NBA Finals Rematch
Last June the NBA Finals ended between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers on the very same court that the two teams will square off tonight. The Lakers hope to see a very different result this time around as in that game the Celtics embarrassed them with a 131-92 blowout in route to their NBA record 17th championship.
Tonight’s game has many similarities to that finals matchup of a year ago. The Celtics (-7) rebounded from a 2-7 midseason stretch that was the worst of the big three era. They are back to dominating the Eastern Conference as they have won their last twelve games and have the NBA’s best record. And on the Laker side, although they have also been winning games, they lost center Andrew Bynum to a torn MCL that will have him out 8-12 weeks. Bynum missed much of the season and all of the playoffs last year, and the Lakers missed him against Boston as the Celtics outrebounded them 48-29 in the clincher. His presence and defense in the paint will be sorely missed tonight with Kevin Garnett returning to the lineup after struggling with the flu. With Bynum in the lineup the Lakers beat Boston 93-82 in L.A. on Christmas Day. That win sent the Celtics into that aforementioned 2-7 tailspin earlier this year.
Tonight the Lakers should have revenge on their mind as they travel to the place where they remember the celebratory confetti raining down upon them. But it won’t be easy against the defending champions on their home court. I like Boston to win this one but I see it coming down to the wire with the Lakers unable to get over the hump. I expect Kobe to continue his good play over this road trip but it won’t be enough. The Celtics are too strong defensively and will outrebound L.A. once again. Boston wins but doesn’t cover, 97-94.
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