Raptors resume road trip in Oakland vs. Warriors

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03/13/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Toronto Raptors haven't been playing like a team headed towards the postseason and will resume a four-game road trip Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland.

Toronto is currently eighth in the Eastern Conference standings and has dropped three straight and seven of eight contests, including Wednesday's 113-90 setback at Sacramento. Andrea Bargnani had 20 points and six rebounds for the Raptors, who are 0-2 on the trek and 10-21 away from Canada.

The Raptors lead Chicago by two games for the last spot in the East playoff race with 19 games to play.

"I think we got really selfish. We had guys coming down and taking shots and other guys are not happy that they don't touch the ball. We miss the shot and they (Sacramento) get the rebound and then fastbreak points," said Toronto head coach Jay Triano.

All-Star Chris Bosh, Jarrett Jack and DeMar DeRozan each scored 14 points in a losing cause. Bosh is averaging 20.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists over his last five games. The Raptors are the highest scoring team in the Eastern Conference and will also visit Portland on the road swing.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have lost six in a row to start the month of March and will resume a four-game homestand Saturday versus Toronto.

Golden State suffered a 110-105 loss to Portland in the opener of the residency on Thursday, as Corey Maggette recorded 24 points and six assists in defeat. Leading scorer Monta Ellis returned from a six-game absence due to a back injury and provided 17 points. Ellis is averaging 25.5 ppg.

"They made shots. In the beginning of the game we forced turnovers, got steals and got out to run. That's how we got the lead. We just couldn't hold it," Ellis said.

Stephen Curry added 15 points and Anthony Tolliver notched a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors, who are 13-19 as the host and will also entertain the Lakers and Hornets by the Bay.

In injury news for Golden State, center Ronny Turiaf is questionable against the Raptors because of a sore left knee.

Toronto and Golden State are meeting are playing the first of two meetings this season, as the Raptors are slated to host the Warriors on April 4. Golden State has won eight of 11 and 10 of the last 14 games in this series.

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FOOTBALL BETTING : Cassel Signs Contract

Kansas City, MO - Kansas City has not officially named Matt Cassel its starting quarterback, but there can be no doubt now.

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After praising his leadership and work ethic through spring workouts, the Chiefs announced Tuesday they had signed the 27-year-old Cassel to a multiyear contract. Terms were not disclosed, but he will almost certainly be one of the highest-paid members of the team.
"We are excited to be able to reach a long-term agreement for Matt Cassel to be a Kansas City Chief for many years to come," owner and board chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. "His proven leadership on and off the field will be a tremendous asset to the organization."
Patriots made him their franchise player, meaning his salary for this season will be about $15 million.
New head coach Todd Haley, taking over for Herm Edwards after a 2-14 season, refused to name a starter at any position during offseason workouts. But it was obvious to everyone the team belonged to Cassel.
"I go out there each and every day with that focus that I'm the starter," Cassel said during a June minicamp. "Competition brings out the best in everybody."
The signing will come as welcome news to Cassel's new coaches and teammates. Amiable and hardworking, online football betting he appeared to win over everyone at minicamp.
"I think he's got some unique leadership qualities. I think his teammates like him and have respect for him. I think he's doing a pretty good job on the field, too," Haley said last month. "He's doing everything that I'm asking him, that our coaches are asking him to do. I don't have one single complaint how he's carrying himself."
After one workout, wide receiver Devard Darling declared Cassel "a breath of fresh air."
"He has a lot of swagger, a lot of confidence. It's good for us," said Darling. "We trust in him that he's going to go out there and lead us all the way."
nse to accommodate his specific abilities.
Trapped on the bench behind Heisman winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC and then unable to unseat Super Bowl MVP Brady at New England, Cassel seemed destined to be a backup all his life. As Brady was helped off the field last September, Cassel seized the opportunity he'd been waiting for since high school.
In his only sustained action since his teens, he hit 349 of 555 passes for 3,949 yards at New England. He had 23 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions as the Patriots, who had gone unbeaten through the regular season the year before, finished 11-5 and out of the playoffs.
Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, who had been Bill Belichick's assistant in New England, engineered the trade after the Patriots became convinced that Brady would recover fully from his knee operation.
"Since Matt arrived in Kansas City, he has embraced the team and the community," Pioli said. "His work ethic, his ability and competitive presence is what we expect from our players."

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