NBA odds: Kings' Miller to sit first 5 games

By Jordan Walters
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook

It’s never too early to start thinking NBA betting, right? Well, should you be a Sacramento Kings backer, be aware that starting center Brad Miller won’t be in your team’s lineup for next season’s first five games.

Miller has been suspended for violating the league’s anti-drug policy; the most common reason for a five-game suspension under the drug policy is testing positive for marijuana a third time. A fourth such test would result in a 10-game suspension.

"I made a mistake," Miller said in a statement. "It was an error in judgment, and I'm very sorry. I regret it deeply. It's something I won't and can't take lightly. I hope to bounce back from this as a better person, and I'm excited about the upcoming season."

Miller averaged 13.4 points and 9.5 rebounds in 72 games last season, missing the final seven games of the season because of a stress fracture in his left leg and a bone chip in his right elbow. He underwent successful surgery in April to repair the bone chip. The 10-year veteran has been with the Kings since 2003.

Second-year center Spencer Hawes likely will start for Miller.

 

Miller’s suspension didn’t overshadow what otherwise was a pretty good week for Sacramento, which was able to bring back point guard Beno Udrih on a five-year contract.

He averaged 12.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 32 minutes in 65 games with the Kings. The Kings signed Udrih when Mike Bibby was sidelined with a thumb injury for two months, and then Udrih took over as starter permanently when Bibby was sent to Atlanta.

Idrih decided to re-sign with Sacramento after talking with the New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers.

"I feel great getting this opportunity after spending three years with San Antonio," said Udrih, who averaged just 5.2 points as a bench player in San Antonio.

Bet on the Sacramento Kings at WagerWeb.com