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Jazz, Suns set for desert duelBasketball Betting Lines03/04/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A pair of Western Conference powers jockeying for playoff positioning get together Thursday in the desert, as the Utah Jazz pay a visit to the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Utah is fourth in the conference standings, just a half-game ahead of the Suns, and has alternated wins and losses over the previous six games. It opened a short road trip on Monday in losing fashion, dropping a 108-104 decision against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Carlos Boozer had 20 points and Deron Williams contributed 13 points, 13 assists and five steals for the Jazz, who failed to build on a 133-110 home win over Houston Saturday night and fell to 14-14 away from Salt Lake City. Boozer is averaging 21.8 points and 10.0 rebounds in his last five games. "They did a great job defensively on us in the first half," said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, whose squad is 1 1/2 games behind Denver for the Northwest lead. "We waited until the end of the game to show a little energy and that's the kiss of death. You can't wait until the last three minutes to play." The Jazz are 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Phoenix has won five straight in the desert and will open a lengthy seven-game homestand Thursday versus the Jazz, Pacers, Lakers, Hornets, Timberwolves, Jazz and Trail Blazers. The five-game win streak at home is the Suns' longest since opening the season 10-0 as the host. The Suns, who have won 21 of their last 24 home games against the Western Conference, enter tonight's game with seven victories over the last eight contests overall, including a 127-101 blowout of the Clippers on Wednesday. Amare Stoudemire posted 15 of his game-high 30 points in the third quarter and had 14 rebounds to lead the way. He is averaging 27.0 points in his last six games for Phoenix, which held a dominating 39-18 scoring advantage in the third quarter thanks to 13-of-17 shooting from the field. "When we shoot the ball well we're pretty good," Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. "We were also good defensively, especially in the third quarter." Channing Frye added 23 points thanks to a career-high seven three-pointers, while Jason Richardson tallied 22 points in a winning effort. Grant Hill totaled 16 points and eight assists for the Suns. Richardson is averaging 19.7 points in his last seven outings. Phoenix will try to avenge a 124-115 loss at Utah back on January 25 and has dropped nine of the last 13 matchups between the clubs.
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East Lansing, MI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The 11th-ranked Michigan State Spartans can still earn a share of the Big Ten title and they will try to keep those hopes alive tonight against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Breslin Center. With Ohi
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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday. Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine. El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year. MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle. New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele. Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.'' Additional baseball lines and World Series odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards. |
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