Rockets G Martin out against Washington

Basketball Betting Lines

01/27/2012 - Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Houston Rockets leading scorer Kevin Martin has been ruled out of Friday's game against the Washington Wizards with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

In 18 games so far this season, Martin is averaging 20.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

Courtney Lee will fill Martin's void in the starting lineup.

Jazzports Basketball Betting News

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Miami, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will make his return to the lineup on Friday night against the New York Knicks. Wade has missed the last six games with a right ankle/leg injury suffered in a January 13 loss at Denve

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Berea, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Cleveland Browns named former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress offensive coordinator on Friday. Childress becomes the first offensive coordinator under Browns head coach Pat Shurmer. Amon

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New Orleans, LA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson left Friday's game against the New Orleans Hornets with a sore jaw. Nelson took a charge late in the second quarter and fell to the floor. He stayed down for a minute befor

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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. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.