview Murray State Stats, Odds & Insights Murray State outscores opponents by 9.2 points per game (scoring 76.1 per game to rank 176th in college basketball while allowing 66.9 per contest to rank 75th in college basketball) and has a +101 scoring differential overall. The Racers average only 4.7 more points than the 49ers concede (71.4). Murray State hits 7.9 three-pointers per game (177th in college basketball) while shooting 37.2% from deep (54th in college basketball). It is making 2.8 more threes per contest than its opponents, who drain 5.1 per game while shooting 28.6%. In home games, the Racers are posting 4.1 more points per game (80.6) than they are in away games (76.5). Charlotte Stats, Odds & Insights Charlotte puts up 71.4 points per game (276th in college basketball) while giving up 71.4 per contest (187th in college basketball). It has a 0 scoring differential. The 49ers’ 71.4 points per game are only 4.5 more than the Racers concede. Charlotte knocks down 6.3 three-pointers per game (315th in college basketball), while its opponents have made 5.8 on average. At home, the 49ers score 71.7 points per game. Away, they average 70.8. Racers Key Players to Watch Racers Leaders Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM Jacobi Wood 11 14.3 4.1 5.4 1.0 0.0 2.0 Kylen Milton 11 11.9 4.1 1.5 1.5 0.0 1.1 AJ Ferguson 11 11.9 5.7 1.4 0.9 0.5 1.1 Terence Harcum 11 11.2 1.8 1.4 0.9 0.1 2.4 Nick Ellington 11 8.9 4.5 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.0 49ers Key Players to Watch 49ers Leaders Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM Nik Graves 11 16.4 3.8 3.0 1.0 0.3 1.3 Robert Braswell 11 13.5 2.5 0.7 1.0 0.8 1.8 Giancarlo Rosado 7 11.9 5.6 3.7 0.9 0.1 0.0 Jaehshon Thomas 11 10.9 3.9 1.8 0.5 0.1 0.7 Rich Rolf 11 5.8 3.7 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.9 And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.

The Seattle U Redhawks (4-8) will look to break a three-game road losing streak when they visit the Washington Huskies (8-3) on December 23, 2024 at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Washington won its most recent game versus Washington State, 89-73, on Wednesday. DJ Davis led the way with 21 points, plus three boards and four assists. In its most recent game, Seattle U fell to UIC on Friday, 79-68. Its leading scorer was Brayden Maldonado with 22 points. When is Washington vs. Seattle U and when does it start? This contest between the Huskies and Redhawks will begin on Monday, December 23, 2024. Expect to see the opening tip at 10:00 PM ET. Where to Watch Washington vs. Seattle U The Huskies and Redhawks will take to the court at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion for this matchup on December 23, and if you’d like to see the event live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats! What channel is the game on? You can catch this game live on BTN (>Watch on Fubo). Watch the Washington vs. Seattle U live stream on Fubo Live Stream Online: Sign up for Fubo today! Washington Huskies vs. Seattle U Redhawks Game Preview Washington Stats, Odds & Insights Washington outscores opponents by 4.1 points per game (scoring 73.1 per game to rank 242nd in college basketball while giving up 69 per contest to rank 124th in college basketball) and has a +45 scoring differential overall. The Huskies are averaging 73.1 points, only 1.5 more than the 71.6 the Redhawks allow. Washington knocks down 6.4 three-pointers per game (308th in college basketball) compared to its opponents’ 5.9. It shoots 33.7% from deep while its opponents hit 31.9% from long range. Seattle U Stats, Odds & Insights Seattle U is outscoring opponents by 3.7 points per game, with a +45 scoring differential overall. It puts up 75.3 points per game (189th in college basketball) and allows 71.6 per contest (192nd in college basketball). The Redhawks’ 75.3 points per game are 6.3 more than the Huskies give up. Seattle U knocks down 8.7 three-pointers per game (115th in college basketball) compared to its opponents’ 7.7. It shoots 36.9% from deep, and its opponents shoot 35.1%. At home the Redhawks are scoring 82.8 points per game, 10.5 more than they are averaging on the road (72.3). Huskies Key Players to Watch Huskies Leaders Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM Great Osobor 11 14 8.8 3.7 2.5 0.5 0 Tyler Harris 11 13.5 6.1 0.2 1 1.5 1.5 Zoom Diallo 11 10.3 2.7 2.1 0.5 0.4 0.3 Mekhi Mason 11 9.4 2.2 1.1 1.1 0.4 1.5 DJ Davis 10 7.4 1.9 1.1 0.9 0 1.4 Redhawks Key Players to Watch Redhawks Leaders Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe 9 13.9 10.3 1 1.3 0.1 0 Paris Dawson 12 11.8 3.2 1.8 1 0.2 1.6 John Christofilis 12 11.3 2.4 0.5 0.4 0 1.9 Brayden Maldonado 12 10.3 2.4 1.3 1.4 0.2 2.2 Maleek Arington 12 9.8 2.8 5.1 1.8 0.3 0.4 And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (7-3) will look to build on a three-game home win streak when they host the Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-2) on December 23, 2024 at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. In its most recent game, Nebraska defeated Murray State on Sunday, 66-49. Connor Essegian scored a team-high 15 points (and contributed zero assists and two boards). Hawaii was victorious in its previous game versus Charlotte, 78-61, on Sunday. Gytis Nemeiksa was its high scorer with 24 points. When is Nebraska vs. Hawaii and when does it start? This matchup between the Cornhuskers and Rainbow Warriors will begin on Monday, December 23, 2024. Expect to see the opening tip at 10:30 PM ET. Where to Watch Nebraska vs. Hawaii The Cornhuskers and Rainbow Warriors will hit the court at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center for this matchup on December 23, and if you would like to catch the game live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats! What channel is the game on? You can catch this game live on ESPN2. Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Game Preview Nebraska Stats, Odds & Insights Nebraska’s +104 scoring differential (outscoring opponents by 10.4 points per game) is a result of scoring 78.6 points per game (112th in college basketball) while allowing 68.2 per contest (106th in college basketball). The 78.6 points the Cornhuskers average are 9.5 more than the Rainbow Warriors allow. Nebraska hits 3.0 fewer threes per game than the opposition, 6.8 (273rd in college basketball) compared to its opponents’ 9.8. Hawaii Stats, Odds & Insights Hawaii has a +59 scoring differential, topping opponents by 5.9 points per game. It is putting up 75 points per game, 198th in college basketball, and is giving up 69.1 per outing to rank 125th in college basketball. The Rainbow Warriors post 6.8 more points per game (75) than the Cornhuskers give up (68.2). Hawaii hits 7.3 three-pointers per game (229th in college basketball), 1.9 more than its opponents. Cornhuskers Key Players to Watch Cornhuskers Leaders Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM Brice Williams 10 17.9 2.8 2.1 1 0.3 1.4 Connor Essegian 10 13.2 2.5 0.9 0.3 0 2.7 Juwan Gary 10 10.8 4.3 1.1 1.2 0.5 0.9 Andrew Morgan 10 8.9 5.9 0.8 0.3 0.5 0.2 Rollie Worster 10 8.6 4.1 2.4 1.3 0.2 0.3 Rainbow Warriors Key Players to Watch Rainbow Warriors Leaders Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM Gytis Nemeiksa 10 15 6.6 0.8 0.7 0.5 1.5 Marcus Greene 10 12.7 3 2.5 0.2 0.1 1 Tanner Christensen 10 11.3 7.6 1.1 0.5 1 0 Tom Beattie 10 7.5 2.4 1.8 0.5 0.1 0.4 Kody Williams 10 7.4 1.2 1.6 0.3 0 1.8 And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are -135 on the moneyline against the Montreal Canadiens (+114) on Monday, with this game taking place at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Watch the NHL on Fubo! Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens Favorite, Moneyline, Total Favorite: Blue Jackets (-135) Underdog: Canadiens (+114) Total: 6.5 Best Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens Promo Codes How to Watch Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens Date: Monday, December 23, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM ET How to watch on TV: ESPN+ Location: Columbus, Ohio Venue: Nationwide Arena Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+ Buy NHL tickets on Vivid Seats! Blue Jackets 2024-25 Stats & Rankings Stat Average Rank Goals Scored 3.26 9th Goals Allowed 3.62 31st Shots 30.4 4th Shots Allowed 29 20th Power Play % 17.58% 23rd Penalty Kill % 73.53% 27th Blue Jackets Betting Info The Blue Jackets have won one of their five games when listed as a moneyline favorite this season (20.0%). Columbus has a 1-2 record (winning just 33.3% of its games) when playing as a moneyline favorite of -135 or shorter. Based on this game’s moneyline, the Blue Jackets’ implied win probability is 57.4%. In 22 of 34 matches this season, Columbus and its opponent have combined to finish above 6.5 goals. Canadiens 2024-25 Stats & Rankings Stat Average Rank Goals Scored 2.91 19th Goals Allowed 3.55 29th Shots 24.6 32nd Shots Allowed 29.4 24th Power Play % 22.43% 12th Penalty Kill % 82.35% 8th Canadiens Betting Info This season the Canadiens have won 12 of the 31 games, or 38.7%, in which they’ve been an underdog. Montreal has entered 27 games this season as an underdog by +114 or more and is 9-18 in those contests. The implied probability of a win by the Canadiens, based on the moneyline, is 46.7%. Montreal’s games this season have had more than 6.5 goals 17 of 33 times. Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens Injury Report Blue Jackets: Erik Gudbranson: Shoulder (Out), Boone Jenner: Shoulder (Out), Yegor Chinakhov: Upper Body (Out), Jordan Dumais: Lower Body (Out), Dante Fabbro: Lower Body (Questionable), Justin Danforth: Lower Body (Out) Canadiens: David Reinbacher: Knee (Out) Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens Prediction and Pick We expect the Blue Jackets (-135 on the moneyline) to topple the Canadiens (+114 on the moneyline). As for the total, we recommend betting on the over at 6.5 goals. More NHL Predictions Devils vs. Rangers Prediction Maple Leafs vs. Jets Prediction Rep your favorite team’s gear with Fanatics!