NBA Betting Preview: Week In Boston Could Determine Champion

The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping they would not have to stay a full week in Boston when they left Monday morning for Massachusetts. After losing Sunday night, the Lakers must now play all three games in Boston through next Sunday.

The NBA schedules the finals differently than the other playoff series. While all series' leading up to the finals are played in a 2-2-1-1-1 format, the finals plays out in a 2-3-2. That places pressure on both teams to win their home games.

For the Lakers, a two game to zero lead would have assured them of at least a trip back to L.A. if things did not go well in Boston. The Celtics only shot to win a title on their home court was to take one of the first two games in Los Angeles.

The Celtics accomplished their goal on Sunday, using a finals record eight three pointers from Ray Allen and a stunning game for Rajon Rondo to tie the series. Now they head home knowing they will be champions again if they can defend their home court.

For the Lakers, Sunday provided one of their worst case scenarios. Although Los Angeles has been above average on the road this post season, this is not going to be a normal road crowd. Boston fans despise the Lakers, and they will make it as tough on the Lakers as humanly possible.

Phil Jackson has never lost a series when his team had home court advantage and won game one. The game two loss, however, showed Jackson just how dangerous these Celtics can be. In previous series', Jackson's teams have always been a clear favorite. In this series the talent level is on equal ground.

Game three will be played on Tuesday, with game four on Thursday. The teams will then get a full two days off before playing game five next Sunday. If the series returns to L.A., games six and seven would be played the following Tuesday and Thursday.

June 7, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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