With Canada projected for 27 medals at Milano Cortina and stars like Mikael Kingsbury and William Dandjinou in peak form, expect strong Olympic futures and medal-prop value for punters. NBA all-star nods for Scottie Barnes and Jamal Murray increase player-futures and All-Star props. Alphonso Davies’ resurgence and Connor McDavid’s scoring surge offer match-day player-prop opportunities. Punters should target Canada medal totals and individual player props for Murray, Kingsbury and Davies.
Canadian medal hopes ramp up as Milano Cortina opens
Canada arrives in Milano Cortina with high expectations, projected to earn 27 Olympics medals—just two shy of the 2018 high. The depth across sliding, skating and freestyle spots makes Canada a live contender for a top-four national finish, and a handful of established stars carry the medal hopes.
William Dandjinou — Short track gold prospect
William Dandjinou has climbed into elite status after back-to-back crystal globe titles. Skilled across 500m, 1000m and 1500m events, Dandjinou enters as a top gold contender and a strong pick for individual-distance podiums.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek — Storyline to watch in pairs
Deanna Stellato-Dudek, making a stunning comeback after a 16-year retirement, and partner Maxime Deschamps won 2024 World Championship gold and bring a compelling veteran presence. At 42, Stellato-Dudek could become the oldest pair skater to claim Olympic gold if their form holds.
Mikael Kingsbury — Moguls legend chasing another medal
Mikael Kingsbury, a three-time Olympic medallist and recent 100th World Cup victor, will co-carry the flag into the opening ceremony and enters the moguls competition as a favorite to extend his medal streak to four Games.
NBA All-Star nods: Scottie Barnes and Jamal Murray make waves
Scottie Barnes earned his second All-Star selection, reinforcing his ascent as a cornerstone for the Toronto franchise. Barnes is posting 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting a career-high 50.1%. Jamal Murray secured his first All-Star berth, rewarding a season of career-best scoring (25.8) and playmaking (7.4 assists). Murray’s availability and form also keep Denver competitive in the Western Conference without Nikola Jokic.
Betting angle
All-Star recognition can shift player prop lines and futures odds; Murray’s selection boosts his appeal in in-season MVP and scoring props, while Barnes’ repeat nod elevates his profile in franchise futures and highlight markets.
Alphonso Davies flashes form ahead of World Cup
Alphonso Davies produced a game-saving slide to deny an open net and helped Bayern secure a 2-2 draw with Hamburg. His recovery speed and overall influence suggest he’s regaining peak match fitness—an encouraging sign for national team selectors as the World Cup approaches.
Betting angle
Davies’ improved form opens value in match-up markets and anytime-goal or assist props for upcoming international friendlies and qualifiers.
Maple Leafs slump deepens — urgency mounting
Toronto’s season has hit turbulence with a six-game losing streak, poor home results and defensive lapses that leave them near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Defensive rankings and inconsistent performances raise serious questions about the team’s ability to mount a late playoff push, especially with limited trade capital available.
What to watch
Watch for changes in deployment and goaltending trends; betting markets may shift as lines respond to a prolonged slump or any short-term coaching/lineup adjustments.
Dillon Brooks’ career-best scoring fuels Suns
Dillon Brooks is delivering a breakout offensive season in Phoenix, averaging a career-high 21.1 points and shooting 44.6% from the field. A recent 40-point outburst showed his expanded role as a scorer and play initiator. Brooks’ improved free-throw rate (86.1%) and ability to draw fouls make him a more reliable scoring option night-to-night.
Betting angle
Brooks’ consistency makes him an attractive target for points props and same-game parlays while the Suns hold a top-six Western Conference position.
Connor McDavid — Canadian Player of the Week and a 100-point push
Connor McDavid continues to dominate offensively, tallying five points in three games and sitting at 95 points—within striking distance of another 100-point season. Since 2011-12 he’s been the league’s most prolific scorer, and he remains the central force behind Edmonton’s attack.
Betting angle
McDavid’s hot streak increases his appeal for season-long scoring and assist leader markets, while near-term props for points and multi-point games could offer solid value before the Olympic break.
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