Lakers and Celtics Set for Game 5 – NBA Finals Betting Odds

After a heroic performance from their bench in Game 4, the Boston Celtics have evened the NBA Finals at 2-2. But as we get set for Game 5 Sunday night, who should be your basketball bet?

NBA Finals: Game 5

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics – Series Tied 2-2 (2-2 ATS)

Sunday, June 13: 8:00 p.m. ABC

Basketball Betting Odds: Boston -3, Total Points 187 ½

What was most surprising about the Celtics Game 4 win on Thursday night,was that they got contributions from the most unlikely of sources.

No it wasn’t Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett who led them, but stellar play from two players no one expected.

Heading into the fourth quarter and trailing by two, Boston coach Doc Rivers elected to give his starters a breather, and get some playing time for amongst others Glen Davis and Nate Robinson off the bench.

The two responded in a huge way, as they led a fourth quarter rally against Los Angeles’ starting five, eventually leading to Boston’s 96-89 victory. Davis finished with 18 points for the Celtics, while Robinson added 12.

As for Los Angeles, their offense once again came from their two superstars, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. The dynamic duo combined for 54 of the Lakers 89 points, with Gasol adding six rebounds as well. However, the two struggled down the stretch, as Boston made their comeback and eventually won the game.

Coming into Game 5, the key will be if Boston can replicate the energy with which they played Thursday night. There really aren’t any statistics to measure this, but watching Game’s 3 and 4, you could feel a difference in the level of intensity that the Celtics showed.

The one place that this was most apparent was on the glass, as a bigger, longer Lakers team was outrebounded by the shorter, more eager Celtics frontline by seven. Every Boston starter finished with at least five rebounds.

So as we head into Game 5 with this series even, who should be your basketball bet? Take the Celtics.

Sure it’d be easy to look at their game on Thursday night and get a little overly excited, but that’s not the reason that they should be your wager.

Instead it’s the fact that Boston was able to get the win, despite another average showing from most of their starters. Kevin Garnett had just 13 points, Ray Allen 12 and Rajon Rondo 10. Even Paul Pierce- who scored 19 points- did most of his damage in the first half. If they can get even a little boost in production Sunday, the Celtics can grab another win.

Game 5 will be pivotal in so many ways, and expect the veteran, experienced Celtics to come out ready to play. They’re hungry, and the extra day off will help them.

Make them your NBA Finals basketball bet.

Aaron’s Pick: Boston -3