Giddy up: Spurs begin Rodeo Road Trip in Memphis

Basketball Betting Lines

02/06/2012 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - San Antonio opens up its annual Rodeo Road Trip tonight in Memphis against the Grizzlies.

Since 2003, the Spurs have been forced on an extended trek for much of February since the AT&T Center hosts the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Spurs has consistently posted winning records during the excursion, including an NBA-record longest single road trip winning streak (eight games, achieved in 2003).

Things might be a little tougher this time around, however, since San Antonio is just 3-8 as the visitor so far.

This year's version of the Rodeo Road Trip will be a nine-game affair that includes tonight's stop on Beale Street as well as games in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Detroit, Toronto, in LA vs. the Clippers, Utah, Portland and Denver before the team returns to the Alamo City for a Feb. 29 date with Chicago.

"We got to find a way to win on the road. That's the bottom line," Tim Duncan said. "We're going to have enough opportunities coming up soon."

San Antonio heads into the trip on a hot note, winning four straight, including Saturday's impressive 107-96 win over the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.

Tony Parker exploded for a season-high 42 points and added nine assists to become the Spurs' all-time assists leader in that one. The French star moved past Avery Johnson as the franchise's leader with 4,477 helpers.

Duncan added a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds and rookie Kawhi Leonard scored 15 points on 3-of-3 shooting from long range for the Spurs, who are now a gaudy 13-1 at home and lead the Southwest Division by a pair of games.

Memphis, which is opening a five-game homestand tonight, has been struggling a bit recently, losing for the sixth time in eight tries on Sunday, a 98-80 setback in Boston.

"I can't even put a finger on [what's wrong with the offense)," point guard Mike Conley told the Grizzlies' website. "We are missing shots we normally make and they are good looks, lot of them good looks."

Rudy Gay had 21 points and seven rebounds in Beantown to pace the Grizzlies, who wrapped up a three-game road trip with a 1-2 mark. O.J. Mayo finished with 15 points.

"We didn't get back on defense," said Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins. "They had 26 fastbreak point on us and that was huge."

Memphis, which is 7-3 at home on the season, will also face Minnesota, Indiana, Utah and Houston on its residency.

The Spurs have already topped the Grizz twice this season, including an 83-73 win on Beale Street last week. Matt Bonner hit five three and Parker dished out 12 assists in that game to help San Antonio snap a five-game skid in Memphis, which included three defeats in last season's first-round playoff loss to the Grizzlies.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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