James returns, powers Cavs over Sixers

Basketball Betting Lines

03/12/2010 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - LeBron James ended with 23 points and Mo Williams chipped in 21, as Cleveland pulled out a tough 100-95 decision over the Philadelphia 76ers.

James, who missed the previous two games due to a mildly sprained right ankle, also handed out 10 assists and grabbed six rebounds for the Cavaliers, who went 1-1 in his absence.

Delonte West scored 17 points, while fellow reserve Anderson Varejao had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, who have won eight of their last nine games.

Andre Iguodala posted 30 points, seven boards and five assists for the Sixers, who have dropped eight of nine. Elton Brand contributed 24 points and nine rebounds, and Thaddeus Young added 15 points in the loss.

Philadelphia led 85-80 early stages of the fourth quarter, but Cleveland scored 11 of the next 13 points, as James ended the run with a highlight-reel alley-oop dunk and a 1-for-2 effort at the foul line.

It was still a four-point game in favor of the Cavs before Young went 1-for-2 at the stripe with 1:28 to play for a 98-95 game.

Iguodala turned the ball over on the next Sixers possession, but Philly got the ball back with 24.1 seconds left after a missed three from Jamario Moon.

After a timeout, Sixers rookie Jrue Holiday was forced into an ill-advised pass along the baseline. West was the recipient of the easy steal and hit two free throws with 18.6 left for a 100-95 lead.

Iguodala missed two three-pointers the next time down the end the game.

A dunk-filled first quarter ended with Cleveland holding a 36-34 lead.

The Cavs, who have already clinched a playoff spot, led 61-57 at halftime before watching the Sixers end the third quarter on a 10-2 run. Brand's jumper beat the buzzer to put the hosts on top 79-78.

Game Notes

Cleveland has won seven in a row at the Wachovia Center...Samuel Dalembert had nine points and 12 rebounds for the Sixers, who shot 2-of-15 from three-point range...Cleveland made 10-of-31 from long distance.

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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 .

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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.

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

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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.

Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

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