Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers 2011 NBA Preview, Odds, and Predictions: Forward Paul Pierce will lead the Boston Celtics on the road to the Staples Center to take on the “Black Mamba” guard Kobe Bryant and the 2 time defending NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 PM ET on ABC Sports. This rematch of last year’s 7 game series and many finals series of the past could well be a preview of another summer series of 2 of the best teams in the NBA. The Celtics enter the game at 35-11 coming off a loss but are 1st in the Atlantic while the Lakers also lost their last game but at 33-14 are 1st in the Pacific.
The Lakers are down playing the significance of the early rematch and the fact the Shaquille O’Neal is now playing for their rival. “We’ve had some tough losses that kind of jump out at you, but it’s just about being more consistent,” Bryant said. “(We’re) right where we need to be. I don’t think it’s too weird,” Bryant said. “I don’t really hold too much significance to the fact that he’s (Shaq) playing with the Celtics. I don’t think Lakers fans as a whole are. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.” The odds makers at Bodog have the Los Angeles Lakers a -3 point favorite at home against the Boston Celtics.
The Lakers are coming off a 100-95 loss at home to the Sacramento Kings moving them to 21-26 ATS for the season. Kobe led the Lakers with 38 points 4 rebounds and 7 assists moving him into 8th all-time in the NBA scoring. “They have good shooters, and they get the ball in the right people’s hands,” head coach Phil Jackson said. “This is a new year. That’s a long time ago, with basketball.” Vegas odds makers have the Los Angeles Lakers +300 to win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship.
The Celtics are coming off a 88-71 beat down at the Phoenix Suns moving them to 22-22-2 ATS for the season. Forward-center Kevin Garnett led the way with 18 points and 9 boards while Paul Pierce was the only other Celt in double figures with 14 points and 2 rebounds. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games when playing LA Lakers. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 190 points combined of the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.
I predict a Laker win at home.
Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert NFL Football Predictions against the Vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.