Bet on the NBA Playoffs – Lakers at Celtics Game 3

A must-win situation features the best rivalry in professional sports as the Los Angeles Lakers visit the two-point favorite Boston Celtics tonight at 7PM ET at TD Garden in Game Three of the 2010 NBA finals.

NBA Finals Betting Odds:
Los Angeles Lakers +2.5
Boston Celtics -2.5
O/U 192.5

I know basketball betting fans are thinking: Must-win situation? What are you talking about? There is plenty of basketball to play still.

Well yeah, but this game is the most important one, believe me.  The betting trends say when the series is tied one apiece, the Game 3 winner has gone on to win 28 of those 32 series (87.5 percent) and  also since 1985, has gone on to win the series in 10 of 10 occasions (100.0%)
So that’s why the game is a must win.

Ok, now back to the analysis.   I hit it right on the money in Game Two, making plenty of cash myself, but the problem is that despite the fact that Boston won, they were lucky at times.
Kevin Garnet- for the second game in a row- and Paul Pierce were no-shows in Game Two and if the Celtics want to avoid coming back to Los Angeles, they need to step up.

Let’s be honest! What are the chances that Ray Allen repeats his first half performance of Game 2? Not high enough. Allen will probably put in over 20 points because he seems to fit perfectly against the Lakers, and you can definitely count on Rondo’s numbers, but the problem is that at least one of them –Pierce or KG- should show up.

However, since they are at home, maybe Pierce will be the guy who will show up, KG is either too banged up or too intimidated by Gasol, so don’t expect big things from him.

The Lakers, on the other side, need to find way to keep the rhythm going; curiously enough their hype went down in the final minutes of Game Two.  Also, they let Boston take advantage of too many second chances.

Basketball betting fans should consider that Boston didn’t lose a game at home in the 2008 finals against LA.

Keep in mind also that the Lakers are 18-6 ATS when tied in a playoff series since 1996, but 4-8 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less this season.

Boston is 5-3 ATS as a home favorite of 3 points or less but 2-9 ATS against Pacific division opponents.

Simmons’ pick:  Take the Celtics to cover.