Not since Magic and Larry
June 7, 2008
The last time the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA finals was 1987, when legends Larry Bird and Magic Johnson faced off.
The NBA's two most presitgious franchises meet in game two of the 2008 finals on Sunday in Boston.
Game one was taken by the Celtics, who were led by their captain Paul Pierce. But this doesn't seem to have deterred oddsmakers who think the Lakers are one pojnt favorites in game 2.
At BetUS, The Lakers are paying 1.83 for the win (-120) or 1.90 (-110) for the win by more than one point.
They have the over/under total points score set at 190.5. (game one had a total of 186)
Paul Pierce sustained an injury in the first game but was able to return to the court and help the Celts close out the win. He will play in game 2, but his effectiveness could be a worry.
The biggest concern for fans wanting to bet on the Laker is will Kobe Bryant find his shot? He went 9-26 on Thursday and scored only 4 points in the last quarter - the time when the MVP usually comes alive to bring the Lakers home.
Collectively the Lakers went just 3-14 from the 3 point line. This was mostly due to a lack of penetration that saw less uncontested perimter shots being available for the usually deadly Laker shooters.
We're picking the Lakers to come back for the win in game two. Phil Jackson is too great a coach to not have his team make the necessary adjustments. And Kobe Bryant will be looking to make amends for his game one form.
Plus it's the Lakers & Celtics! Just like in the days of Larry & Magic, you just know they're going to make it a contest for the ages. This one will go down to the wire!
Ed's Note: You can join us in backing the Lakers at BetUS, one of the world's most popular online sportsbooks.
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