Ainge getting a head start for next season
Basketball Betting Lines
03/21/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The only thing the Boston Celtics have left to play for is pride, and that may be a stretch for this abysmal squad.
Boston is still the second-worst team in the NBA with a dreadful 20-47 mark (Memphis - 17-51) and will certainly gain many chances for a top pick in the upcoming lottery draft. Apparently Celtics general manager Danny Ainge can't wait until that happens after the franchise was reportedly fined $30,000 for excessive contact with a possible draft prospect.
Ainge sat next to the mother of Texas freshman sensation Kevin Durant during the NCAA Big 12 tournament for an excessive amount of time, a violation of NBA rules. According to the league, contact must be kept to a minimum between team executives and possible NBA draft picks. The fact that Durant hasn't even declared for the NBA Draft was even more of a black eye to the NBA.
Now Ainge is back in China to learn more on NBA prospect Yi Jianlian.
Any team executive, though, would be drooling if they had a chance to take arguably the best college basketball player in the country. It was reported months ago, however, that Durant will stay at Texas for another year instead of opting for millions at the next level. It would be a great boost of confidence for the Celtics if they could have Durant suiting up with star forward Paul Pierce on a daily basis.
Teaming up with Al Jefferson isn't a bad idea either. Jefferson was inserted into the starting lineup back on December 6 and is averaging 16.6 points and 11.8 rebounds ever since. Jefferson owns 19.6 ppg and 12.2 rpg since the All- Star break in mid-February, including nine double-doubles. The Celtics are 11-8 when 'Big Al' scores 20 or more points, but 7-34 when he nets 19 or less.
After Boston finally put the brakes on a franchise-record 18-game losing streak, it has gone 8-9 over the last 17 games with losses in four of the last six games. On an uplifting note, the Celtics finally ended a lengthy, 18-game losing streak to San Antonio with a 91-85 triumph on Saturday. Pierce led the way with 30 points for Boston, which last defeated the Spurs on January 8, 1997. The Celtics also collected its first road win in the series against the Spurs since February 14, 1990.
The Celtics will now open a four-game homestand on Wednesday against Charlotte, Dallas, Toronto and Orlando. They are an NBA-worst 9-23 at the friendly confines of TD Banknorth Garden this season.
Florence, KY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Highly regarded Hard Spun ships in from Oaklawn Park to head a field of 12 Kentucky Derby contenders for Saturday's $500,000 Lane's End Stakes at Turfway Park. The 1 1/8 race for three-year-olds takes p
<< Report: Texans acquire QB Schaub from Falcons
Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Houston Texans are reportedly set to
acquire quarterback Matt Schaub from the Atlanta Falcons.
According to the Houston Chronicle, two NFL executives confirmed the deal.
Details of the trade appare
<< Titans agree to terms with S Scott
Nashville, TN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Tennessee Titans Wednesday agreed to
terms on a contract with unrestricted free agent safety Bryan Scott.
After spending his first three pro seasons in Atlanta, Scott registered nine
tackles in nin
<< Reds release Paul Wilson
Sarasota, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Cincinnati Reds have released pitcher Paul
Wilson.
The veteran right-hander has been trying to recover from shoulder surgery
performed in June 2005. He had appeared in five games this spring, allowing
<< Mauresmo sidelined after appendectomy
Miami, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Amelie Mauresmo will be out of action for about a
month after undergoing an appendectomy.
According to the French star's website, Mauresmo had been suffering from a
stomach ache for a few days and underwent a
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Boy, did Dallas Stars center Mike Modano have a good week. The five-day span from March 13-17 was indeed a memorable one for the Livonia, Michigan native. Modano put some of the finishing touches on his playing career that
Drake's Davis retires as son takes over hoop's program >>
Des Moines, IA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Drake University announced on Wednesday that
head men's basketball coach Dr. Tom Davis has retired, and his son Keno will
take over the program.
The 68-year-old Tom Davis, who will remain with the unive
Drake's Davis retires as son takes over hoops program >>
Des Moines, IA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Drake University announced on Wednesday that
head men's basketball coach Dr. Tom Davis has retired, and his son Keno will
take over the program.
The 68-year-old Tom Davis, who will remain with the unive
Redskins ink Stoutmire >>
Ashburn, VA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Washington Redskins signed safety Omar
Stoutmire on Wednesday.
Stoutmire started nine games with the Saints last season, registering 56
tackles and two interceptions.
An 11-year veteran, Sto
Eagles' coach Reid to return Friday >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Eagles announced on
Wednesday that head coach Andy Reid will return from his leave of absence on
Friday.
Reid stepped away last month to deal with the recent legal troubles involv
Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.
Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.
MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .
''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''
Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.
He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.
''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''
Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.
Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.
With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.
Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com
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