Sixers hope lightning strikes twice with Thorn, Stefanski
Basketball Betting Lines
08/13/2010 -
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The expression "lightning never strikes
twice" is often used to describe a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of course,
science tells us that lightning strikes occur frequently in specific
areas and, although rare, repeat strikes occur.
The Philadelphia 76ers are counting on that.
To be blunt, Ed Stefanski probably should have joined his hand-picked coach
Eddie Jordan on the unemployment line after last year's disastrous Sixers
season. But, the Comcast-Spectacor braintrust of Ed Snider and Peter Luukko,
loathe to admit another in a long line of mistakes, gave the embattled
Philadelphia basketball chief one more chance.
This time, with the leash pulled tight in the form of assistant general
manager Tony DiLeo and consultant Gene Shue watching over his shoulder,
Stefanski made a prudent decision and inked the highly regarded Doug Collins
to be the team's mentor in 2010-11.
The hire happened a year after it should have and cost the Sixers dearly in
the crowded, very competitive Philadelphia sports market, but Stefanski was
finally moving the team in the right direction again. Dealing underachieving
center Samuel Dalembert to Sacramento for Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni,
and landing Evan Turner after lucking out a bit in the NBA Draft Lottery also
were regarded as feathers in Stefanski's cap.
That said, you could still sense the Sixers' brass wasn't all that comfortable
with Stefanski leading the organization.
That sentiment came into focus on Thursday when Snider and Luukko named
Stefanski's old boss in New Jersey. Rod Thorn, as the team's new president.
"We felt with the direction we are now heading that it was important for us to
have two very strong basketball minds leading the Philadelphia 76ers," Luukko
said. "We are building a strong organization and we're off to a terrific
start with the addition of coach Doug Collins, the best available coach, and
Evan Turner, who we feel was the best available player in the draft. Now we
have added another top-level executive to help lead us into the future."
Thorn, an NBA veteran of more than four decades, spent the past 10 seasons as
president of the New Jersey Nets. He was the 2001-02 NBA Executive of the Year
and guided the Nets to a pair of Eastern Conference crowns in 2002 and 2003 as
well as four Atlantic Division titles before stepping down last month.
"Over my time with the Nets, most of it was great," Thorn said. "The last few
years we dismantled the team, on purpose, because of a corporate decision and
that wasn't much fun. My feeling is, that time had run its course there."
Stefanski worked under Thorn in New Jersey for nine seasons, moving up from
director of scouting to general manager, and was instrumental in the 2004
blockbuster transaction that brought All-Star Vince Carter to the Nets in
exchange for a banged-up Alonzo Mourning and assorted flotsam.
Thorn himself engineered two major deals in June of 2001 that set the Nets up
for success, trading the team's first pick in the 2001 NBA Draft (Eddie
Griffin) to the Houston Rockets for their three first-round picks, one of
which turned out to be Richard Jefferson. A day later, he negotiated a major
six-player blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns that landed New Jersey
Jason Kidd in exchange for Stephon Marbury.
"Rod is one of the most respected basketball minds in the game today," Snider
said. "When we learned that he would not be re-signing with the Nets, we
realized that this would be a terrific opportunity to bring one of the top
executives in the NBA to the Sixers to work closely with Ed Stefanski. I'm
really pleased to be adding him to our organization. I'm confident that Rod
will be a tremendous asset for our team."
It's clear Stefanski excelled under Thorn's auspices before, but the situation
is a bit different this time. No matter how you spin it Stefanski, who had
served as the Sixers' president and general manager since December of 2007,
was demoted on Thursday and called the decision surprising at first.
"My pity party lasted for about a half hour, then I was fine after that,"
Stefanski said.
Thorn, who made his NBA bones as the general manager in Chicago from 1978-1985
when he selected Michael Jordan third overall in the '84 draft, was quick to
temper any possible dissension.
"Some say that when Ed left, the Nets weren't as good after that," Thorn said.
"I have a lot of respect for Ed, both on a professional and personal level.
And I look forward to working very closely with him as we go forward. He
understands me, and I think I understand him. We make a good team, and
hopefully that will take effect and be something we can all be proud of here."
Whether a Thorn-Stefanski sequel ends up doing similar business 90 miles down
the Jersey Turnpike will likely depend on Stefanski's ability to swallow his
pride and handle a rather significant blow to his ego.
"Rod is my mentor in the NBA," Stefanski said. "He taught me a lot of things
about the NBA and we are close friends. I know Rod, he knows me. We work
extremely well together. I think we were a hell of a team in New Jersey and I
think the results showed that. There is no reason to say that we are not going
to do the same thing here."
<< Burke cutting it close with Kaberle
Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brian Burke is currently engaging in a
risky waiting game with his most valuable trading commodity, All-Star
defenseman Tomas Kaberle.
Burke has less than three days remaining to decide wha
<< Angels ready for key series with visiting Blue Jays
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - After getting swept by the dreadful Baltimore Orioles early
last week, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have responded in a positive way.
Still a long way off from a playoff berth, the Angels look to keep the drive
going
<< Surging Twins return home to take on A's
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It must feel good for the Minnesota Twins to head back to
the Twin Cities with the American League Central Division lead. They'll try to
stay atop the standings when they open a three-game series versus the Oakland
Athletics
<< U.S. women learn World Cup qualifying opponents
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The United States women's national team will
play Costa Rica, Haiti and Guatemala in Group B of CONCACAF Women's World Cup
qualifying, it was announced Thursday night.
Group A features host Mexico, Canada,
<< White Sox, Tigers to clash in AL Central showdown
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Detroit Tigers are fading fast from the postseason
picture, but can throw a wrench in the Chicago White Sox' playoff aspirations
when the two AL Central rivals begin a three-game series tonight from U.S.
Cellular Field.
Marseille ready to rebound from slap in the face >>
Valenciennes, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Marseille opened defense of its Ligue
1 title with a shocking defeat to newly-promoted Caen, and midfielder Mathieu
Valbuena called the loss a "slap in the face."
"We're defending champions, up aga
PGA Championship back after another fog delay >>
Kohler, WI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The first round of the PGA Championship resumed
Friday morning following another fog delay and Matt Kuchar seized a one-shot
lead.
Kuchar birdied No. 6 at Whistling Straits -- his 15th hole -- after pla
Kansas City signs Mexican striker Bravo as DP >>
Kansas City, KS (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Kansas City Wizards signed Mexico
international striker Omar Bravo as a designated player, the Major League
Soccer club announced on Friday.
Bravo will join the Wizards prior to the 2011 sea
Washington Redskins 2010 Season Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - There's two things that can be counted on what it comes to
the Washington Redskins. Change is an endless constant, and controversy seems
to never go away.
The Redskins had plenty of both following a dreadful 4-12 season th
Report: Bush apologizes to Haden >>
McLean, VA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Former Southern California star running back
Reggie Bush has reportedly apologized to new school athletic director Pat
Haden for his role in the NCAA violations that landed the Trojan football
program
Eastern Conference Playoff Betting Trends
We all know by now that the “public” loves to put their money on the FAVORITES and the OVERS. Just by taking a quick glance at Sportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends” it appears as is this tendency will continue as far as the Eastern Conference games are concerned. For the inaugural games of the first round, 69% of the early money is on Toronto -4.5; 59% of bettors prefer Chicago -4.5; 84% are backing Detroit -9; and 56% think Cleveland -11.5 is the way to go. As far as TOTALS are concerned, the only UNDER the “public” is backing is the Cleveland/ Washington game in which 83% are pounding the UNDER (190). Remember, there is no better way to predict a possible line change than by monitoring MySportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends”. By determining who the “public” is backing, you can get the most ideal line for your bet. For example, if you are siding with the public you better place your bet before the line moves in the wrong direction. On the other side of the coin, if you prefer the team that the “public” is betting against; you might be able to get and extra ½ or even more by placing your bet a bit later. Under the “Betting Trends” section, Sportsbook.com also provides plenty of statistical data and trends in order for the bettor to make the most informed pick. Below are some extremely important trends for the first round opponents of the Eastern Conference match-ups, more can be found at MySportsbook.com
New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
Toronto was the most reliable covering team this season with a 48-33-1 ATS record but covered the OVER only 41.5% of the time.
The last 20 times these teams have played, the TOTAL has gone UNDER 16 times.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Toronto is 33-19 ATS including 17-9 at home.
New Jersey has covered four games in a row while Toronto has failed to cover their last four games.
When playing a team with a winning record during the second half of the season, New Jersey was just 5-13 ATS this season.
After scoring 105 points or more, Toronto has covered the OVER only 28% of the time this season.
Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls
Miami has failed to cover their last 7 games whereas Chicago has covered 6 out of their last 8 games.
Miami has covered the UNDER in four of their last five games whereas Chicago has covered the UNDER in five out of their last six.
When playing on Saturdays, Miami covered 80% of their games this season.
Away from home, Chicago is just 16-25 ATS this season.
At home, Miami covered the UNDER about 66% of the time whereas Chicago covered the UNDER about 61% of the time.
The last 13 times these teams have played each other, Chicago has covered 9 times.
In Miami’s last 11 road games, the UNDER covered 9 times.
Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons
Detroit has covered 5 out of their last 6 games.
Away from home, Detroit is 28-13 ATS but just 14-26-1 ATS at home.
At home, Orlando covered the UNDER 64% of the time while Detroit covered the UNDER in 63% of their away games.
The last five times these teams have played in Detroit, the OVER covered each time.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Detroit is 8-17-1 ATS at home but 17-9 ATS away.
Detroit covered the spread 5 out of the last 6 times they played Orlando.
After a Division game, Orlando covered the UNDER 87% of the time this season.
Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers
In a home game where the TOTAL is between 190 and 194.5 points, Cleveland is 9-1 ATS this season.
Washington has covered the UNDER in their last 6 games and in 8 of their last 9 games.
The last 6 times these teams have played each other, the UNDER covered each time.
When playing on 3 or more days of rest, Washington is just 18-37 ATS since 1996.
Since 1996, Washington is 28-16 ATS versus Cleveland including 11-5 over the last 3 seasons.
In their last 7 road games, Washington is 6-1 ATS.
Versus Eastern Conference teams at home, Washington is just 6-18-2 ATS.
For even more betting trends for not just the NBA but for all of the major sports, log on to Sportsbook.com and click on “Trends”. With only two months left in the NBA betting season it is important to be as well informed as possible in order to maximize your profit. Also for all of you poker players, check out MySportsbook.com’s “WSOP Low Bid Auction”. You could be on your way to Vegas to play against the world’s best poker players for under a buck.
About MySportsbook.com MySportsbook.com is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, MySportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, MySportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and it's products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your basketball sportsbook needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
your source for online betting
As the web was just getting it's footing in the business world in 1997, My Sportsbook was breaking new
ground in the online sportsbook arena. Offering over 20 Las Vegas Games and backed by Sporting Bet UK,
the largest publicly traded Internet gaming company in the world today, My Sportsbook offers betting lines
on every major sporting event in the world, including Online MLB Baseball Betting. With a wide array of bonuses including a 10% Free Money bonus
to all new customers, My Sportsbook is a top online sportsbook, poker room, casino and racebook -- join today!For those that feel that a site like My Sportsbook is only a sportsbook we would like to introduce you to
a place where a single login allows you to not only bet on every major sporting event in the world but also
to bet on horses at over 90 different tracks or play at over 20 Las Vegas style table games in their top online
casino. My Sportsbook has won many awards for it's site design and ease of use as well as it's 24/7
customer support. Get all your gaming done in one spot - try My Sportsbook Today!
|
Bonds nearly hits HR 751, SF wins
4 and drove in
a pair of runs, and Barry Bonds nearly hit homer No. 751 as San Francisco beat
1, in the middle contest of three at AT&T Park.
6) allowed five hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings, fanning
eight and walking three.
game slide.
Bonds, who came within five homers of Hank Aaron's record on Friday, went
1 with three walks, an RBI double and scored twice. The double ...
read more
|
online sportsbook and casino
Since 2000, Best eCasino has maintained a 98.5% payout rate on all their more than 20 Las Vegas style games.
Each of their award winning games including, blackjack (and blackjack super 7s), Baccarat, Roulette and Craps are
available as either a downloadable program or as java programs that can be played directly within your browser. Don't
know how to play a certain game? Read the details and strategy here and start with their Play for Fun section which
allows you to practice a game before taking on the casino. Let's see any Vegas casino do that... Best eCasino doesn't stop there, they now offer horse wagering and sportsbook lines to round off all the online
gaming industry have to offer. They are consistently at the forefront of the industry with new innovations consistently
starting with their site. These guys are the entrepreneur's of the online gaming world and they set the standard for others
to follow. So bet with a leader that's backed by the largest online gaming company in the world with 24 hour customer support,
Best eCasino.
|
