🎯 Top Sports Picks Today: Astros vs Dodgers, Tour de France & NASCAR Highlights
Looking for the top sports picks today? Whether you’re betting or just tuning in, this Fourth of July weekend is packed with action. From a high-stakes MLB clash between the Astros and Dodgers to early Tour de France predictions and NASCAR’s Grant Park 165, there’s something for every sports fan and bettor to enjoy.
⚾ MLB Headliner: Astros vs Dodgers
- Time: 9:10 PM ET
- Location: Los Angeles
- TV: MLB Network
- Odds: Dodgers -185 | Astros +155 | O/U: 9 runs
A massive interleague showdown takes center stage as the Houston Astros visit the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series opener.
🔥 Key Betting Insights:
- Astros (52–35): 8 wins in their last 10 games
- Dodgers (56–32): 9-1 in their last 10
- Projected Pitchers: Lance McCullers (1–4, 6.61 ERA) vs Ben Casparius (6–2, 3.97 ERA)
SportsLine Projection Model leans toward the Astros at +154, suggesting 44% win probability vs the implied 39%.
But expert Matt Severance likes the Dodgers -1 at -128, pointing out the Astros are missing Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Pena, and McCullers has allowed 12 earned runs in his last two starts.
✅ Best Bet:
Dodgers -1 (-128) – Value based on Houston’s depleted offense and McCullers’ recent struggles.
🚴♂️ Tour de France 2025: Stage 1 Preview & Picks
- Start Time: 6:30 AM ET Saturday
- Location: Lille, France
- TV: NBC
The 112th Tour de France begins with a 185-rider field tackling the opening stage in Lille. All eyes are on three-time champion Tadej Pogacar, who enters as a -290 favorite to win a historic fourth title.
🧠 Expert Tip:
Gene Menez, SportsLine’s cycling analyst, recommends backing:
- João Almeida podium finish at +250
Menez also nailed a +3300 pick on Adam Yates to place top 3 in 2023. Expect value-driven picks again in 2025.
✅ Best Bet:
João Almeida to podium (+250) – Great return from a consistent climber.
🏁 NASCAR: Grant Park 165 in Chicago – Projections & Picks
- Time: 2 PM ET Sunday
- Location: Chicago Street Circuit
- TV: TNT Sports, truTV
The Chicago Street Race could be the last in its current format, and Shane van Gisbergen (+210) is the favorite to win again.
The 2.2-mile, 12-turn circuit features city landmarks like Michigan Avenue and Buckingham Fountain.
🧠 Expert Projection:
Mike McClure’s NASCAR model, which has predicted 24 winners including +300 on Chase Elliott this year, supports van Gisbergen’s chances again.
✅ Best Bet:
Shane van Gisbergen to win (+210) – Street specialist with a proven edge.
📊 Other Top MLB Model Picks for Friday
- Diamondbacks -113 ML
- Top HR Prop Picks
- Strikeout Props & Player Props
(SportsLine subscribers can access full projections and values.)
📌 Quick Watch Guide: Today’s Top Games
| Event | Time | Channel | Best Bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astros vs Dodgers | 9:10 PM ET | MLB Network | Dodgers -1 (-128) |
| Tour de France | 6:30 AM Sat | NBC | João Almeida Podium (+250) |
| NASCAR Grant Park | 2:00 PM Sun | TNT Sports, truTV | Van Gisbergen to win (+210) |
🙋♂️ FAQs: Top Sports Picks Today
Q1: What’s the best MLB game to watch today?
Astros vs Dodgers is today’s must-watch MLB game, featuring two red-hot division leaders.
Q2: Who is favored to win the 2025 Tour de France?
Tadej Pogacar is the -290 favorite, but João Almeida offers better value for a podium finish at +250.
Q3: Who should I bet on in NASCAR’s Grant Park 165?
Shane van Gisbergen (+210) is the favorite and a street race expert.
Q4: Where can I find more expert picks?
Check out SportsLine’s models and expert insights for updated betting advice. Top sports picks today.
🏁 Conclusion: Big Bets and Bigger Moments Across Sports Today
From the MLB showdown between the Astros and Dodgers to the kickoff of the Tour de France and the excitement of NASCAR’s Grant Park 165, today offers a thrilling lineup for fans and bettors alike. Expert predictions from SportsLine provide smart betting angles, and each event brings its own drama, talent, and value plays.
Whether you’re tuning in for the fireworks on the field, the road, or the track, there’s no shortage of action this holiday weekend. Stay informed, bet wisely, and enjoy one of the most exciting days in sports this summer.
