All-Even in Finals
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers can’t seem to shake each other in the NBA Finals. They’re all-even at 2-2 heading into Sunday’s Game 5 in Boston.
BroburySports.com has just released the odds and Boston is a three-point favorite with a total of 188-points.
Boston was four-point ‘chalk’ for Game 4 at home on Thursday. Another loss would have given L.A. an almost insurmountable 3-1 lead, especially with the final two out West.
Instead, Boston took control of the game in the fourth quarter behind its reserves, winning 96-89.
The final score went way ‘under’ the 190-point total. The ‘under’ is 2-1-1 in this series and 6-1 in Boston’s last seven home games.
The Celtics have their bench to thank for the win. They outscored the L.A. reserves 36-18 in the game. Glen Davis had 18 points for Boston and Nate Robinson added 12. Los Angeles is not getting similar energy from its bench.
Los Angeles has the better starters in this series by far. Kobe Bryant is shooting only 41 percent from the field, but is still averaging over 28 PPG. Pau Gasol is over 20 PPG, and he’s the best post player on either squad.
Lakers’ fans are crying foul over the referees, but also center Andrew Bynum’s knee. He re-injured it in Game 2 and was limited to 12 minutes last game (two in the second half). That helped Boston win the points in the paint and rebounding battle.
Bynum has been a huge force in the middle when he’s played, with L.A. the better overall team. However, a limited Bynum means Boston is right back in this series and his play could help determine Sunday’s outcome.
Boston wouldn’t be so reliant on Bynum’s injury if its ‘Big 3’ wasn’t a ‘Big Bust.’ Ray Allen shot 4-of-24 the last two games after 32 points in Game 2. Pierce is not the dominant player he was in the 2008 NBA Finals and Garnett has had one good game.
The Boston bench has been great, but they can’t keep relying on them. What NBA Champion has ever had its bench win games in the fourth quarter? The answer is almost none.
L.A. won and ‘covered’ Games 1 and 3, with Boston turning the trick in Games 2 and 4. That suggests L.A. wins and ‘covers’ here.
Bet on Game 5 of the NBA Finals at BroburySports.com
Posted: 6/11/10 3:15PM ET