SPORTS N STUFF

The Buffalo Sabres spent a ton of money on off-season acquisitions in order to bolster their lineup and become a legitimate contender in the Eastern conference this season. The New York Rangers invested nearly all of their money in just one. Coming out of the All Star break, Brad Richards and the Rangers are alone at the top of the East, two points ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, their next sports betting opponent is struggling just to remain in contention, as the Sabres sit dead-last in the conference with 45 points.

New York Rangers @ Buffalo Sabres
Wednesday February 1, 2011 7:30 PM ET
First Niagara Center, Buffalo, New York
NHL best sportsbook Line: New York Rangers – 110

The additions of Christian Ehrhoff, Ville Leino, and Robyn Regehr havent panned out the way that fans in Buffalo would have hoped, and now head coach Lindy Ruff has to figure out a way to maximize his teams potential and turn things around. The Sabres play a crucial back-to-back against the Montreal Canadiens and Rangers coming out of the break, and anything less than four points will be a disappointment.

Rangers Sabres Betting Preview: New York Rangers

Whether it is the boost they received from constantly being under the HBO 24.7 cameras or just the perfect blend of size and speed combined with excellent goaltending, the Rangers have emerged as one of the leagues most consistent teams this season. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist remains one of the top goalies in the NHL with a 1.87 goals against average, and his teammates are playing excellent hockey in front of him as New York ranks second in goals against. Offensive stars like Marian Gaborik and Richards have the Rangers on the verge of cracking the top-10 in average goals as well, and they will look to pick up from right where they left off coming out of the break.

Rangers Sabres Betting Preview: Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres can learn a lot from the Rangers, especially considering that they have a lot of the same pieces to be just as good. Ryan Miller is one year removed from the best season of his career, and while the concussion he suffered earlier in the season may be playing a part in it, he is still a top talent. Buffalo has a ton of offensive talent on its back end, particularly with Ehrhoff, and could be much better than 14th in the NHL on the powerplay. Jason Pominville leads the Sabres in scoring with 47 points, but the Sabres will need more help from their depth scorers in order to be competitive night in and night out.

Rangers Sabres Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

While the Rangers have to travel to Buffalo, it isnt far from New Jersey and both teams play the night before, so the schedule shouldnt be much of a factor in this game. New York has been the more complete and more determined team all season, and that wont change coming out of the break as New York looks to lock up the top spot in the East, beginning as best best sportsbook favorites in this matchup of in-state rivals.

Rangers Sabres Betting Pick: New York Rangers

sports betting players should be getting down to business now as the week leading up to the Super Bowl is getting underway, which means the New England Patriots and New York Giants are in Indianapolis, or they should be en route. Here is a look at the odds as the Super Bowl approaches.

What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, February 5th, 6:20 PM ET
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

Why The New York Giants Are Underdogs

The Giants could be still getting penalized for their inconsistency throughout the regular season; remember, they were only 9-7 en route to winning the NFC East, and it also took a healthy collapse by the Dallas Cowboys to get them there. There were also enough shaky results during the regular season that it would cause linesmakers to think twice about making the Giants favorites, such as two losses against Washington, and they also lost to Seattle and a Philadelphia team that underachieved badly. Quarterback Eli Manning has been solid for most of the season, but you never know when “bad Eli”, also known as the guy that threw three picks each against Seattle and Washington, will show up. The running game has struggled badly for most of the season before coming around later on, and there is no guarantee that theyll show up on Sunday, although you should take their performance against San Francisco; the 49ers have the leagues best run defense.

However, the Giants are dangerous NFL betting underdogs in this instance because theyve caught fire at the right time and the similarities to the Super Bowl winners of four years ago are scary. Manning could be playing the best football of his life right now and his performance against the 49ers was gutsy as he stood in the pocket and took some big shots. The defensive line is controlling the game and taking pressure off a suspect secondary. The Giants were also 6-2 ATS as an underdog during the regular season, and theyre 7-1 ATS in their last eight games.

Why The New England Patriots Are Favored

The Patriots have a wealth of experience and the duo of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have combined to win three of the four Super Bowls theyve gone to. They were the No.1 seed in the AFC and they havent lost since they fell 24-20 in Week 9….to the New York Giants. Their three losses have come by a combined 15 points, so its not like theyve ever been blown out this season. They would also love to avenge that loss to the Giants from the regular season, not to mention the Super Bowl loss from four years ago; there are still a lot of players in New England that remember the sting of that day and they also remember that they finished 18-1 that year instead of 19-0. Motivation can be a huge factor in how a team decides to play and you know even though the Patriots will say all the right things leading up to the game (“were only focused on this game”, “were not thinking about four years ago”), history is going to play a major role in how they prepare for Sundays game.

But will it be a detriment to their play? The Patriots have to focus that emotion into strong play, and you cant deny the fact that theyve lost their last two against the Giants, including the loss earlier this season at home. The Patriots also may have the biggest injury worry in the game as tight end Rob Gronkowski is struggling with an ankle injury, and even though hell probably still play, how healthy will he be by gametime?

Line Moves

NFL betting odds opened with the Patriots as a 3-point favorite in Indianapolis, but theyre down to 2.5 points now and the line shouldnt go under two, if it even moves at all again before gametime. You have to watch the injury report this season as that will be the major reason for any line moves, and the Gronkowski injury is going to be watched closely all week as he has been a force all season for the Patriots.

The outcome of the regular-season game likely also played a factor in the line move as the Patriots were favored by 9.5 points at home and the Giants went into Gillette Stadium to come away with a huge victory. You cannot underestimate the effect that could have on both teams as it was the only loss at “The Razor” for the Patriots this season. Even though the Super Bowl will be played on a neutral field, the game in New England has had a huge effect on the sports betting odds for this game.

CBSSports.com Blake Griffins jaw-dropping one-handed jam over Kendrick Perkins sent Los Angeles Clippers fans into a frenzy, fired up his teammates, lit up the Twitterverse and burned the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Griffin had 22 points to go with Chris Pauls 26 points and 14 assists in a 112-100 victory Monday night that snapped the Thunders four-game winning streak in a matchup of division leaders.

Griffin downplayed his monster move after the game, a sly smile only briefly breaking his serious expression.

“CP commands so much attention out there. He came off the pick-and-roll and he hit me in stride,” Griffin said.

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Paul added: “I told Blake after the game, `Thanks for letting me be part of that.”

DeAndre Jordan grabbed Griffin from behind in a celebratory bear hug as the basket got replayed over and over in the third quarter.

Jordan, who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, couldnt help himself.

“I was shocked. I didnt know what to do, so I just grabbed him. I hit him kind of hard,” he said. “Im going to go home and watch it again. Its probably going to be the screensaver on my phone.”

Griffin said he knew hed made an impression judging by the crowds raucous response. Then he felt Jordan behind him.

“He armlocked me,” Griffin said. “I couldnt breathe.”

Paul had 26 points and 14 assists, Caron Butler also had 22 points, Chauncey Billups scored 13 and Mo Williams 12 as the Pacific-leading Clippers dunked with high-flying abandon against the team with the NBAs best record at 16-4. They won their third in a row to follow up a 109-105 victory at Denver a night earlier that began a stretch of five games in seven nights.

“Were not going to read too much into it,” Paul said of the back-to-back wins. “It let us know what were capable of. We can explode offensively.”

Kevin Durant had 36 points and 13 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook added 31 for the Northwest-leading Thunder, whose league-best road record dropped to 8-3. They had won 11 of their previous 12.

“Chris Paul was running around, getting what he wanted to get on the floor and making passes to guys for wide-open dunks and 3s,” Durant said. “Its tough to stop.”

Griffins monster mash had everyone talking and tweeting, but the Clippers put together a stunning sequence going into halftime.

They shocked the Thunder with four consecutive 3-pointers in less than a minute to lead 64-46. The flurry by Williams (two), Butler (one) and Billups (one) stopped the Thunders 11-2 run that had drawn them within six points.

“I told Mo that might have been the greatest exchange I have been part of since Ive been in the NBA,” Paul said. “That got the crowd into it. Four 3s in under a minute is unbelievable.”

Jordan said: “We were just hot. It really didnt look like it was real. We were on a high, but we knew we had to come out in the third and knock them out flat.”

The Thunder bumbled their way into the half, with Westbrook and Durant combining on three straight turnovers that led to the Clippers long-range fireworks. Williams and Butler had two steals in the run.

“That doesnt happen, and it probably wont happen again the rest of the year, that a team will make that many 3s in a minute,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “But they made the shots. They started the game with a lot of urgency and they had us back on our heels.”

Los Angeles shot 71 percent from long range in a half that also featured a series of huge dunks by Jordan, Griffin, Durant and Westbrook, although both teams missed their share of dunks, too.

Daequan Cook was the only other Oklahoma City player in double figures with 12 points. Durant and Westbrook scored all but two of the Thunders 25 points in the third quarter, which the Clippers ended on a 3-pointer by Paul to lead 90-70.

Durant and Westbrook began the fourth on the bench, although they both stood up when Cook hit his second 3-pointer of the period to get the Thunder to 95-81. Griffin then scored five in a row, capped by a two-handed jam that extended the Clippers lead to 100-81.

The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 30-22 in the fourth, but never made a big run to ge just off their season high of 14 against Denver on Sunday.

They made 10 3s in the first half, led by four from Butler, who connected from his favorite spot in the left corner.

The Thunders only lead was four points to start the game.

Notes

Butler reached the 10,000-point mark on his third 3-pointer in the first quarter. Durant and Westbrook have scored at least 25 points each 37 times in their four seasons together. The Clippers improved to 10-2 at home. It was the Clippers 12th consecutive sellout this season and 24th in a row overall dating to last season. The crowd of 19,404 included Larry King and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Dan Haren. home. It was the Clippers 12th consecutive sellout this season and 24th in a row overall dating to last season. The crowd of 19,404 included Larry King and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Dan Haren.

CBSSports After fans in Denver showed him their appreciation, Chauncey Billups gave them one more reason to miss their native son and rue the day he left.

Billups homecoming couldnt have gone better. He scored a season-high 32 points and drew a crucial foul in the waning seconds to help seal the Los Angeles Clippers 109-105 victory that snapped the Denver Nuggets six-game winning streak Sunday night.

It was Billups first game at the Pepsi Center since the Nuggets included him in the Carmelo Anthony trade nearly a year ago.

The veteran guard received a rousing ovation during introductions.

“That was beautiful, man,” Billups said. “That was beautiful.”

The only visitor who got louder applause was Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, sitting courtside.

“That ovation was well-deserved,” Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo said about Billups.

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Those cheers quickly turned to groans the rest of the night as Billups reminded the Nuggets and their fans just what theyd lost even as Denver has won 32 of 45 since the blockbuster trade.

Just when the Nuggets started to pull away in the fourth quarter, going up five, Billups took over as he had so many times in this building.

His sixth 3-pointer tied it at 99, and his three-point play finished off an 8-0 spurt that gave the Clippers a 102-99 lead with 2:37 left.

The Nuggets regained the lead 105-104 on Nenes dunk with 47 seconds remaining. But Chris Pauls two free throws gave Los Angeles the lead for good with 36 seconds left.

Trailing 107-105, the Nuggets got the ball into Nene down low, but he pushed off against Billups and was whistled for an offensive foul with 18 seconds left.

“Yeah, we knew we were switching and I figured at some point Id probably be on him,” Billups said. “And they wanted to exploit the mismatch when they went to Nene vs. me and I was just kind of fronting him and as soon as he grabbed me, pushed me, boom, I went down.”

A little overacting helped as Billups hit the floor hard.

“I mean, my back is hurting,” Billups cracked. “Hey, I need a chiropractor, man.”

In the other locker room, Nene said: “It was the wrong call, but thats the ruling. It was a bad call and they won.”

Nuggets coach George Karl said, “We didnt get a generous whistle. I thought the last play Chauncey was actually trying to foul Nene on purpose. That is a tough call in that situation.”

Paul was fouled on the ensuing inbounds and sank two free throws to cap the win. He finished with 25 points, and Blake Griffin added 17.

“Chaunceys like me. It doesnt matter where you play, you want to win,” Paul said. “You couldnt care less if youre at home or youre a thousand miles away from home, you just want to win.”

Actually, it meant a lot to Billups.

“Its just always good to play in front of your family and its always good to compete against friends,” Billups said.

“Youd be hard pressed to say an sure its special to come back,” Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. “Im happy Chauncey played well.”

Billups had 15 points at the half and really got hot in the third quarter, sinking three straight 3-pointers, including one with Rudy Fernandez all over him.

“I think we saw Chauncey do a similar thing to Detroit when we went back to Detroit,” Karl said. “When he gets in that zone .”

Billups spent 2½ years in his second stint with the Nuggets, instantly turned a middling Denver team into a contender when he came over from Detroit for Allen Iverson in 2008. He guided the Nuggets to a franchise-best 54 wins and the Western Conference finals that year.

“Ive told the story that if we dont make the Chauncey trade, I dont think Im here right now,” Karl said. “We were playing very ordinary basketball. Then we made the trade and we went from ordinary to good pretty quick. I remember when [former Nuggets general manager Mark Warkentien] called and said the trade was done, I was downstairs in my house and I actually think I got down on my knees and thanked God.”

And Karl nearly cried 11 months ago when Billups, who starred at the University of Colorado, got caught up in Anthonys trade demand and was included in the 13-player, three-way deal on Feb. 22, 2011, that sent him to New York.

“I think everybody knows it was a sad day when we had to part with him,” Karl said. “I mean, it was hard on everybody.”

Billups included.

He said Sunday night he wasnt happy about getting dragged away from Denver because of Anthonys desire to play in the Big Apple.

“It really wasnt my fight – although I had to go down,” Billups said. “So, that was frustrating. … You know, Ive accomplished a lot in my career and Ive done a lot, being thrown in a deal for some people that havent accomplished what Ive accomplished? So, that was the frustration that I had, but it is what it is.”

Billups wasnt done being dissed.

The Knicks invoked the amnesty clause thats part of the new collective bargaining agreement and cut him last fall without having to count his $14.5 million salary against their cap. Billups let it be known he wanted to clear waivers so he could go wherever he wanted, but he was claimed by the Clippers and briefly contemplated retirement.

“It was weird,” Billups said. “I was hoping to get through it. Didnt. But all things happen as theyre supposed to, you know? And Im here and Im happy to be here. We have a great, young team. Im still able to be me and do what I do, so its a blessing.”

Hes a big part of Del Negros star-studded veteran cast that includes Griffin, Paul, Mo Williams and Caron Butler thats speeding the learning curve for younger teammates while also stealing the buzz from Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Billups departure led to more playing time for Ty Lawson in Denver, and he was slated to start Sunday night after missing time with a sprained left ankle, but he was a late scratch.

Unable to run the Clippers ragged, the Nuggets found themselves in a tight game and things didnt go their way down the stretch, thanks to Billups.

“It was a good loss, if there is such a thing,” Karl said. “We just have to keep our heads up and regroup and get Ty back on the court.”

Notes

The Nuggets have lost three straight to the Clippers, their longest losing streak against any team. Billups said hes trying to get former Denver teammate Kenyon Martin to join the Clippers after his Chinese team ends its season.

TIME: 07:00 P.M. EST
VENUE: Aloha Stadium

Tony Gonzalez, Ray Lewis and Champ Bailey know what to expect. The new faces at the Pro Bowl arent so sure, and are curious how intense they should play in Sundays all-star game.

“Ive never been in a Pro Bowl before, so I dont know what the tempo is going to be like,” San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews said. “So its going to be fun to get out there and see how it goes.”

Six rookies are among the 36 first-timers, including quarterbacks Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers and Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals, who are replacing Super Bowl quarterbacks Eli Manning and Tom Brady.

Their selection makes this Pro Bowl the first that will feature two rookie quarterbacks.

“This is like the height of being an NFL player – being an all-star and having the opportunity to wear the red, white and blue – just having that jersey,” said Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in last years draft. “Only a few people can say, `Ive made it to the NFL, but fewer number can say theyre made it here.”

In a game known to highlight offense, the NFC will feature two of the games most prolific quarterbacks.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers will start for the NFC and will be backed up by New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. Rodgers passed for 4,463 yards with 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions. His quarterback rating of 122.5 set an NFL record. Brees, meanwhile, threw for 5,476 yards, breaking Dan Marinos single-season record.

The NFC also features Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy and receivers Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona), Steve Smith (Carolina) and Greg Jennings (Green Bay).

Houston defensive end Antonio Smith acknowledges the NFC has a lot of great players on offense, but isnt too worried.

“We got so many weapons. We got so many Super Bowls. We got Hall of Fame players on our team. So I think well be all right,” Smith said.

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will start for the AFC, with San Diegos Philip Rivers and Dalton backing him up.

“I think any quarterback will tell you that we wish we were getting ready to play in a game a week from now, but its always an honor to come,” said Rivers, who this season joined Brees and Peyton Manning as the only quarterbacks to pass for 4,000 yards in four consecutive seasons.

The players wrapped up a week of “workouts” on Saturday.

“The practices have been great,” Cardinals rookie cornerback Patrick Peterson said. “Its definitely the most laid-back practices Ive ever been involved in.”

The brief practices have been as grueling and intense as a poolside, Hawaiian lomilomi massage. The players, some wearing sunglasses, often sweat more after practice – signing autographs for the fans.

“If you break a sweat during practice in Hawaii, theres a rule youve got to be sent home by the NFL,” said Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, who is making his eighth Pro Bowl in his 14th season.

After practice, the players usually spend their days golfing, fishing, shopping or lounging on the beach with their families. In a season that began with a bitter labor dispute is ending in paradise for these players.

“Its more than what I thought it would be. Its amazing. Its truly amazing,” said Smith, making his first trip.

The players are hoping this wont be the final game in Hawaii. NFL and state officials are negotiating a deal to keep the game in the islands. Many said they wouldnt play if it were elsewhere.

Bengals rookie receiver A.J. Green said he spent time learning from the players he grew up admiring. He doesnt know what to expect Sunday.

“A lot of guys arent trying to get hurt. I think its going to be up tempo, but not too crazy,” he said.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who is leading the NFC, said his game plan was simple with such a loaded team. “Our goal is to have 11 on the field,” he said.

McCarthy said the game is all about the players, who earned this trip with their work during the season.

“I dont think anybodys too worried about how many touches they get or where the ball is going to go,” he said.

Maybe with the exception of Jennings, who believes he has the inside track on the throws with his coaches calling plays and Rodgers as the signal caller.

“The other (receivers) already know, when Im in the game, 85 is going to get the ball,” Jennings said.

This years winners will receive a record $50,000 each, up $5,000 from last year, with the losing players earning $25,000.

“When that fourth quarter rolls around and theres a little bit of money on the line, I think youll see the tempo step up. Well all be ready for it,” Packers linebacker Clay Matthews said.

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates said he expects to play hard.

“I only know one way to prepare for a game. I dont know how to go half-speed,” he said. “This is still a game. Guys still got on pads and coming out to compete.”

Besides the money, conference bragging rights are on the line.

“Its still a pride thing – AFC vs. NFC,” Gates said. “We feel like we are the tougher division and they feel the same.”

Rivers said the money is important, but isnt the main motivator for these competitors.

“Even if we were playing for nothing, when it comes down to it, theyre still keeping score,” he said.

—

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CBSSports.co The Milwaukee Bucks already were trying to cope with the recent loss of center Andrew Bogut to an injury. Then they lost Stephen Jackson to a suspension just a few hours before tipoff.

They didnt need ei another sign of just how bad the Lakers have been on the road this season.

Drew Gooden scored 23 points and the undermanned, undersized Bucks beat the Lakers 100-89.

“I mean, what are you going to do?” Milwaukees Mike Dunleavy said. “Boguts not going to come in with a better ankle. Were not going to get Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. So we know that weve got to play these big guys with guys with lesser size, but you do it with hard work and toughness.”

Kobe Bryant scored 27 with nine assists and eight rebounds, but it wasnt enough to keep the Lakers from falling to 1-7 on the road this season.

Bryant didnt have an explanation for the Lakers road woes, but said he and Lakers coach Mike Brown would meet to try and figure it out.

“We will have to put our heads together,” Bryant said. “Me and Coach Brown will have to sit down and think of what is going on and how we can be a much better road team.”

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Ersan Ilyasova and Dunleavy added 15 points each for the Bucks.

With Bogut out, the Lakers tried to take advantage of their pair of 7-footers, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. It wasnt as easy as it seemed going in.

“In the first half, we did a decent job,” Gasol said. “In the second half, there were not many touches. Defensively there was no excuse, [weve] got to do better. They were beating us all over the court.”

Bynum scored 15 points with nine rebounds. Gasol had 12 points and 15 rebounds, but shot 6 for 18 from the floor.

“It means a lot, especially with Bogut not being there,” said Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, the defensive ace who spent much of the evening hounding Bryant. “Hes always our anchor down there in the front line. For us to go out there and make it tough on a guy like Gasol, its big. Thats probably the reason why we won the game.”

Brown said he saw his team playing on its heels.

“Milwaukee was just more physical than us,” Brown said. “They got up into us, they bothered us, they pressured us.”

Bryant did make six free throws to break Jerry Wests franchise record for free throws made. Coming into Saturdays game, Bryant needed three makes to tie Wests mark of 7,160.

Bryant also came closer to becoming the Lakers career leader in field goals made. He was 10 of 21 from the floor Saturday, leaving him three short of tying Abdul-Jabbars franchise record of 9,935.

Bryant said the Lakers arent panicking.

“In this locker room, I dont think so,” Bryant said. “Theres concern and determination that we want to fix things. If we solve that issue, then well be all right.”

The Bucks managed to beat the Lakers without Jackson, whose suspension was announced a few hours before the game.

The NBA suspended Jackson one game for verbal abuse of a game official and failure to leave the court in a timely manner at the end of the Bucks 107-100 loss at Chicago on Friday night.

Its another rough moment for Jackson, who was benched by coach Scott Skiles in the Bucks Jan. 20 game at the New York Knicks.

Bogut, meanwhile, fractured his left ankle in Wednesdays game at Houston and is expected to miss up to 12 weeks.

Even without Bogut and Jackson, the Bucks were in control most of the way Saturday. Ilyasova hit a jumper at the horn to end the third quarter, and the Bucks took an 80-73 lead into the fourth.

The Bucks led 85-76 after an inside score from Ilyasova with just under eight minutes left, but Bryant scored five straight points to cut the lead to four.

Mbah a Moute hit a jumper, then Gooden scored on a turnaround hook shot and hit a pair of free throws to run the lead back to 91-81.

Andrew Bynum scored inside, but Dunleavy hit a long jumper to give the Bucks a 93-83 lead with just over two minutes left.

After Bryant made a pair of free throws, Dunleavy drilled a 3-pointer to put the game away with 1:24 left.

Lakers rookie guard Andrew Goudelock scored 13 points despite being hospitalized for dehydration overnight. Goudelock was coming off his best performance of the year, having scored a career-high 14 points against the Clippers on Wednesday.

And in terms of contributions from the Lakers reserves, that was about it.

The Bucks, meanwhile, got big nights from Ilyasova and Dunleavy off the bench.

“We needed pretty much everybody,” Mbah a Moute said. “I think everybody tonight came in and had good effort. We need to sustain that for the rest of this season, with Bogut not being there.”

Notes

The Bucks bench outscored the Lakers 37-24. It was the 12th game in a row and 15th of the season in which the Bucks had at least one reserve score in double figures. Saturdays attendance was 18,027, the largest Bucks crowd of the season to date.

Part of the online betting fun about the Super Bowl are the props, which are bets that dont depend on the outcome of the game; think of them as a side bet that has to do with a particular aspect or play in the game. The full list of props hasnt even been released yet as sportsbooks are gathering all the information they can before rolling out the full slate over the next week. Here is a look at a few that you can wager on right now at BetOnline.

First Penalty Of The Game

The build-up to the Super Bowl is unlike anything youve ever seen in your life. On the day of the game alone youre liable to find at least three stations airing at least eight hours of pregame coverage. Even now, nine days before kickoff, there are specials on every day or night with experts giving their opinions on the Super Bowl, so how do you think the players feel? Theyre revved up and ready to go and on the first series, whether youre a veteran or a young guy up front, nerves can get the best of anyone. The NFL betting odds for a false start as the first penalty of the game is +240, while it is -300 for any other flag. If New England is first to have the ball, the +240 will be a very smart bet because their main goal is to slow down the New York front four.

First Team Penalized

Which slides in perfectly into the next NFL betting prop; which team will be penalized first? The Giants are -145 favorites to earn the first flag, while the Patriots are rated at +115, and during the regular season, New England had the fourth-fewest penalties in the league and that is one thing that head coach Bill Belichick preaches to his team: dont beat yourself. The Giants were 14th from the bottom of the NFL in penalties, and they know they cant afford to be penalized that much against the Patriots, especially on defense because that gives Tom Brady and company more opportunities. Again, it all depends on who gets the ball first, and if the Patriots get the ball first, theyll take the first penalty.

First Score Of The Game

NFL betting odds have a touchdown being the first score of the game favored at -200, while a field goal or safety is rated at +160 and right now, were leaning towards the field goal/safety option. Again, nerves are going to be the biggest thing that players have to get over early in the game (and there will be a score early in the game, within the first seven or eight minutes). A team could drive down the field, but when it comes to third down, the play breaks down and they dont convert. If theyre in field-goal range, there is your three points. Chances are it wont be a safety (although the Giants did allow one during the postseason in their 24-2 win over Atlanta), so keep your eye on the kickers, New Englands Stephen Gostkowski and New Yorks Lawrence Tynes.

Who Will Score First?

The Patriots are rated at -130 to put up the first points of the game, while the Giants come in at +100 and putting the first points on the board will have a very calming effect on a team; in fact, it could help both teams as the ice as been broken and now a football game can really be played. We like the Patriots, led by Gostkowski, to kick a field goal and take an early lead.

Will The First Score Win the Game?

Or maybe the Patriots wont want to score first as another NFL betting prop for the Super Bowl asks if the team that scores first will win the game. “Yes” comes in at -170, while “No” is rated at +140. The Giants scored first in the Super Bowl upset of the Patriots four years ago, and then again when they defeated the Patriots 24-20 in New England this season. That is why it shouldnt be surprising that the “Yes” option is favored.

Who Will Score Last?
This may be the most important prop bet you face all day because the team that scores last has a good chance of being the team to come away with the victory. The Giants are listed at -105, while the Patriots are rated at -125, but on both occasions the Giants have scored last as well as opening the scoring. The smart wager would be to lay a little on the Giants in your sports betting book.

It took a while for the Washington Capitals to adjust to a new head coach behind their bench, but the team is coming along and has now earned a point in six of their last 10 games to climb to the top spot in the Southeast division. Their next opponent was expected to challenge them for the division, but even though the Tampa Bay Lightning isnt in the picture, it doesnt appear as though they will be making drastic changes anytime soon. Nine points out of a playoff spot at the All Star break, Tampa Bay will host its division rivals as sports betting underdogs in the first game back, looking to begin to turn its season around before it becomes too late.

Washington Capitals @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Tuesday January 31, 2011 7:30 PM ET
Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa Bay, Florida
NHL best sportsbook Lines: Washington Capitals – 110

One of the biggest problems for the Lightning so far this season has been a lack of quality goaltending, as the tandem of veteran Dwayne Roloson and Matthieu Garon simply hasnt been good enough. Tampa Bay scored at least four goals in three of its final four games to reach the break on a four-game win streak, but they are still nine points back of the Capitals for first.

Capitals Lightning Betting Preview: Washington Capitals

Consistency will be the key in the nations capital heading in to the second half, as Washington was far too up and down even in the final weeks before the break. The Capitals were shutout by a New York Islanders team that is struggling to remain relevant 3-0 last Tuesday, bounced back against the struggling Montreal Canadiens with a 3-0 win, and then dropped another 3-0 decision to the Carolina Panthers before splitting games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. Alex Ovechkin will not be available for this game as he continues to serve a three-game suspension, so Washington will need to be even more responsible at its own end to keep the Lightning from getting going.

Capitals Lightning Betting Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning

With Steven Stamkos, Marin St. Louis, and Vinny Lecavalier, there is no shortage of firepower up front in Tampa Bay. The problem is that the aforementioned trio usually has to put up a ton of goals consistently in order to keep up with opponents that put up big numbers against their softer netminding, as the Lightning rank 30th in the league in goals against allowing an average of 3.4. Special teams is another area where Tampa Bay would really benefit if they can improve, as both their powerplay and penalty kill rank in the bottom third of the NHL.

Capitals Lightning Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

Even with the problems that Tampa Bay has encountered, they should be the much hungrier team coming out of the break, and if they play with an edge in intensity and focus it should be enough to overcome a Capitals team that is without Ovechkin. The Lightning can score a ton of goals at home, and since Washington has shown a lack of consistency its a better best best sportsbook choice to take the home team in this division rivalry.

Capitals Lightning Betting Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning

CBSSports.com wire Kevin Durant stood in the Oklahoma City Thunders locker room buttoning up a blue-knit sweater atop his beige corduroy pants. Two spots over, Russell Westbrook sat in a chair with his shirt off and ice under his left leg, poking fun at Durants outfit.

Then both took turns teasing teammate James Harden for his sparkling, spiked black shoes.

“See this tension in the locker room?” Durant said, smiling at a small group of reporters inside.

While they might not be the best dressed, the Thunder sure look every bit like the NBAs top team.

Durant had a season-high 37 points and 14 rebounds, Westbrook dazzled with 28 points and 11 assists and the Thunder started a critical road stretch with a 120-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

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Weeks after a reported squabble between the dynamic duo, Oklahoma City (16-3) owns the leagues best record and only seems to be getting stronger.

“If we play the right way and play team basketball, I dont think there are too many teams that can beat us,” Westbrook said.

Sure seemed that way in the Bay Area.

Harden scored 19 points off the bench and Westbrook added seven steals and six rebounds in the Thunders fourth straight win. Oklahoma City pulled away with a 14-3 run late in the fourth quarter to begin a string of nine of 11 away from home.

Dorell Wright scored 23 and David Lee had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Warriors, who pushed another one of the NBAs elite to the brink. While Golden State already topped Miami, Chicago and Orlando this season, rookie coach Mark Jacksons bunch came up short this time.

“They have a different motor. Theyre a different animal, and weve got to learn how to do that,” Jackson said. “We dont have the luxury to be able to turn it on when we want. Its a good lesson for us.”

The Thunder overcame a few second-half lapses before flexing their muscles for good.

Westbrooks running layup extended Oklahoma Citys lead to turned back the momentum with a frantic fourth-quarter rally.

Nate Robinson, with the Thunder late last season, shook off a defender with a nifty behind-the-back dribble and pulled up for a mid-range jumper that sliced Oklahoma Citys lead to three. He pumped his chest running back on defense, waving to fans and taunting his one-time Thunder teammates.

The celebration turned out to be premature.

Oklahoma City put away the pesky Warriors with a 14-3 run over the next highlight-filled five minutes. None more impressive than Westbrooks bounce pass to Harden, who lobbed an alley-oop that Durant finished with a powerful one-handed slam.

Serge Ibaka also had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which plays at the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. The Thunder also held guard Stephen Curry, who had a season-high 32 points Wednesday night against Portland, to 15 points and six assists.

“I like the fact that everybody participated, that everybody was aggressive,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said.

The Thunders dynamic duo showed no West Coast hangover.

Durant and Westbrook sliced and soared through the middle with ease, shredding Golden States undersized perimeter players. The long and lengthy scorers each had nine points in the first quarter to give Oklahoma City a 26-16 lead.

“I was passed due for a big scoring night,” Durant said. “Man, it feels good to score some points.”

The loudest noise of the period still belonged to a former Thunder teammate.

Robinson banked a shot from just beyond half-court at the buzzer, bringing another sold-out crowd of 19,596 in the basketball-starved Bay Area roaring to its feet. He stared back at the Oklahoma City bench for several seconds in the 5-foot-9 guards familiar flair, which had some added incentive.

Robinson, a three-time NBA slam dunk champion, was sent from Boston to Oklahoma City as part of the deal that brought center Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder at the trade deadline last year. After a short and unspectacular tenure, the Thunder released Robinson before this season.

The momentum carried over and the Warriors whittled the Thunders double-digit lead with some strong contributions off the bench. Rookie Klay Thompson scored 10 of his 14 points in the second quarter and Brandon Rush gave Durant fits defensively.

Monta Ellis free throw evened the score at 50 late in the half before the Thunder scored seven straight capped by Westbrooks jumper to go ahead 57-52 at the break.

“Theyve been together a long time and have grown up a lot together,” Curry said. “They know each other well, they know what it takes to finish out games just with that chemistry that they have. Thats where were trying to go.”

Notes

Oklahoma City G Thabo Sefolosha didnt play in the second half because of a sore right foot. Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis was sitting courtside. The Warriors have sold out six of 11 home games this season. Brooks grew up about an hour southeast of the Bay Area in Lathrop, Calif.

I am thinking about placing a big bet based on which team has more players crying during the National Anthem and/or praying. Of course I will have to adjust my bet during the game using an online sportsbook as the numbers change.

I’m sure you can bet on that in Vegas.

lol!, they know what the superbowl is?

Couldn’t care for football. I don’t see how a bunch of buff men clashing into themselves is manly… American football isn’t even manly… You should watch Australian football.

The more they pray, the less they worry about messing up and/or losing. This means they perform better because a worried mind is inefficient. This is why there are virtually no elite Atheist athletes. They worry too much to be graceful because they have turned from the power of prayer.

No, because players on both teams pray to win, but only one side gets their prayers answered.

Ask the Broncos how well that works.. oops, never mind.

It only depends on God’s plan. :)

I would place the bet according to the talent and past performance of the players involved. Whether they cry or pray is irrelevant.