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03/17/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The red-hot Milwaukee Bucks aim for their longest winning streak in eight seasons tonight, when they face off with the reeling Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.
The Bucks, who are kicking off a three-game road trip tonight, earned their sixth straight win on Sunday, when Jerry Stackhouse finished with a team-high 20 points off the bench as Milwaukee escaped with a 98-94 win over the Indiana Pacers at the Bradley Center.
Andrew Bogut donated a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Luke Ridnour chipped in with 13 points in a reserve role for Milwaukee, which finished 4-0 versus Indiana this year. The Bucks swept the season series with the Pacers for the first time since 1981-82.
"We're glad to have the win," Bucks head coach Scott Skiles said. "The important thing is we controlled the game, but we didn't close it out the way we wanted."
The Bucks, who have won 12 of their past 13 to take over the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race, haven't won seven consecutive games since an eight-game spurt from January 8-21, 2002.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are headed in the opposite direction and lost their eighth straight game on Monday, a 108-100 setback at the hands of the New Orleans Hornets. Rasual Butler led six Clippers in double figures with 19 points in that one.
Both Drew Gooden and Baron Davis chipped in 18 points for Los Angeles, which is just 4-15 since Kim Hughes replaced Mike Dunleavy as head coach on February 4 and 0-4 since Neil Olshey took over Dunleavy's general manager duties on March 9. Davis racked up a game-high 17 assists as well.
"Our energy was good in the first half," said Hughes. "I thought we gave them too many easy shots. I thought (New Orleans played terrific (in the fourth quarter). They made their shots."
The Clips' current skid is their longest since a 12-game hiccup from Dec. 20, 2008-Jan. 14, 2009.
This is the first meeting between the two clubs this year. They split the home-and-home season series over the past two seasons.
<< Jazz seeking to extend Timberwolves' season-long misery
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In a potential mismatch on the NBA docket, the Western
Conference power Utah Jazz welcome the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves to Salt
Lake City tonight.
The Jazz, who are currently the fourth seed in the West, snapped a rare
<< Rockets to host Grizzlies in key conference clash
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It's a virtual must-win situation for a pair of Western
Conference teams in desperation mode tonight as the Houston Rockets host the
Memphis Grizzlies at the Toyota Center.
Historically the Grizzlies haven't had a lot of s
<< Raptors return home to face Hawks
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hoping to hold on to a playoff berth that's beginning to
slip away, the Toronto Raptors return to the Air Canada Centre this evening
for an important matchup with an Atlanta Hawks team that figures to be without
its lea
<< Road-weary Pacers try to fix issues in Cleveland
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - An Indiana Pacers team that's had its share of troubles on
the road will face another tough challenge in tonight's visit to Quicken Loans
Arena for a bout with the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Pacers have lost eigh
Reina close to inking new Liverpool contract >>
Liverpool, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has
confirmed that he is on the verge of penning a new contract with the Anfield-
based club.
The 27-year-old Spaniard is settled on Merseyside and is happy to com
Jones relieved by injury news >>
Sunderland, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sunderland have been boosted by the
news that striker Kenwyne Jones' hip injury is not as serious as was first
feared.
The 25-year-old frontman had to be replaced at halftime of the 1-1 draw w
Pompey's point deduction confirmed >>
Portsmouth, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Premier League have confirmed that
basement side Portsmouth have been docked nine points for entering
administration.
The penalty was a formality after Pompey were forced to go into adm
Dowie confirmed as new Hull manager >>
Hull, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Iain Dowie has been confirmed as the new
manager of Premier League strugglers Hull City, following the sacking of Phil
Brown earlier in the week.
Dowie has been handed the task of trying to keep the
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value
If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).
For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.
TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.
"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,' it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."
"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.
Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win.
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