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The NBA will try to get back to what it does best and that’s playing basketball when Game-4 of the 2008 NBA Finals tips off at 9:10 p.m. ET tonight between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics in Los Angeles at Staples Center. The Celtics lead the best of seven games series 2-1. The Celtics look to steal a game on the road while LA hopes to even things up at home. According to oddsmakers at online sportsbook SBGglobal.com , the Lakers are 350-moneyline and 7.5 point favorites against the spread with a 191 total. 

All of a sudden the league has had to defend its image amid allegations of manipulated games by crooked officials. The finger pointing coming from none other than disgraced former official Tim Donaghy. And the timing of alleged improprieties couldn’t have come at a worse time for the NBA and its commissioner David Stern. 

[pictured: Kobe Bryant had a 36 point night in Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals at STAPLES ARENA boosting the Lakers to their first series win.] 

The officiating in the previous two games (2 and 3) have definitely smacked with favoring the home team. This brings up the question; is it intentional or just a coincidence? 

“I think we can expect clean officiating tonight and in future games,” said Point-Spreads.com NBA handicapper Reno Gold. “And if officiating has had a more positive effect on the home team then a well called game would certainly help the visitor.” 

Donaghy’s attorney filed a letter Tuesday alleging corrupt officiating and misconduct within the NBA. The most damaging of the accusations are the 2002 Western Conference Finals were compromised by what Donaghy called “company men.” 

In the 2002 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers overcame a 3-2 games deficit to win the conference and went on to sweep the New Jersey Nets for the NBA Championship.

Kobe Bryant went for 36 points and seven rebounds to lead the Lakers to an 87-81 win over the Celtics in Game 3 of the Finals on Tuesday.

Los Angeles failed to cover as 8.5-point home favorites as the teams played UNDER the 194-point total set by oddsmakers.

Sasha Vujacic added 20 points off the bench for the Lakers, who now trail the Celtics 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Ray Allen paced Boston with 25 points, while Kevin Garnett scored 13 points and hauled down 12 boards for the Celtics.

Point-Spreads.com 2008 NBA Finals Pick: total bet OVER 191

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