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After an impressive victory in Game 2 the Celtics had a golden opportunity swiping home court advantage away from the Lakers. However, they quickly gave it back as Boston dropped Game 3 to a harder working Lakers squad. Despite their sluggish play, the Celtics are currently 3.5 point favorites at Sportsbook.com for tonight’s Game 4.
After the Lakers won the opening game, Phil Jackson’s imposing size and demeanor was appearing even larger with his team’s 47-0 record leading 1-0 in a series. After losing the second game at the star-studded Staples Center, the Lakers not only covered but won Game 3 outright. More importantly, the team that wins the crucial third game of a NBA Finals best of seven is 28-4 to be crowned champs.
Lakers’ guard Derek Fisher overcame a disastrous playoff start and has increasingly become more of a factor in each series. With Kobe Bryant not his usual self, Fisher took it upon himself to close-out the Celtics, scoring 11 of his 16 points in the final 12 minutes.
“He won the game for them,’’ said Boston coach Doc Rivers. “Derek Fisher was the difference in the game.’’
Another reason why Los Angeles was able to emerge victorious at the Garden and move to 37-20 ATS as underdogs was the continued appearance of Lamar Odom. After being saddled with five quick fouls the first two tilts, Odom scored 12 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting and snaring five rebounds.
“I was able to get into a nice rhythm,’’ Odom said. “I stayed composed. I took what they gave me.’’
NBA coaches continually preach in the playoffs – The last game is the last game, put it behind you.
Ray Allen suffered that lesson the hard way and has to follow that advice moving forward. After unprecedented three-point shooting display in Los Angeles, Allen returned to Boston and put up an unlucky 13 shots, none that went thru the net. Fortunately, he missed being in the record books two games in a row, as Dennis Johnson, then with Seattle, was 0-14 in a NBA Finals game.
All of his shots looked flat,’’ Rivers said. “I don’t think he had any legs. Of his 13 shots, he had eight great looks. But all of his shots were short. And all of them were flat.’’ Allen’s inability to score left his team flat, as the Celtics fell to 18-29 ATS as a home favorite this season.
Sportsbook.com has the Celtics as 3.5-point favorites to comeback and even the series with total of 190. In order for this to occur, Boston’s Big Three has to stay out of foul trouble (which could be difficult with the horrible officiating towards both teams) and be collectively productive. The C’s are 6-1 ATS after SU loss and Kendrick Perkins has to start putting in the same kind of effort Glen Davis is.
Paul Pierce and teammates have to better execute on screen and rolls, because Ron Artest is in Pierce’s grill otherwise. Rajon Rondo was a non-factor starting halfway thru the second period, that can’t happen again. Though it seems opposite, Boston has played better at a faster tempo in this series and is 17-7 OVER off an upset loss as a home favorite.
Andrew Bynum reinjured his ailing knee Tuesday and it would seem doubtful he will be much of a factor, thrusting Odom more prominently into the next contest. The Lakers are 8-4 ATS off a triumph and were somewhat fortunate Fisher was there to bail them out.
The good news is Bryant seldom has two games in a row this time of year where he isn’t clutch, but Tony Allen does give him fits. Gasol could use more than 11 shots like the last contest, but needs to work harder to demand the ball. His team is 9-1 UNDER after allowing 85 points or less this season.
There might be only a few games left in the NBA season but it isn’t too late to cash-in. Head over to Sportsbook.com now to get in on NBA Finals action.
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