When you think of the NBA Finals during the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics should automatically come to mind as they faced off four straight years between 1983 and 1987, with each team winning twice. Now, in 2008, the Celtics will host the Lakers at TD Banknorth Garden for the first game of the Finals on Thursday night, and you can bet generations of fans will come together for this series. BetOnline.com has the Boston Celtics –2.5 point home favorites against the Los Angeles Lakers with the total set at 192 points.
The Lakers dumped the defending champions from San Antonio in five games to take the Western Conference crown, led by the exploits of MVP Kobe Bryant, who tops the NBA's postseason scoring list with 31.9 points. However, Bryant has been getting aid from the likes of Lamar Odom, who averages a double-double with 14.7 points and 10.3 rebounds. When Odom plays with passion and fire, there are not many forwards in the league that can keep up with him. The problem is, he does not utilize his immense talent every night, although he has been far more consistent in the playoffs than the regular season. Pau Gasol is a solid second scoring option to Bryant with 17.7 points, as well as adding 9.8 boards for the Lakers.
The Celtics eliminated Detroit in six games for the right to represent the East in the Finals, and as the theme has been all season, it is all about defense for Boston. The Celtics are holding teams 87.3 points a game on 42.2% shooting, and while their opponents (Detroit, Cleveland, Atlanta) are not offensive juggernauts by any stretch, this is still impressive. Kevin Garnett has put up 21.1 points and 9.8 boards, while Paul Pierce is next with 19.0 points, but he is probably the Celtic most likely to drop 40 points on any given night.
The Lakers are -200 favorites to win their 15th title, but the Celtics are -140 favorites to take the first game at home. For the Lakers, the key will be their supporting cast, because Bryant will be sure to get his points. Meanwhile, the Celtics must find a way to get Ray Allen going, as that will open up the floor for Garnett and Pierce to go to work. In this contest, take the Celtics to ride their hometown crowd to a win on Thursday. Get your Free NBA Finals Pick in Now!
Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics – 9:00 PM ET
NBA Finals Pick: Boston Celtics
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