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School started back for many, which means… extra time for gambling research while you’re waiting in those despicable car drop-off lines.

An informed gambler is a better gambler. Make the most of that time while Johnny is looking in his friends’ lockers for the missing $180 chemistry textbook.

Maybe you’ll turn your extra-acquired knowledge into enough funds to cover that invoice from the library.

The U.S. Open (tennis version) begins in New York, bringing stateside daylight action for us to ponder once again. I look at a matchup there, along with some soccer and MLB.

US Open Tennis: Ann Li vs. Ajla Tomljanovic

This first-round women’s matchup may feature one of the biggest disparities in last name lengths in tennis history, but more may not mean better in betting this tie.

I’m getting plus money here on a player, Li, who brings great momentum into the main draw after winning three qualifying matches, dropping just one set in the process.

Tomljanovic, meanwhile, limps into Flushing having lost six of her last seven matches and has never progressed past the third round in this major, the last time back in 2018. I see an early exit for the 31-year-old Australian, who may be ready to wind her career down at this point after peaking just before the pandemic.

Ann Li to win (+105 on DraftKings)

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Serie A: Verona vs. Juventus

The Bianconeri killed me last week with a late goal to ruin my under 2.5 goals bet vs. Como, so let’s see if they can redeem themselves here in this tricky trip three hours east to Verona.

Verona spanked Napoli 3-0 last week to open their 2024 campaign after finishing a disappointing 13th last season, but will face a stern test here in a reJUVEnated Juventus under a new coach and looking to put last year’s poor second half behind them.

I like Juve to win 2-1 or 3-1 here, so go with the visitors and BTTS.

Juventus win, both teams to score (+280 on DraftKings)

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MLB: Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox

The White Sox lost their 100th game over the weekend and have just 31 wins.

Of course, one of those wins came when I picked the Yankees against them a couple of weeks ago, and the Sox somehow produced a 12-2 victory. They proceeded to get outscored 14-3 in the final two games of that series and have given up 22 runs to the Tigers over the weekend. They are also 8-37 against Central foes this season.

Detroit, meanwhile, have been playing pretty well since the beginning of July, going 27-20, and are closing on getting back to .500.

Tigers will be throwing Ty Madden out there for his first career start. The 24-year-old from Texas has had his ups and downs this season, but management has been impressed with his adjustments at the Triple-A level, and you have to think he will be looking to make a good impression in his debut.

Tigers -1.5 (+110 at DraftKings)