The sports schedule on Thursday appears minimal due to the MLB and WNBA All-Star breaks; however, there are still notable games occurring in the competitive world of football and basketball.

Week 7 of the CFL season kicks off with a matchup of rivals, as the reigning champions Toronto Argonauts face off against the Montreal Alouettes. Both teams are fresh from a bye and will meet for the second time this season, following Montreal’s earlier victory of 28-10 against Toronto.

In the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, the culmination of preliminary rounds is marked with eight games, including a highlight contest between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Bronny James, son of Lakers icon LeBron James, is fresh off an impressive performance where he scored 17 points, bolstering the Lakers’ competitive spirit despite their recent loss.

Another thrilling encounter features the San Antonio Spurs battling the Charlotte Hornets, both teams entering with undefeated records of 3-0 and desperate for a semifinal spot.

Montreal stands as a 10.5-point favorite against Toronto per FanDuel Sportsbook, with an expected total of 50.5 points. Conversely, the Celtics are set as 3-point favorites against the Lakers at a total of 175.5, while the Hornets favor 2.5 points over Spurs, aiming for a total of 181.5.

Below is a synopsis of key games to anchor your betting strategies for Thursday, July 17.

CFL Best Bets, Viewing Details

Argonauts at Alouettes

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | Location: Montreal | TV: CBS Sports Network
Expert Picks: Argonauts +10.5 Both teams are well-rested after a hiatus last week. Despite Toronto’s struggles this season, SportsLine expert Emory Hunt predicts that Montreal may find it hard to cover the massive spread if they secure the win.

NBA Summer League Best Bets, Viewing Details

Spurs vs. Hornets

Time: 7 p.m. ET | Location: Las Vegas | TV: ESPN Charlotte has the edge in advancing to the semifinals by holding the tiebreaker among other contenders with 3-0 records.

Celtics vs. Lakers

Time: 9 p.m. ET | Location: Las Vegas | TV: ESPN Bronny James is steadily improving his form in the Summer League, increasing his scoring game with significant performances.

Looking Ahead

Red Sox at Cubs

Date: Friday | Time: 2:20 p.m. | Location: Chicago | TV: MLB Network
Baseball action resumes post-All-Star break with a series opener that fans should mark on their calendars.