Rockets lose out on Artest but nab Ariza

Basketball Betting Lines

07/02/2009 - Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Just moments after losing out to the Lakers for the services of forward Ron Artest, the Rockets have reportedly come to an agreement with Trevor Ariza, who was a key part of Los Angeles' championship run this season.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Ariza accepted the Rockets' offer of the mid-level exception, which will probably end up being a yearly salary of just under $6 million.

Ariza, who helped oust the Rockets in seven games in last season's thrilling Western Conference semifinal matchup, averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Lakers last season but increased his scoring average to 11.3 points in 23 contests in the postseason, when LA won the title in five games over Orlando.

The 24-year-old Ariza will most likely serve the same role Artest did in his lone season with Houston and brings career averages of 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds to the Rockets after spending parts of five seasons with the Knicks, Magic and Lakers.

Wwwbetus Basketball Betting News

<< Artest joining Lakers
Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Free agent forward Ron Artest is leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers and will provide the team with more offensive firepower next season, as he'll join Kobe Bryant and Pau

<< Buehrle, ChiSox stop Royals
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Mark Buehrle took a shutout into the ninth inning, as the Chicago White Sox extended their season-high win streak to six games with a 4-1 win over the Kansas City Royals. Buehrle (8-2) allowed a run on

<< Lee homers twice as Cubs down Brewers
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Derrek Lee headlined a home run parade with two long-balls -- a three-run shot and a grand slam -- for a career-high seven RBI, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 9-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the beginni

<< Stockton and Gates lead Edmonton Open
Edmonton, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brady Stockton and Robert Gates both fired rounds of seven-under 65 on Thursday to share the first-round lead of the Edmonton Open. Liam Kendregan and Jon Turcott both shot 66s in round one and ar

<< Mayfield a no-show at Daytona
Daytona Beach, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sprint Cup Series driver and team owner Jeremy Mayfield was not present at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, one day after a federal judge granted him a temporary injunction to race again,

Kings reach agreement on four-year deal with Scuderi >>
Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Kings have reached an agreement on a four-year contract with former Penguins blueliner Rob Scuderi. Scuderi was a key cog in helping Pittsburgh claim its third Stanley Cup title in t

NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees announced >>
Charlotte, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - NASCAR on Thursday revealed the 25 nominees for the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class. Nominees included pioneers, former champions and driver-turned-team owners of the sport. A 21-member committe

Mariners end Yankees' seven-game win streak >>
Bronx, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Russell Branyan belted a two-run homer and the Mariners pounded CC Sabathia early on the way to an 8-4 win, ending New York's winning streak at seven contests. Franklin Gutierrez had three hits, inclu

Abreu homers twice in Angels' win over O's >>
Anaheim, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Bobby Abreu hit a pair of homers, accounting for four runs batted in, and John Lackey threw eight strong innings, as the Angels beat Baltimore, 5-2, in the opener of a four-game series. Chone Figgins had

Ray carries Eskimos over Bombers; Lumsden hurts shoulder >>
Edmonton, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ricky Ray went 29-for-41 passing for 318 yards and a touchdown, as the Edmonton Eskimos edged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 19-17, in the teams' season-opener. Edmonton took the win after Winnipeg kicker

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.