Blazers, Hornets tangle in the Big Easy

Basketball Betting Lines

02/10/2012 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Portland hopes a Western Conference-worst New Orleans team proves to be a bit of a tonic after the Blazers dropped consecutive games in Rip City.

A controversial goaltending call on All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge allowed Oklahoma City to force overtime and ultimately win Monday's game with Portland in the Rose Garden and the Blazers followed that up with a 103-96 to Houston on Wednesday.

Jamal Crawford netted 21 points to go with six assists and Gerald Wallace added 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Blazers, who have lost two straight at home since beginning the season with an 11-1 mark at the Rose Garden.

"It's tough, it's tough, that's for sure, but it's a process you have to go through unfortunately," Crawford told the Blazers' website. "We can be two different teams at times. I think that to be so good, then to come up short and really shortchange ourselves, I think that's the most surprising thing."

Portland, which has dropped three of its last four contests overall, is just 3-9 as the visitor on the year and will also face Dallas on a brief two-game road trip.

The Blazers have lost four consecutive away from home and will be trying to avoid a five-game skid as the visitor for the first time since Feb. 4-25, 2009.

As bad as the Blazers have been on the road this season, it's hard to imagine the Hornets taking advantage. New Orleans lost its seventh straight contest on Wednesday in the Big Easy, a 90-67 rout at the hands of Chicago.

The Hornets lost for the 22nd time in 24 games since staring the season 2-0 and needed a three-pointer from Marco Belinelli with 0.5 seconds left to avoid a franchise-low in points scored.

"We couldn't throw it in the ocean," said New Orleans coach Monty Williams.

In fact, the game started and ended as a laugher: Actor and comedian Will Ferrell, in town shooting a movie, handled the intros for both teams.

Among Ferrell's introductions were : "At guard, No. 1, his favorite movie is 'The Notebook' ... Derrick Rose!" For the Hornets' Emeka Okafor, Ferrell deadpanned that the big man "minored in love" at UConn.

Part of New Orleans' problems stem from injuries. High-scoring guard Eric Gordon remains out with a balky right knee, capable big Carl Landry is sidelined due to a sprained left knee and center Jason Smith is struggling with concussion-related symptoms.

Portland has won two of its last three vs. NOLA, including an 84-77 triumph in the Big Easy on Jan, 16.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

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