Thursday night is bringing us a standalone MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets, and the SportsLine experts are not holding back, especially when it comes to an upset pick that could change everything for your wagers. This isn't just another game; it's a chance to dive into some serious expert analysis before a single pitch flies at 7:10 p.m. ET.
The All-Star Game Host Curse Is Real
SportsLine expert Jeff Hochman is absolutely fearless, backing the Mets to pull off the upset at +110 odds! Why is he so confident about the boys from New York? It all comes down to a wild stat about post-All-Star Game host history. Seriously, since 2002, teams that just hosted the Midsummer Classic are a pathetic 8-15 in their very next game, and since 2017, that record drops to an even worse 2-6. The only recent winners? The 2022 Dodgers and the 2025 Braves. Hochman says he trusts this system because it consistently delivers, especially since most of these teams end up as underdogs anyway. Plus, while host teams usually play on Friday after the break, the Phillies are playing tonight, Thursday. It is Christian Scott for the Mets against Aaron Nola for the Phillies, but Hochman's system tells him to set it and forget it. That's a bold call!Under Runs and Nola's Outs: The Details Matter
But Hochman isn't the only one dropping knowledge. SportsLine expert Matt Severance is eyeing the total, picking the Under 9.5 runs at -110. His reasoning makes a ton of sense when you think about it: Phillies manager Don Mattingly might just rest big bats like Kyle Schwarber or Bryce Harper. Those guys competed in All-Star activities on Monday and Tuesday, and they only got Wednesday off. It is not exactly a full break, is it? Plus, with both bullpens fully rested behind Mets' Christian Scott and Phillies' Aaron Nola, that could mean fewer runs overall. And let's not forget about Prop Bet Guy Doug, another SportsLine guru, who is locking in Aaron Nola Under 16.5 total outs at -115. These experts are digging deep for every angle. So, whether you're riding with the Mets upset or betting on the under, this Thursday night game is loaded with angles. Don't miss out on what these experts are saying before the first pitch flies at 7:10 p.m. ET. And hey, if you're looking to get in on the action, that BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS could hook you up with up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager doesn't hit.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.