Team USA turns the page

Basketball Betting Lines

08/16/2010 - New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With Mike Krzyzewski at the helm of USA Basketball, the operative word is always going to be "team."

You probably aren't going to describe the 2010 USA Men's World Championship club with the adjective "dream" before that aforementioned "team," but Krzyzewski has put together another imposing bunch in preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, set to begin Aug. 28 in Turkey.

The NBA's superstars restored order in the basketball world back in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when a star-studded team let by Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Chris Bosh brought back the gold medal to the United States for the first time since 2000.

Success in the World Championships has been tougher to come by, however. The same players that won the gold in Beijing, minus Bryant, were only able to take home a bronze in the 2006 World Championship, and the U.S. hasn't won a gold there since 1994 when Shaquille O'Neal was in his prime and dominating for the Americans.

The 2010 version of the U.S. National Team probably has the least amount of star power since the professionals started playing for USA Basketball. Most of the NBA's superstars took a pass this time and USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, along with Krzyzewski and his assistants, Jim Boeheim, Mike D'Antoni, Nate McMillan and Jay Triano, cobbled together what can best be described as an NBA B-team.

Coach K started Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, Dallas' Tyson Chandler, Denver's Chauncey Billups and Boston's Rajon Rondo for the team's first official exhibition game on Sunday in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,763 at Madison Square Garden.

The only true superstar in that bunch is Durant but that didn't stop Team USA, from blitzing a French team featuring NBAers Boris Diaw, Nicolas Batum, Ian Mahinmi and Alexis Ajinca, 86-55.

The USA squad was led by 19 points off the bench from Memphis' Rudy Gay, while Durant added 14. Billups, who notched 17 points as the off-guard flashed his vaunted leadership skills, was named Player of the Game.

"This is a really good experience for us," Krzyzewski said. "It's our first game, and I thought our defense was outstanding throughout and our effort was outstanding throughout. France played well and I thought we had a little bit of jitters to start off the game. It's the first time for most of these guys to play for our country and in a game. That's why these exhibition games are so important for us."

The team is clearly still a work in progress and Krzyzewski may have to tweak his rotation a bit, especially to start. Team USA made just 6-of-16 shots in the first quarter with defenders like Iguodala and Rondo on the floor. In fact, France led 15-11 before Gay broke loose for a slam on the break and followed that with a 3-pointer.

But, depth is what differentiates the U.S. from the rest of the world. Warriors sharp-shooter Stephen Curry, versatile big man Lamar Odom of the world champion Lakers, Chicago point guard Derrick Rose, Indiana scorer Danny Granger and rising stars Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City, Kevin Love of Minnesota and Eric Gordon of the Clippers, along with Gay make up Krzyzewski's bench.

"Our depth, I think we're going to find that every game there might be two different people who like today Chauncey and Rudy were outstanding," Krzyzewski said. "Yesterday when we scrimmaged, Granger was 9-for-12; he didn't score today but he still played hard. So that type of thing is good."

Four USA players scored during the first four minutes of the second quarter as America went on top for good, 29-19. France did manage to muster a 7-2 run to close to within three points, 29-26, with a little over four minutes to play before intermission, but the U.S. responded and led 39-30 heading to the locker room.

Billups the hit a pair of threes in the early moments of the second half and the U.S. was off to the races.

"No one is going to play over 20 minutes here," Rondo said. "So you have to go all out. Not that I'm pacing myself like in the NBA games. It's a long season. This is only nine games. We have six guards here, five are points and a combo. For the most part I'm trying to go all out. I'm coming out within four minutes."

That means the defensive screws can be put on at all times and, more often than not, will wear down the opposition. The USA forced 21 French turnovers on Sunday and finished the afternoon with 12 steals, outscoring France 22-9 in the all-important fourth quarter.

"I thought our defense kept us in the ballgame part of the second quarter, and then for the rest of the game," remarked Krzyzewski. "I thought we really played well offensively and ran good half-court offense. The main thing we like about it is the fact that we can keep up constant pressure defensively."

So, while the star power may be lacking, the chemistry sure isn't.

"I think this group is really a good group," Krzyzewski said. "I can tell you intangible-wise it's off the charts with attitude, team, hard work, 'I'll do anything', all that. That's a good place to start."

Cashbetting Basketball Betting News

<< Grambling State star Anthony still hospitalized
Grambling, LA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Grambling State senior defensive end Christian Anthony remains hospitalized in stable condition after being admitted last week for chest pains, a university spokesperson said on Monday. Third-year football co

<< Blackhawks re-sign D Boynton
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed defenseman Nick Boynton to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday. Chicago acquired Boynton, 31, from Anaheim in March, and the defenseman played in seve

<< New QB Jake Delhomme steadying Browns
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -One drive. That's all it took for Jake Delhomme to convince Cleveland Browns fans not to worry about their starting quarterback.For the first time in ages, the Browns are not in the midst of a QB controversy and there isn't one bre

<< 'Electrifying' Banks impressing Redskins coaches
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -Brandon Banks has a bloodline for speed to offset a body not meant for football.The undrafted Washington Redskins rookie is no longer just a long shot to make the team, not after his 77-yard punt return for a touchdown against Buf

<< Reina's blunder is the least of Liverpool's concerns
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Every English Premier League season is a 38-game grind that spans nine months, so the events that take place on the opening weekend of the season are often long forgotten by the time the leaves begin t

Zenyatta and Blame top thoroughbred poll >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Champion mare Zenyatta and Whitney champ Blame continue to lead the NTRA National Thoroughbred Poll. The top five positions remain unchanged from last week. Zenyatta, perfect this year in four starts, ag

Peer exits Rogers Cup >>
Montreal, QC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Israeli Shahar Peer went by way of an opening- round upset Monday at the $2 million Rogers Cup, a U.S. Open tune-up. Wimbledon quarterfinalist Kaia Kanepi, of Estonia, upended the 14th-seeded Peer in 6-3, 6-3

Colts DB Silva tears ACL, will miss season >>
Indianapolis, IN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday reserve defensive back Jamie Silva will miss the entire 2010 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The injury happened during the Col

Morales captures MLS Player of the Week >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Real Salt Lake midfielder Javier Morales was voted Major League Soccer Player of the Week for Week 20 of the 2010 MLS season on Monday. Morales led Real Salt Lake to a 2-0 victory, scoring both goals

Angels come to terms with first-round pick Cowart >>
Anaheim, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim announced Monday they have agreed to terms with Kaleb Cowart, the first of the team's three first-round picks in the 2010 draft. The Angels selected Cowart 18t

SPORTS BETTING

NFL Football Betting Online

In terms of sports wagering, the NFL is "the most popular game in town." The explanation behind that is easy.

It is called the "pointspread."

Many years ago, NFL games, as well as the more popular college games, used straight odds as a vehicle for betting. For example, if the Bears were playing the Giants, and it shaped up as a competitive contest, the Bears might be, say, a 7/5 favorite. If they were playing an also-ran, it might be 10/1. Well, there is a point where a line becomes prohibitive, as far as betting the favorite. And who would waste money betting an underdog that has virtually no chance? Such a setup did not contribute to promoting betting action.

But in modern sports betting, a "pointspread" is used.

A NFL pointspreads are exactly that, a pre-established point difference between the two sides that will, for all intents and purposes, create a handicap that evens things out, and in doing so, produces comparable wagering activity on both sides of that proposition. So in lieu of a odds figure in which to bet the team to win outright, the Bears might be a three-point favorite over the New York Giants, and a 17-point favorite over the also-ran. Now that the team that is the underdog can "get" points, there can be equal action on both sides.

In sportsbooks, this is usually done with efficiency by charging the losing bettors 10% extra - in effect, bettors are laying 11/10 on those games. So they are actually betting $110 to win $100. If they lose, they pay the "vig." If they win, they simply collect.

The establishment of the pointspread as the corner stone around which team sports like football can be wagered upon was truly what brought gridiron betting into the stratosphere for online football betting .

Don't believe it? Just take a look at what happens around the Super Bowl.

Stay with us here as we take you through the best in NFL action on a consistent basis, with advice columns as well as handicapping selections. If you're looking for college football betting, that's in our NCAA section, which you can reach by clicking here. And if you're looking for a different kind of football, such as the Canadian Football League, which we'll deal with occasionally, or the Arena Football League, which we really like, you can find it in our Miscellaneous section by clicking

Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting odds .
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook betting credit cards

MySportsbook.com week 1 NFL lines


Now that the 2008 NFL schedule is finally out, it is only matter-of-course for lines on “Week 1” to follow.  Of course MySportsbook.com is the first to churn out odds for the NFL’s inaugural week for the upcoming season.   Expect a lot of fireworks the first Thursday night of the season as the defending champion Indianapolis Colts face off against the surprise of the 2008 season, the New Orleans Saints.  These teams were ranked #1 and #3 in the NFL respectively a season ago so a high scoring affair could be in order.  As of now, the Colts will be giving 6 points to the Saints; keep in mind the Saints were one of the better road teams last season going 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS.  The first Monday night of the season will again provide a “double feature”. Coming off a disappointing season, the Cincinnati Bengals will look to get back to playoffs and improve their public image as they take on the AFC North favorite Baltimore Ravens.  The second game features a couple of teams that haven’t had too much success recently but each could make some noise if the NFC is as weak as it was last year as the San Francisco 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals. The most interesting game of the opening week will feature the NFC champion Bears as they hit the road to take on the NFL’s top team during last year’s regular season, the San Diego Chargers.

MySportsbook.com Week 1 odds:

Saints +6 @ Colts -6

Falcons @ Vikings (pick ‘em)

Panthers @ Rams (pick ‘em)

Broncos -3.5 @ Bills +3.5

Chiefs -1 @ Texans +1

Dolphins +3 @ Redskins -3

Patriots -5 @ Jets +5

Eagles -3.5 @ Packers +3.5

Steelers -4 @ Browns +4

Titans +6 @ Jaguars -6

Bears +6 @ Chargers -6

Lions +3 @ Raiders -3

Bucs +6.5 @ Seahawks -6.5

Giants +4 @ Cowboys -4

Ravens +3 @ Bengals -3

Cardinals +3 @ 49ers -3

 Super Bowl line (2008)

NFC +6.5 vs. AFC -6.5

MySportsbook is a large, publicly traded company with strong financial backing. You will find their customer service is second to none and their web site is extremely user friendly and easy-to-use. All major professional sports games are available. Once you signup with MySportsbook, you may never use another online sportsbook again.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football sportsbook needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.