Nuggets hope to have Karl back vs. Wizards

Basketball Betting Lines

03/16/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Denver Nuggets hope to have head coach George Karl back on the bench tonight when the Western Conference power kicks off a three-game homestand against the woeful Washington Wizards.

Karl announced last Friday that he would miss the team's road trip to adjust to a feeding tube that was placed into his stomach as part of his treatment for neck and throat cancer. The veteran mentor planned to return tonight.

"Hopefully I'll be ready to rejoin them when they come home," said Karl when he announced his absence.

The Nuggets have certainly persevered under lead assistant Adrian Dantley, finishing 3-1 on their recent trip but faltering in the finale, a tough 125-123 loss in Houston last night. Aaron Brooks scored 31 points and drained the game-winning jumper with 2.9 seconds left in that one to lift the Rockets.

Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 45 points along with 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who lost for the first time in seven games. Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith each netted 17 as the Nuggets led for most of the contest, but couldn't hold on late.

Nene aided Denver with 15 points and 10 boards, while Johan Petro scored 11 to go with 10 rebounds in defeat.

"We just didn't execute. The bottom line was that we didn't get back on transition defense," said Dantley. "You have to give Houston a lot of credit. They hit some big shots. We wanted the game but they didn't quit and it big shots at the end."

The Wizards, meanwhile, continue to play out the string, dropping the opener of a four-game road trip in Utah on Monday. Carlos Boozer led the way with 23 points and nine rebounds in that one, as the Jazz sent the reeling Wizards to their eighth consecutive defeat, 112-89.

Andray Blatche had 24 points for the Wizards, who haven't won since February 28 at New Jersey. Mike Miller recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds for Washington, which shot just 36.9 percent from the field.

"Their energy level was pretty good," Miller said. "Obviously just a Jerry Sloan coached team. They're going to execute and play hard. And tonight we didn't match their intensity. That's why they have 43 wins and we're opposite."

Washington has lost in three straight and six of its past seven trips to the Rockies but did beat the Nuggets in the nation's capital, 107-97, last month.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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