Boston Celtics Just One Win Away – Bet on the NBA Finals

The Celtics are just one win from claiming their 18th NBA title, but to do so, they’ll have to get it on the Los Angeles Lakers home court. So as the NBA Finals shift back to the Staples Center for Game 6, who should your NBA bet?

NBA Finals: Game 6
Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers
Boston leads series 3-2 (3-2 ATS)

Tuesday, June 15: 9:00 p.m. ABC

NBA Betting Odds: Los Angeles -6 ½, Total Points 188

After splitting the first four games at two apiece, it was the Celtics who staked a 3-2 series lead in Sunday night’s Game 5.

In the game, the Celtics did what’s made them successful all postseason long, playing phenomenal defense, and getting balanced scoring on offense.

Leading the way in the scoring department was veteran Paul Pierce, who topped Boston with 27 points. The 32-year-old Pierce- who was blanketed by Los Angeles’ Ron Artest earlier in this series- played his best game against LA on Sunday, finishing 12 of 21 from the field, and frustrating the Lakers to the point that Los Angeles superstar Kobe Bryant came to the sidelines and demanded to guard Pierce. He wasn’t alone though, as the Celtics had three other starters who finished in double figures scoring. Rajon Rondo was his usual phenomenal self, finishing with 18 points and eight rebounds. He had just one steal, but it was a crucial one late in the fourth quarter to seal a Boston victory.

As for Los Angeles, Sunday night appeared to be the first time that the Lakers were truly frustrated and overwhelmed by the stifling Boston defense. The Celtics held Los Angeles to just 39 percent shooting, but truthfully, that was only half the story. In addition, only two Lakers scored in double-figures, and only one- Bryant- had more than 12 points. Boston wasn’t simply good on defense, they were great.

If the Lakers are to battle back in Sunday’s betting odds, it will take a greater effort from their peripheral players. Pau Gasol was the only Laker besides Bryant who finished with double-figures, but scored only 12, after averaging almost 20 points a game in these playoffs. Los Angeles’ other scorers in their starting lineup- Derek Fisher and Ron Artest- combined to shoot just 4 for 18 from the field.

So with the Boston Celtics just one win away from an NBA Championship, should they be your Thursday night NBA bet? Absolutely.
Even if the Celtics don’t win straight up, 6 ½ points seems to be a lot for them to be getting, considering they won the last two games, and lost Game 3 by seven. Should they lose, it seems like it’ll be closer than a six point margin.

But beyond that, it just seems like the Celtics have gained control of this series. As we saw them do against Cleveland and Orlando, their brut, blunt strength looks like it’s finally taking a toll on the Lakers, who simply seemed worn down and overwhelmed Sunday night.

The Lakers are a great team, but just happened to run into a better one this series. Look for the Celtics to win the NBA Title on Tuesday night, making them a no-brainer NBA Finals bet.

Aaron’s Pick: Boston + 6 ½