6-6-10

**spook** · 06-06-2010, 12:51 AM

Re: 6-6-10

Ben Burns

10* Boston Celtics +6

As you know, the Lakers won Game 1 in convincing fashion. Often, when a favorite covers in the opening game of a series, the line will be slightly lower for the second game. That's not the case here though. In fact, the current line is slightly higher than it was for the opener. I feel that provides us with excellent value on the underdog Celtics.

In my writeup for Game 1 on the Lakers, I noted that the home team had gone a perfect 5-0 SU/ATS in Game 1 of the Finals, over the last five years. However, Game 2 has often been a different story. Last year, was a prime example. In Game 1, the Lakers destroyed the Magic by 25 points.

In Game 2, off that blowout, the line climbed from -6 to -6.5. Yet, the contest was much closer. In fact, it went to overtime, with the Lakers eventually winning by just five points. The previous year, when these teams faced each other in the Finals, Game 2 was also closer than Game 1. The Celtics won the first by double-digits. Yet, Game 2 was decided by only six points.

Looking more closely at the Finals meeting between these teams two years ago and we find that the Lakers did win two of the three games at LA. However, both those victories came by six points or less. Overall, the Lakers are just 11-18-2 ATS their last 31 in the NBA Finals, including 4-7 ATS their last 11.

Even with the Game 1 loss, the Celtics are still 6-1 ATS their last seven in the Finals. They've also been outstanding at bouncing back from a big loss. In fact, they're 19-6 SU and 16-9 ATS the last 25 times that they were coming off a double-digit setback. That includes a 8-4 SU/ATS mark the last dozen times that they were in that situation.

It should also be noted that the Celtics are a perfect 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS the last five times that they were trailing in a playoff series. This season, after losing Game 1 at Cleveland, listed as +6 point underdogs, they bounced back with a 18-point victory in Game 2. Also, after losing Game 1 at Orlando, listed as +7 point underdogs, they bounced back with a 3-point victory in Game 2. Combine that with their 29-point victory vs. Miami the second game of the opening round and we find them at 3-0 SU/ATS in Game 2 in these playoffs, winning by 50 combined points.

I expect a much better game from the Eastern Conference Champs here, as they continue their "Game 2 success" by earning at least another cover.

**spook** · 06-06-2010, 10:49 AM

Re: 6-6-10

Larry Ness | NBA Sides Sun, 06/06/10 - 8:05 PM

triple-dime bet 703 BOS 6.0 (-110) Bodog vs 704 LAL
Analysis: My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 8:05 ET.
The Celtics manhandled the Lakers in the 2008 Finals, winning in six games while covering all six. Kobe shot just 40.5 percent in that series, Gasol averaged 14.2-102. but was labeled 'soft' plus Bynum was sidelined due to a season-ending injury. The Celtics were led by their new version of the "Big Three" and the group delivered. Pierce (21.2-4.5-6.3) was named MVP, KG averaged 18.2-13.0 posting six straight "double-doubles" while Allen averaged 17.2 PPG. Fast-forwarding to Game 1 of the 2010 Finals this past Thursday night in LA, absolute NOTHING we saw reminded us the 2008 Finals. Kobe scored 30 poi€nts for the 11th time in his last 12 postseason games (added seven rebounds and six assists), the once 'soft' Gasol dominated play inside with 23 points and 14 rebounds (made 8-of-14 shots) and Bynum (while not 100 percent) played 28 minutes with 10 points and six rebounds. Artest, who in 2008 toiled for the Kings, scored 15 points and was able to guard Pierce for a good part of the game, giving Kobe a break from the defensive assignment which consumed him in the 2008 Finals. As for Boston, the team which shut down LBJ and the Cavs and then humbled the Magic in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Celtics never seemed in the game defensively, physically or emotionally. LA led 84-64 at the end of the third quarter. Despite just "playing out the string" in the fourth quarter, LA ended with 102 points, shot 48.7 percent and outscored Boston in the paint, 48-30. Pierce scored 24 points (also had nine rebounds and four assists) but KG made just 7-of-16 shots for 16 points plus grabbed a Stoudemire-like four rebounds. In fact, Gasol's 14 rebounds equaled the total grabbed by KG (4), Rasheed (4), Perkins (3) and Davis (3). Ray Allen made just 3-of-8 shots for 12 points. He, Tony Allen and Pierce took turns trying guard Kobe and the three accumulated 14 fouls. Rondo had a line of 13-6-8 but hardly dominated the near 36-year-old Fisher, as many had predicted before the series started. The Celtics are well aware that Phil Jackson coached teams are 47-0 all-time in playoff series after winning the first game, including 23-0 with the Lakers. I was "all over" the Lakers in Game 1 of this series (NBA Game of the Year) nailing it just right, EXPECTING and GETTING a great effort from LA. However, I'm backing the Celtics in this one. Boston isn't thinking about Jackson's streak of winning all previous series after winning Game 1 but what Boston can't afford here is falling down 0-2. Teams doing that have won just 14 times in 233 previous tries!. In this 2-3-2 format (started in the 84-85 season), falling behind 0-2 has meant almost certain 'death!' Of the 15 teams which have fallen behind 0-2 in the NBA Finals since that 1985 postseason, just ONE (the 2006 Miami Heat) has come back to win the title. If the Celtics lose here, even a three-game sweep back in Boston next week (unlikely), might not be enough to give the Celtics their 18th NBA title. The Celtics were outplayed in every aspect on Thursday, especially in the 'effort department.' That's unacceptable to Rivers and the team knows it. I wonder if the Lakers are capable of matching their Game 1 intensity and overall level of play. We KNOW the Celtics have nowhere to go but to IMPROVE their intensity and level of play. I expect the "Big Three" to come up big and for Rondo to make a HUGE difference in what is almost a "now or never" game for Boston. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

**spook** · 06-06-2010, 11:18 AM

Re: 6-6-10

Root
Millionaire's Club--Celtics (+6) over La Lakers

**spook** · 06-06-2010, 11:34 AM

Re: 6-6-10

PPP

3 Celtics

**spook** · 06-06-2010, 11:59 AM

Re: 6-6-10

dont forget to check out the regulars service plays!!

**spook** · 06-06-2010, 01:31 PM

Re: 6-6-10

Big Al 6-6-10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SF-Pitt over
Seattle

**spook** · 06-06-2010, 03:04 PM

Re: 6-6-10

WAYNE ROOT
6* BILLIONAIRES LA Dodgers
7* NO LIMIT NY Mets (GM OF THE MONTH

6-6-10

6-6-10

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