Boston Celtics are a Good Bet vs Los Angeles Lakers in Spite of Record

Written by Benton Vale

Friday, 23 February 2007

The Los Angeles Lakers look to get back on the winning track Friday night as they face the team with the least wins in the NBA, the Boston Celtics. Los Angeles is currently on six game losing streak, while Boston has lost 19 of their last 20 games. The Lakers come into tonight’s game at Staples Center favored by -8.0 chalk with 208.5 points total at Sportbet.com.

Even though the Celtics are just 13-40 this season, they are a remarkable 19-6 against the spread on the road including nine road covers in a row. Meanwhile, in their last seven games at home as a favorite, the Lakers have failed to cover. Additionally, the Lakers have not won outright or ATS in their last six games. Due to each teams respective covering trends as of late, it is surprising that over 80% of the early money is on the Lakers who are favored at -8.

In recent games Celtics Coach Doc Rivers has used some small lineups to try and create some tempo and offense for his struggling team. The Celtics might go with a lineup against the Lakers with Rajon Rondo at the one, Delonte West at the two, Gerald Green at the three, Paul Pierce at the four and either Gomes, Jefferson or Scalabrine at the five. If the Celtics go with this group the Lakers must be even more aware of personnel tendencies.

For example, Rondo prefers to penetrate while the left hander West can hit the three and finish much better driving left than right. Jefferson and Perkins really love the right hand jump hook. Another player that has seen an increase in minutes of late is Sebastion Telfair. He had a good game at Phoenix two nights ago and can have an impact tonight.

Bet the Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers at Sportbet.com and receive a 50% Cash Bonus!

The Lakers loss to Portland on Wednesday marked their fifth straight loss at home, one shy of equaling their Los Angeles era record of six consecutive home losses established during the 1992-93 season. Of their last five home losses, two have come in overtime to Charlotte and San Antonio and then three by less than six points New York, vs. Cleveland and Portland. In the Los Angeles era, the Lakers have now lost five or more consecutive home games on five occasions.

This season, the Lakers are 19-9 at Staples Center, having won 19 of their first 23 on their home court before the current five-game streak. The Lakers have faired far better against Western Conference opponents at home this season, going 11-3 in those games as opposed to their 8-6 mark against Eastern Conference opposition.