Welcome to 2024: Raptors, Leafs, Action!
January 4, 2024
2024 is rolling in like a red carpet for Toronto's Raptors and Maple Leafs, complete with some well-deserved R'n'R, a dash of roster roulette, and a quick detour to the glitz of Hollywood.
Will Immanuel Quickley be the Raptors' newest showstopper, or will he need a few more rehearsals? And how on earth are the Leafs going to pull off the cap dance to keep Willy Nylander on the Toronto stage? Plus, Lionel Messi's World Cup win has created a buzz with Ballon d'Or rumours!
Evaluating the Toronto Raptors' Recent Player Acquisitions in RJ Barrett & Immanuel Quickley
The Toronto Raptors have recently made some noteworthy player acquisitions, with a focus on enhancing their roster dynamics. One of the key additions is Anunoby, who, while previously recognized as an excellent complementary player, brings a unique set of skills to the team.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Cannot Win the Stanley Cup Paying William Nylander $11 Million
The Leafs' salary cap landscape is dominated by significant contracts for key players, including Auston Matthews, Willie, JT, and Mitch Marner. Auston Matthews, set to earn $13.25 million, and Willie, with an $11.25 million contract, already contribute substantially to the team's financial commitments. Add JT's $11 million salary and Mitch Marner's $10.9 million, and the Leafs have invested a substantial $46.4 million in just four forwards.
Hot take of 2024: Messi OR Ronaldo will win the Ballon d’Or!
Argentina's triumph in the World Cup placed Messi in a favourable position, making him a front-runner for the Ballon d'Or. His exceptional performance in the MLS, where he has been a key player for his team, positions him as a strong contender for the prestigious individual award.
Courtesy of Steven Psihogios, NorthStar Bets
NFL Week 18 parlay picks
Parlay: Bills moneyline + Bears moneyline + Patriots moneyline (+547)
Quick Pick: Bears moneyline (+135)
The Dolphins will be without impact players Bradley Chubb and Xavien Howard in Week 18 after both suffered injuries in Week 17.
Jaylen Waddle missed last week's game with a high-ankle sprain and there's no indication that he's returning this week. Tua Tagovailoa is also dealing with a sore shoulder which doesn't help the situation, either.
All of this has us siding with Buffalo in this contest.
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Listen up, you beautiful people! The Homestand Sports podcast is where Albert Vartanian and the crew break down the biggest sports stories and saying it like it is. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill sports show – it’s like hanging out with your buddies, chatting about the game, and getting honest about what we love the most: sports. Homestand Sports is here to make you laugh, think, and scream at your speakers like a real fan.Â
Content contributions from Sara Pororia, Noor Zainab, Justin Pooni, James Sharman, Albert Vartanian and Shawn McCormick.
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