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**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 12:38 AM

NBA Betting: Trail Blazers trek to New Orleans

Two Western Conference playoff teams separated by just one game in the standings collide Wednesday night in a key contest. Portland (43-41 straight up, 38-33-3 against the spread) is slightly ahead of New Orleans (42-32 SU, 35-37-2 ATS) as the regular season starts to wind down.

How big is that one game? If the regular season ended today, the sixth-seeded Trail Blazers would face third-seed Dallas in the opening round of the playoffs. The seventh-seeded Hornets would have to play two-time defending champion the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

New Orleans must now also play the rest of the season without forward David West, who suffered an injured knee last week.

Portland improved to 3-1 SU its last four outings after beating San Antonio Monday as a three-point road underdog, 100-92. The Trail Blazers had failed to cover their previous two contests, while the combined 192 points went ‘over’ the 187 ½-point closing total.

Portland caught a Spurs squad playing without Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. However, the Trail Blazers trailed late before outscoring San Antonio in the fourth quarter, 33-20. Portland managed just nine points in a dismal third quarter.

The Trail Blazers won the rebounding battle, 39-37, but they trailed in assists, 16-15, and points in the paint, 48-34. Portland shot a stellar 52 percent (34-of-65) from the field, and 47 percent (8-of-17) from behind the arc. Point guard Andre Miller paced the offense with 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, while guard Wesley Matthews added 19 and five rebounds.

New Orleans concluded a three-game West Coast road trip with Sunday’s setback to the Lakers as a nine-point underdog, 102-84. The combined 186 points went ‘under’ the 188 ½-point closing total, ending a string of back-to-back ‘over’ outings. The Hornets are now just 1-4-1 ATS their last six games.

New Orleans found itself down by 18 points at one point in the first half, and finished the game trailing in rebounding, 44-43, and points in the paint, 50-44. The Hornets shot 40 percent (35-of-87) from the field, but a dismal 18 percent (3-of-17) from 3-point land.

Power forward Carl Landry accounted for 24 points and 10 rebounds in the setback, while center Emeka Okafor added 14 and 11. Point guard Chris Paul provided 10, five and nine assists, while guard Marco Belinelli had nine.

New Orleans is 2-1 SU and ATS this season versus Portland, while the ‘over’ is 5-2 the previous seven encounters. The Hornets prevailed Nov. 13 as a four-point home ‘chalk,’ 107-87, and Nov. 26 as a four-point road underdog, 97-78. The Trail Blazers won the most recent matchup Feb. 16 as a 5 ½-point home favorite, 103-96. The road team is 6-2 ATS the last eight games in this series.

Portland now begins a three-game homestand against Oklahoma City, Dallas and Golden State. The Trail Blazers are 6-2 ATS their last eight outings overall.

New Orleans continues its five-game homestand versus Memphis, Indiana, Houston and Phoenix. The Hornets are just 3-8-1 ATS their past 12 home games, while the ‘under’ is 11-5 their last 16 outings overall.

Wednesday’s contest is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. PT from New Orleans Arena.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 12:43 AM

Wednesday Tips

March 29, 2011

The Wednesday NBA card is loaded with 13 games as playoff seedings are starting to settle in down the stretch. The Hornets and Blazers square off in a key Western Conference battle, while the Magic and Hawks meet in a Southeast Division showdown. We’ll begin in Philadelphia with the Sixers looking to capitalize off Monday’s impressive victory at Chicago with the Rockets invading the Wells Fargo Center.

Rockets at Sixers - 7:00 PM EST

Philadelphia has seen its ups and downs this season after a horrific 3-13 start to the season. The Sixers have climbed all the way back to hold down the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race as they go for the season sweep of the Rockets, who are on the outside looking in out west.

Doug Collins' squad went into the United Center and snapped Chicago's 14-game home winning streak with a wire-to-wire 97-85 triumph as 10 ½-point underdogs. That victory not only snapped a two-game skid, but also ended a four-game ATS losing streak for the Sixers. Philadelphia has delivered for bettors in the ATS department with 44 covers, the third-most in the league. The Sixers will look for the season sweep of the Rockets after capturing a 114-105 at the Toyota Center in the game prior to the All-Star break. Seven different Sixers registered double-figures, led by Jrue Holiday's 20 points as Philadelphia cashed as 4 ½-point 'dogs.

Houston also endured an atrocious start back in November with a 3-10 mark out of the gate, but the Rockets may fall short of the postseason. Despite a season-ending injury to Yao Ming and the trade of guard Aaron Brooks to Phoenix, the Rockets have been one of the hottest teams in the league since the All-Star break with a 13-4 SU and 12-5 ATS record. Following Tuesday's blowout of New Jersey, Houston improved to 12-3 ATS the last 15 games on the highway.

Magic at Hawks - 7:05 PM EST

These two division rivals meet for the final time in the regular season as Atlanta goes for its third victory in the series. The Hawks begin Wednesday's action five games behind the Magic for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, as Atlanta seeks its third straight win after losing four of five games.

Granted, the Hawks are beating great competition lately with their last four wins coming over the Bucks, Pistons, Nets, and Cavs. On the flip side, Larry Drew's club has dropped double-digit decisions at home to the Bulls, Heat, and Nuggets over the last two weeks, while getting held to 87 points or less in each defeat. The final three home games after the Magic leave town don't get easier with visits from the Celtics, Spurs, and Heat.

The Magic fell short in an overtime setback at struggling New York on Monday, 113-106, halting a five-game winning streak. Orlando has work to do if wants to catch Miami in the Southeast Division, trailing the Heat by four games with eight games remaining. Stan Van Gundy's team has played low-scoring affairs against the Hawks this season with all three games finishing 'under' the total. In fact, Atlanta is 3-0 ATS in the season series, while the Hawks beat the Magic at Philips Arena on December 20 in the debut of both Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson in Orlando uniforms.

Blazers at Hornets - 8:05 PM EST

Portland wraps up its eventful three-game road swing in the Big Easy looking for a season split with New Orleans. The Blazers begin the night one game ahead of the Hornets for the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoff race, as the seventh seed will likely face the Lakers in the first round.

Nate McMillan's club rallied past the banged-up Spurs on Monday, 100-92 as short road favorites. It was a solid bounce-back spot after Portland fell at Oklahoma City the night before, as the Thunder clinched a playoff spot with a 99-90 victory. Portland has been one of the hotter ATS teams recently by covering six of the last eight games, even though only three of those contests were away from the Rose Garden.

The Hornets return home after a three-game road trip in which New Orleans grabbed victories at Utah and Phoenix. David West was lost for the season with a torn ACL at the end of regulation in the win over the Jazz, dealing New Orleans a huge blow for the postseason. The Hornets ran out of gas against the Lakers on Sunday, 102-84 as nine-point underdogs. New Orleans knocked off Portland by double-digits in the first two meetings, while the Blazers rallied for a home win in the game prior to the All-Star break, 103-96 as 5 ½-point 'chalk.'

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 12:45 AM

MLB Betting: SF Giants out for NL repeat

The Giants are 7/1 to win their fifth NL flag since moving to San Fran.
It shouldn’t be surprising that the Philadelphia Phillies have drawn huge money to win the National League pennant.

That’s what happens when Cliff Lee gets added to a pitching rotation that already included Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt.

Prior to Lee signing with Philadelphia, the Phillies were 9/4 to capture the NL pennant and 7/1 to win the World Series, according to odds at the Las Vegas Hilton. But after signing ace southpaw Lee, the Phillies currently are 10/11 to take the pennant and 9/4 to win the World Series.

One online sportsbook, TheGreek.com, even has a special ‘prop’ on the Phillies putting them at plus 345 to win the World Series against the ‘field.’

Halladay, Lee, Hamels and Oswalt rival any of the greatest pitching staffs put together in history. The Phillies also don’t have a bad No. 5 starter in veteran Joe Blanton.

Philadelphia doesn’t lack for offense either with slugging first baseman Ryan Howard, shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who won league MVP honors in 2007, along with outfielders Shane Victorino and Raul Ibañez.

Still, the Phillies may not be the pennant shoo-in many are expecting. Second baseman Chase Utley is out indefinitely with a knee injury, promising rookie outfielder Domonic Brown struggled in spring training before suffering a broken hand and closer Brad Lidge is on the DL with a shoulder injury.

The Phillies are far less intimidating offensively minus Utley. There also are questions in right field after Jayson Werth left for a big money contract with the Washington Nationals.

Milwaukee and the defending world champion San Francisco Giants are the two other teams who have drawn good National League future book support.

The small-market Brewers signaled their intention to go all out this season giving up their best young players for American League pitchers Zach Greinke, a former Cy Young Aware winner, and Shaun Marcum.

The Hilton has altered the Brewers’ World Series odds all the way down from 80/1 to 20/1 and Milwaukee’s pennant odds from 30/1 to 9/1.

Offense hasn’t been the problem for the Brewers with sluggers Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Richie Weeks, Casey McGehee and Corey Hart. They helped Milwaukee hit the fifth-most homers last year with 182.

Now the Brewers finally have a respectable pitching staff with Greinke, who is beginning the season on the DL, Marcum, Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson.

The Giants opened 20/1 to win the World Series and 9/1 to take the NL pennant. Currently the Giants’ odds are 15/1 to repeat as world champions and 7/1 to win the pennant.

San Francisco had the best starting pitching with Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner until the Phillies signed Lee. The Giants have Barry Zito as their fifth starter and a top-notch closer in Brian Wilson.

Unlike the Brewers and Phillies, though, hitting is a concern with the Giants as their offense lacks star power with the possible exception of catcher Buster Posey.

The St. Louis Cardinals have experienced the biggest drop in National League odds going from 15/1 to win the World Series to 30/1 and from 8/1 to take the pennant to 15/1.

The big reason for this is the loss of stud pitcher Adam Wainwright for the season due to a right elbow injury.

St. Louis management also wasn’t able to sign star first baseman Albert Pujols to a long-term contract opening speculation that Pujols may get traded if the Cardinals fall out of contention.

The rest of the future book money on NL clubs was spread out enough to only warrant minor adjustments, said Jeff Sherman, assistant race and sports book manager at the Hilton.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 12:45 AM

Boston Red Sox top MLB betting in AL

Boston is favored to hold off the Yankees and Rays in the AL East.
The American League is going to be a very interesting battle in 2011, as there are eight or maybe even nine teams that have a legitimate shot at taking down the pennant without stretching the imagination. Here at Don Best, we've got all your bases covered in MLB betting action in the AL for this upcoming season.

The dark horses that are floating around in this league are the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. These two teams are plus 1700 and plus 1200 respectively on the MLB odds to win the American League.

The Halos are the forgotten team from last year, as they finished below .500 for seemingly the first time in eons. They'll be back in the fold again this year if men like Kendry Morales can get healthy and step up their game.

Dan Haren will also be with the team for a full season, and that could prove to be very, very valuable as well for a pitching staff that didn't have much beyond Jered Weaver in 2010.

The A's are probably the sneakiest pick. Oakland GM Billy Beane did a nice job stockpiling talent in the offseason, including acquiring Hideki Matsui, Josh Willingham, David DeJesus, Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes. Sure, none of those names are huge, but they're all viable options that can help a young, budding pitching staff.

We're really not all that keen about the chances of the Texas Rangers (plus 750) to repeat as the AL pennant winners. Cliff Lee was really the glue to that team, and taking Vladimir Guerrero's bat out of the fold won't help any either.

Texas also isn't sneaking up on anyone any longer, and the farm system was depleted just a bit in that Lee deal with the Seattle Mariners last year.

The AL Central has three interesting contenders this year, as the Detroit Tigers (plus 1600), Minnesota Twins (plus 900) and Chicago White Sox (plus 1000) are all trendy choices.

The Tigers now have one of the best offensive catchers in baseball in Victor Martinez, and they have a pitching staff that features a lot of horses. Chicago picked up one of the biggest bats in the offseason as well in Adam Dunn, and he could have a monstrous year playing in the Windy City. Minnesota had the best home field advantage last year at the new Target Field, and if it wins 53 games there once again this season, it will be a team that is very tough to top.

The Tampa Bay Rays are seemingly nothing but closet contenders this year once again, and oddsmakers are offering plus 1200 on them to get back to the World Series. Sure, they won the AL East title for the second time in the last three seasons last year, but there are just too many pieces to the puzzle that are now gone.

Meanwhile in the Bronx, the New York Yankees are convinced that they have enough firepower to get the job done. They're the second favorites on the board at plus 300 to win the pennant, but we just aren't sure that it's justified. Picking up Cliff Lee would've made a world of difference, but it didn't happen. Now the team is just a one-man pitching staff in CC Sabathia, and that won't get the job done.

Instead, they're all chasing the Boston Red Sox, who are clearly the top choices after a huge offseason. This is the team favored on the AL odds at plus 175, and for good reason.

The lineup is stacked top to bottom now that Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford are in the mix, and the pitching staff from Josh Beckett throwing the opening pitch of the year all the way down to the 12th man in the bullpen is second to none in baseball.

In a short series, there is no team in the American League that we would rather have on our side, and the Red Sox will most likely be the team that gets the job done and gets back to the Fall Classic again in 2011.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 01:00 AM

Wednesday, March 30

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Minnesota - 12:05 PM ET Minnesota +115 500
Atlanta -

Florida - 12:10 PM ET Florida +104 500
NY Mets -

Oakland - 3:45 PM ET Oakland +118 500
San Francisco -

Pittsburgh - 4:05 PM ET Philadelphia -178 500
Philadelphia -

Toronto - 4:10 PM ET Toronto +114 500
Tampa Bay -

Boston - 8:05 PM ET Houston -108 500
Houston -

Seattle - 10:05 PM ET Seattle +128 500
LA Dodgers -

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 05:51 PM

Injuries abound in Magic-Hawks game

ORLANDO MAGIC (47-27)

vs. ATLANTA HAWKS (42-32)

Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Orlando -3, Total: 187
In a possible first-round playoff preview, Orlando visits Atlanta on Wednesday night, but both teams will not be at full strength for their final regular-season matchup. The Hawks could be without leading scorer Joe Johnson (18.5 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.1 RPG) for the second consecutive game due to a sprained thumb. Magic guards Jameer Nelson (knee), Quentin Richardson (back) and Chris Duhon (thumb) are all listed as day-to-day.

Without Johnson, Atlanta defeated Cleveland on Sunday, 99-83, as Marvin Williams (10.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG) had a season-high 31 points on 9-of-14 shooting and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Josh Smith (16.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG) scored 13 points and had a season-high 18 rebounds, and Al Horford (15.7 PPG, 9.5 RPG) added 20 points and 10 rebounds. Horford averaged 18.7 PPG and 8.3 RPG while shooting 59.5% from the field in three games versus the Magic this season. While Atlanta is only 25th in the NBA in scoring (95.4 PPG), it ranks eighth in the league in points allowed (95.4 PPG) and ninth in assists (22.4 APG). The Hawks have won their past two contests by double-digits, but are only 6-8 SU (7-7 ATS) in the month of March.

Orlando is also having issues with injuries, including J.J. Redick (abdomen) who will miss his 10th straight contest on Wednesday. The Magic had their five-game winning streak snapped in a 113-106 overtime loss at New York on Monday. Dwight Howard (23.2 PPG, 14.3 RPG) had 29 points and 18 rebounds in the defeat, and is averaging 20.0 PPG and 14.7 RPG against Atlanta in three games this season. Howard is scoring 26.3 PPG on 65.8% shooting with 16.7 RPG over the past six games, and finished with 27 points in Orlando's 93-89 win over the Hawks on Nov. 8. However, in the past two losses to Atlanta, he's scored 16.5 PPG. Hedo Turkoglu (10.7 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.3 RPG) has also stepped up his scoring in the past three games, averaging 18.0 PPG. The Magic are fifth in the NBA in defense, allowing only 94.4 PPG, sixth in rebounding (43.4 RPG) and 14th in scoring (99.9 PPG).

Atlanta has won the past two matchups against Orlando (80-74 on Dec. 6 and 91-81 on Dec. 20) after dropping the first meeting of the season in November. The Hawks will aim for their third straight victory over the Magic at Philips Arena, and they hope to win the season series for the first time since 2006-07. However, the Magic are 10-5 ATS in the past 15 meetings, including 5-2 ATS in the past seven matchups in Atlanta. The FoxSheets give two more reasons to like Orlando to win and cover the spread on Wednesday.

Play On - Road favorites (ORLANDO) - average defensive team (43.5-45.5%) against a poor defensive team (45.5-47.5%) after 42+ games, good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defense (<=14.5 TO's) after 42+ games. (155-96 since 1996.) (61.8%, +49.4 units. Rating = 2*).

Play On - Road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (ORLANDO) - revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more, off a upset loss as a favorite. (38-15 over the last 5 seasons.) (71.7%, +21.5 units. Rating = 2*).

Twelve of the past 15 games in this series have finished Under the total and this FoxSheets trend expects the Under to occur again.

Play Under - Any team (ATLANTA) - in a game involving two good shooting teams (45.5-47.5%), hot shooting team - 3 straight games making >=47% of their shots.(189-121 since 1996.) (61%, +55.9 units. Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 06:19 PM

NBA

Wednesday, March 30

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Houston - 7:00 PM ET Houston +3 500
Philadelphia - Over 210.5 500

Milwaukee - 7:00 PM ET Milwaukee -4.5 500
Toronto - Under 190.5 500

Cleveland - 7:00 PM ET Cleveland +10 500
Charlotte - Over 189.5 500

Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Detroit +6.5 500
Indiana - Under 201 500

Orlando - 7:00 PM ET Atlanta +2.5 500
Atlanta - Under 187.5 500

Miami - 7:00 PM ET Washington +12 500
Washington - Under 200.5 500

New Jersey - 7:30 PM ET New York -8 500
New York - Over 208 500

Chicago - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -9.5 500
Minnesota - Under 197 500

Golden State - 8:00 PM ET Golden State +10.5 500
Memphis - Over 210.5 500

Portland - 8:00 PM ET Portland -2 500
New Orleans - Under 181.5 500

Sacramento - 9:00 PM ET Sacramento +12.5 500
Denver - Over 221.5 500

Oklahoma City - 10:00 PM ET Phoenix +3 500
Phoenix - Under 210.5 500

Dallas - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers +5 500
L.A. Clippers - Under 199 500

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NHL

Wednesday, March 30

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Rangers - 7:00 PM ET Buffalo -102 500
Buffalo - Under 5 500

NY Islanders - 7:00 PM ET NY Islanders +142 500
New Jersey - Over 5 500

Montreal - 7:00 PM ET Montreal +116 500
Carolina - Under 5.5 500

St. Louis - 7:30 PM ET St. Louis +195 500
Detroit - Over 5.5 500

Anaheim - 9:30 PM ET Anaheim +132 500
Calgary - Under 5.5 500

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NCAAB

Wednesday, March 30

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Santa Clara - 8:00 PM ET Iona -9 500
Iona - Under 153 500

Creighton - 10:00 PM ET Oregon -5 500
Oregon - Under 146.5 500

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 06:19 PM

Blazers try to keep rolling in the Big Easy

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (43-31)

at NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (42-32)

Tip-off: Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Pick, Total: 181.5

Portland and New Orleans are in a heated battle for sixth place in the West. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but consider this: The winner will likely avoid a Round 1 date with the Lakers.

The Hornets are still adjusting to life without their second-best player, as power forward David West is out for the year with a torn ACL. They’re fortunate to have quality depth in Carl Landry, who has taken West’s place in the starting lineup the past two games. Landry’s averaging 21.5 PPG on 50.0% shooting in those starts. But while the smallish (for a four) Landry was key in a win over the small-ball Suns last Friday night, he had major issues against the Lakers’ huge frontcourt in Sunday’s loss. His plus/minus was a +8 against Phoenix, but inus-19 against Los Angeles. The good news for New Orleans is that the Blazers are more comfortable going small, with LaMarcus Aldridge at center and Gerald Wallace at power forward (though they can also slide Aldridge to power forward when they play Marcus Camby).

The Hornets will also benefit from two days of rest going into this one. Increasingly fragile star Chris Paul has been more effective on extra rest, averaging 16.9 PPG on 49.4% shooting and 11.7 APG with two or more days of rest. New Orleans is 10-4 SU and 9-5 ATS in those games.

But the Blazers are coming together with their new-look starting five. They’ve won six of eight SU and ATS. On Monday, they surged past San Antonio in the fourth quarter for a key road win (although the Spurs were without Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili). During their recent hot stretch Wallace, a trade deadline acquisition, has emerged as a quality No. 2 scoring option alongside Aldridge, a huge need with Brandon Roy hobbled. Wallace is averaging a team-high 19.4 PPG on 56.0% shooting during the eight-game stretch. Portland has also held each of its past five opponents below 100 points.

The Blazers are 8-3-1 ATS in their past 12 road games. And even though they lost to a then red-hot Hornets team in New Orleans in November, they’ve won three of four SU and four of five ATS at New Orleans. With West out and the Wallace-Aldridge combo really playing well, I expect the Blazers’ success in the bayou to continue. My pick is Portland. The FoxSheets have this three-star trend that says to stay away from the Hornets on Wednesday night:

Play Against - Home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (NEW ORLEANS) - in a game involving two average teams (+/- 3 PPG diff.) after 42 or more games, after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games. (81-39 since 1996, 67.5%, +38.1 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 06:20 PM

Deron Williams hopes to play at New York

NEW JERSEY NETS (23-50)

at NEW YORK KNICKS (36-38)

Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: New York -8, Total: 208

The Knicks finally got back in the win column on Monday night, and they have a great chance to make it two in a row when they host New Jersey on Wednesday.

New York’s woes after the addition of Carmelo Anthony weren’t entirely unexpected. Anthony gave them a second superstar, but he and Amar’e Stoudemire both give an uneven effort on the defensive end. On top of that, Anthony’s reliance on isolation plays in the half court goes against head coach Mike D’Antoni’s system, which relies heavily on quick ball movement.

Still, six losses in a row (SU and ATS) had this team on the verge of panic. That’s why Monday’s 113-106 overtime victory over Orlando was so huge. Anthony led the way with 39 points and 10 rebounds, his best effort so far as a Knick. They also got some big play from sixth man Toney Douglas, who scored 16 points and had a plus/minus of +20 on the night.

While the Knicks have disappointed, the Nets have basically thrown in the towel. Their only hope is a boost from All-Star point guard Deron Williams, who at least says he wants to return from his wrist injury Wednesday night. Considering he’s missed their past six games and was nearly shut down for the season, it seems unlikely he’ll be close to 100 percent if he plays.

Without Williams, the Nets have dropped five of six SU and four of six ATS. Hosting Houston Tuesday night, they may have hit rock bottom. New Jersey trailed by 13 after one quarter, 18 at halftime and were never in the game, a 112-87 loss.

The good news for New Jersey is that the soon-to-be-inter-borough rivalry at least gives them some incentive to play for pride. The Knicks have won both matchups with the Nets this year, a 111-100 win at The Garden in November, and a 105-95 victory in Jersey in February. But New York is just 16-21 ATS (43%) as a favorite this season. The Knicks should win this game outright, but look for New Jersey to keep the score close and cover the spread. This highly-rated FoxSheets trend also supports the Nets:

Play On - Road underdogs (NEW JERSEY) - after 2 straight losses by 10 points or more against opponent after a combined score of 215 points or more 2 straight games. (40-13 since 1996.) (75.5%, +25.7 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 06:20 PM

4 Jazz players ruled out for Lakers game Friday

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah Jazz starters Andrei Kirilenko, Devin Harris and Raja Bell already have been ruled out for Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers because of various leg injuries.

Backup guard Ronnie Price also is out indefinitely with a strained leg muscle, prompting the Jazz to sign 6-5 guard Kyle Weaver to a 10-day contract.

Starting center Al Jefferson, meanwhile, insisted Wednesday he is only battling a cold not his coach despite a report claiming he was upset with Ty Corbin for not playing him in overtime in Monday night's loss to Washington.

Jefferson expects to be back in the starting lineup Friday but acknowledged his minutes may be decreased so rookie Derrick Favors can gain valuable experience. Jefferson and Corbin both said there is no issue between them.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 06:21 PM

LA jury rules in favor of Clippers against Baylor

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A jury has rejected Elgin Baylor's claim of age discrimination and harassment, giving the Los Angeles Clippers a major victory against their former general manager.

The Los Angeles Superior Court jury on Wednesday declined to award Baylor any damages. He claimed he was forced out of the job he held for 22 years.

The Clippers had contended that Baylor left the team on his own.

Baylor, a 76-year-old Hall of Fame player, had no comment after leaving the courtroom.

Baylor's attorney, Alvin L. Pittman, had asked that his client be awarded about $2 million for past and future lost wages as well as for emotional distress, urging jurors to reject the Clippers' argument that Baylor left on his own.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-30-2011, 06:22 PM

Sacramento bracing for life without the Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Sacramento's run as an NBA city might soon be coming to a close.

A fervent, faithful following once considered among the best in American professional sports has only one thing left to cheer for now: That their beloved Kings don't leave.

All indications are the Kings are moving south to Anaheim after 26 seasons in California's capital. Anaheim's City Council issued the bonds needed to entice the franchise, new federal trademark rights have been requested and about everything else needed to put a simple majority vote before NBA owners is in motion.

Suddenly, stunningly, Sacramento is on the verge of being wiped off the NBA map.

Announcement

The Bum's Wednesday's Best Bets MLB-NBA-NHL-NCAAB !

The Bum's Wednesday's Best Bets MLB-NBA-NHL-NCAAB !

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