Heat re-sign Anthony; formalize Miller signing

Basketball Betting Lines

07/16/2010 - Miami, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Miami Heat continued filling out their roster on Friday by re-signing center Joel Anthony and inking second-round draft pick Dexter Pittman.

The team also formalized the signing of free agent guard Mike Miller to a reported five-year deal worth about $25 million. A career 40.5 percent three- point shooter, Miller has been on three teams the last three years, playing 54 games for Washington last season and averaging 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

It's been a whirlwind week for the Heat following the re-signing of guard Dwyane Wade and the additions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Anthony has started 45 of the 169 games he's played in during his three seasons with the Heat, averaging 2.6 points and 3.2 rebounds. He has also averaged 1.38 blocks.

"This contract with Joel Anthony is a testament to the man who is second to none; who has worked hard and deserved this," said Heat president Pat Riley. "We felt that what he has done over the last couple of years in developing his game, his body and his knowledge warrants this reward. If other NBA non- drafted free agents want a prototype to follow, Joel Anthony is that man."

Pittman, a 6-foot-10 center, averaged 6.6 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 62.3 percent from the field in 134 games at the University of Texas. He was the 32nd overall draft pick.

"One of our priorities in the draft was to make sure that we could augment the depleted center position with the loss of Jermaine O'Neal," Riley said. "Dexter has the size and agility to be a very productive player for us in the long run, and there is no better place for him to improve than in the Miami Heat system."

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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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