Posts Tagged ‘Los Angeles Lakers’

May 1st, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks are two of the most evenly matched teams in the playoffs this year, and it should be absolutely remarkable to see these two go at it for what could be an absolutely remarkable series.

How the Mavericks Can Win This Series
Dallas needs to shake this mantra that it can’t win it all. Sure, we know that the Mavs have only been to one NBA Finals in team history, and we know that Dirk Nowitzki is a notorious loveable loser in Big D, but there has to be a point that everyone has to believe that it is good enough to knock off the two time defending champs.

There was definitely the good, the bad, and the ugly for the Mavs against the Portland Trail Blazers. The good was certainly none other than Nowitzki, who averaged 27.3 points per game in the first round. The bad came from the likes of Tyson Chandler, who averaged just 6.5 points per game, and Jose Barea, who averaged 5.2 points per game. The ugly was that big time bomb dropped at the end of Game 4 in which a 20+ point lead was blown.

At some point, Caron Butler might be available in this series, and if he is, that could make a big time difference. The man that really stepped up in the scoring effort in Round 1 was Jason Kidd, who averaged 11.7 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Jason Terry was a fantastic sixth man, shooting a team best 48.8 percent and coming up with 17.3 points per game. Similar is going to be required out of these two, but the rest of the role players need to step up to the table to be able to beat the Lakers.

How the Lakers Can Win This Series
Sometimes it seems like everything that Head Coach Phil Jackson touches turns to gold. After all, these two have three handfuls worth of rings between them, including a slew of them together. Bryant just seems to always have the right stuff to win it all, and he can go off for 80 points in a game if he is really given the chance. Bryant averaged 22.5 points per game in the first round, something that is really not very Kobe Bryant-esque. He’ll inevitably do better in this series.

Pau Gasol really didn’t do much in the way of scoring or rebounding ,at least by his standards, and without him stepping up to the table to be the big time second scorer and top glass cleaner on this team, the Lakers could be in some trouble. Gasol averaged 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in the first round of the playoffs, and the truth of the matter is that Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom were the ones that picked up the slack for him. These two combined for 27.2 points and 16.3 rebounds per game against the Hornets.

The other key to this might be the play of Derek Fisher. Fisher averaged 9.3 points per game over double what he averaged in the regular season this year, and if he can shoot 52.6 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from three point land like he did over the course of the last two weeks, it would really be a tremendous help for Jackson and the gang. Ron Artest also averaged 11.8 points per game in the first round.

The Last Word – For as good as the Mavericks are, and for as even as the 57 wins that both of these teams had in the regular season seem to put them, the Lakers are the better team, and they’re certainly the better side in the postseason. Bryant and the gang just have all of the right stuff, and that’s not something that Nowitzki and his band of Mavericks can boast about. It’ll be another painful crash out of the playoffs for Dallas, as the Lakers maintain a stronghold on the Western Conference and move just one step closer to the grandest stage of them all yet again. NBA Playoffs Picks: Lakers in 6

 
April 25th, 2011 By Andy "The Raven" Frank (Cappersinfo Contributor)

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The Cappersinfo.com blog is the place to be for the best free NBA picks on the web.  Our contributors and handicappers continue to sizzle in the NBA playoffs with win after win.  Andy “The Raven” Frank is a combined 6-2 in the NBA playoffs thus far (75% winners).  Where can you go for results like that?  It’s now week two of the playoffs and some interesting situations are unfolding.  This is a special side and total pick for the Tuesday, April 26 matchup between the Hornets and Lakers.  Enjoy…

NBA Matchup: New Orleans Hornets @ LA Lakers
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, April 26, 2011 @ 8:05 ET
Location: The Staples Center- Los Angeles, California

NBA Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -10.5
Over/Under Odds: 183

Game Analysis: Tonight is the all important game 5 in a series tied at two games each. The Lakers were able to win one of two in New Orleans but are coming off a 93-88 loss Sunday in a thrilling back and forth game. Sunday’s game was a special one for Chris Paul who led his team with a triple double, his first of the season. 27 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists is a monster game and for it to come in the playoffs makes it a clutch performance too. Paul has almost single handily carried the Hornets on his back in this series and given the Lakers nation something to really worry about. If his play weren’t enough to hurt the Lakers Kobe Bryant aka “mamba” tweaked his foot late in game three and is expected to play in game 4. At first the injury was thought to be a sprained ankle which might be the lesser of two evils for the Lakers, however it is now being called a injury to his foot. Only time will tell what the ramifications are of this injury however there is no doubt that the Lakers’ fate rests in whether Kobe can play or not. As for game 5 we go back to the Staples Center in LA where the crowd will be in rare form. All the celebrities will be in their expensive courtside seats and this is a very important game in the Lakers quest for the three-peat. LA has only played one game up to their standards in this series so far and that was the 100-86 win in New Orleans on Friday. However in their playoff history since 1996 they are 20-8 ATS in game 5’s of all playoff series, and 8-3 in games 5’s the last three years. LA knows when to turn it on and with their backs against the wall are in need of a big game. That is right when they are about to have one of those games when we say “Oh yeah, that’s right they are that good”. Game 5 will be the wake up call for us all with a convincing win for the Lakers. I also like the over 183 in this game because when the Lakers are pressured they somehow almost always come up with one of their best efforts. That will include well over 100 points against the Hornets and a comfortable win by double digits.

Free NBA Playoff Picks: Los Angeles Lakers -10.5 & Over 183

 
April 19th, 2011 By Andy "The Raven" Frank (Cappersinfo Contributor)

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NBA Matchup: Denver Nuggets @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Game Date/Time: Wednesday, April 20th, 8:05 ET
Location: Oklahoma City Arena – Oklahoma City, OK

NBA Odds: Oklahoma City -4.5
Over/Under Odds: 208

Game Analysis: Oklahoma City was able to escape game one at home with a close 107-103 victory. Denver kept the game very close and was able to cover the spread getting 5.5 to 6 points. The game went over the posted total of 204.5 despite just 91 second half points being scored. In game one there were 119 first half points scored. A different style of play in the second half helped the Thunder hold the Nuggets to 43 second half points. Game one went much like it did in the Miami-Philadelphia and the Chicago-Indiana series. In both of those series the first half pace was extremely fast followed by a second half that was much better defensively and a game two in which both home teams played defense in the entire game closer to how they played in the second halves of game 1. I expect the same from Oklahoma City especially after holding Denver to just 43 second half points in game 1. The total for this game opened at 207.5 and is up to 208 at the moment. It is entirely normal after an outcome of 210 on a total listed of 204.5 that in game two the total would be slightly higher. The public has the tendency to follow the most recent outcome and expect that to hold true in the next game. That doesn’t happen too often, more often then not game two’s in general are played completely differently then game ones are played. In game one we already saw such a wide range from what was scored in the first half (119) to the second half (91). I think Oklahoma City would much rather play Denver like they did in the second half then when they allowed the Nuggets to score 63 first half points. In game two a concentration on defense for the Thunder should control the pace of this game. The total is set way too high, and instead of the number going up due to the outcome of game one, I believe the total should be lower tonight due to the disparity in scoring between the first and second halves. Play under 208 in this game and wait to place the wager until the last moment the line may go up even higher.

Free NBA Playoff Picks: Under 208

NBA Matchup: New Orleans Hornets @ LA Lakers
Date: Wednesday, April 20th, 10:35 ET
Location: Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA

NBA Odds : Lakers -11.5
Over/Under Odds: 187.5

Game Analysis: Everyone and their cousin will be lining up to bet on the Lakers in game two considering their huge upset loss in game one. However before you do that keep this in mind; over the last 8 games the Lakers went 2-6. Now you might say it was the end of the season but it is also a fact that playoff seeding was up for grabs at the same time. This “lapse” happened to LA earlier in the year and they were able to “right the ship” after the all-star break and go on an extended win streak. However in my opinion this Lakers team has one very large weakness and it is the key to beating them. I have seen this particular weakness cost them several games this year and in the playoffs it might be the key to if the Lakers can three-peat. The one glaring weakness on the Lakers is their ability on defense to stop a point guard who can score. I’ve seen several top point guards in this league eat Derrick Fisher up and the Lakers don’t have anyone else to go to should Chris Paul start to dominate him again like he did in game one. Paul outscored Fisher in game one 33-8 he also had 14 assists compared to just two for Fisher. That kind of domination in game two will give the Lakers fits. Even if Paul doesn’t have as good a game the Hornets are likely to be able to cover the inflated line of 11.5 points. The Hornets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 visits to the Staples Center and must have gained tremendous confidence in their surprise game one win. Chris Paul owns the kind of magic needed to beat LA in this series, and if the Lakers don’t clamp down on defense and force his supporting cast to beat them they are in for trouble not only in game two but in this series. Look for a much better defensive effort from the Lakers, but 11.5 points is way too many to expect LA to cover. I do also like the under a little at 187.5, but I am much more interested in playing New Orleans +11.5. This is another game you should wait until the last minute to wager on if you’re taking New Orleans. There is little doubt the public will drive this line up even more and pound LA late. Don’t fall into that trap; the right side tonight is New Orleans +11.5

Free NBA Playoff Selection: New Orleans +11.5

 
March 5th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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It’s another big time Sunday for NBA betting battles, and our expert NBA handicappers offer up their free basketball picks for the biggest game on a huge slate of clashes!

NBA Matchup: Chicago Bulls @ Miami Heat
Date: Sunday, March 6th, 1:00 ET
Location: American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL
NBA Odds: Miami -5
Over/Under (Total): 188


The Heat are in bad shape right now, as they have been outscored by a whopping 51 points in their last three halves of basketball. Needless to say, regardless of who you’re playing, that’s not going to get the job done. Miami has been wildly inconsistent this season at home, going just 11-18 ATS over the course of its 29 games played here in South Beach. However, this is the back end of a brutal road trip for the Bulls after beating the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on Friday night. Sure, Chicago has an incredibly deep team, but Miami just matches up particularly well against this team for whatever reason. Go with LeBron, D-Wade, and company to take care of the NBA odds in this one, as the good run of play for the Bulls will go by the boards. NBA Free Pick: Miami Heat

NBA Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers @ San Antonio Spurs
Date: Sunday, March 6th, 3:30 ET
Location: AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
NBA Odds: San Antonio -2.5
Over/Under (Total): 191


If the Spurs were out to make a big time statement on Friday night, that’s exactly what they did when they obliterated the Miami Heat by a whopping 30 points at home. The defense was just locked in, and the lack of depth on the Heat just wasn’t able to keep up with the run and gun style of offense that Head Coach Gregg Popovich is now bringing to the table. Will it keep up against the Lakers? Kobe Bryant and company had better hope not, especially if Derek Fisher is going to be held out of the fold with an elbow injury. There is just so little respect for the Spurs this season, and this is really no exception. Sure, Los Angeles is good, but the time is really going to have to come that the oddsmakers realize that the Spurs really are the best team in the Western Conference, and potentially in the whole NBA. Tony Parker will be back at full strength in this one after getting his feet wet against Miami, and he should help lead this team to a ‘W’ on Sunday. Free NBA Pick: San Antonio Spurs

NBA Matchup: New York Knicks @ Atlanta Hawks
Date: Sunday, March 6th, 6:30 ET
Location: Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA
NBA Odds: OTB
Over/Under (Total): OTB


Neither the Hawks nor the Knicks really thrill us right now, but health could really be a key factor in this one. We know that Chauncey Billups has been out of the lineup for these last two games with a thigh injury, but he is likely to be back to join the team in the Peach State for this NBA betting affair. However, the Hawks are likely going to be without Josh Smith. It is clear which team made the right moves at the trade deadline and which one probably didn’t, though Kirk Hinrich finally had his first big game with the Hawks in the loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. The truth of the matter though, is that the combination of Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, and Billups could easily combine for 75, or even more points in this one, and if that’s what happens, there isn’t a heck of a lot that the rest of this team is going to have to do to make for great NBA picks in this one. Expert NBA Pick: New York Knicks

NBA Matchup: Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Date: Sunday, March 6th, 7:00 ET
Location: Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
NBA Odds: Oklahoma City -5.5
Over/Under (Total): 212


This game could be significantly closer than the expert NBA handicappers really think. The Suns have been playing great ball of late, and they really probably found a diamond in the rough when they brought in Aaron Brooks to help out as a scorer. It’d be great if Vince Carter would play in this one, and the possibility is still there, but even if he doesn’t, we still tend to believe that Phoenix is the right play. It really just feels like the Thunder are merely trying to hang on until Kendrick Perkins gets into this lineup for the first time, as the truth of the matter is that the only differences between this team now and the one from a few weeks ago is that Nazr Mohammed is in, and both Nenad Krstic and Jeff Green are out. Not exactly a great deal quite yet, and it won’t look all that great on Sunday either. Free Basketball Pick: Phoenix Suns

NBA Matchup: Boston Celtics @ Milwaukee Bucks
Date: Sunday, March 6th, 9:00 ET
Location: Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI
NBA Odds: Boston -7.5
Over/Under (Total): 182.5


We’ve been talking a lot about injuries in this piece, but we know that there isn’t a team that we feel worse for this season than this one. The Bucks are just all over the board right now, as there aren’t any players that have been in the fold for even 59 of the 60 games this season. Still, grabbing that last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference isn’t totally out of the question, making this one a potential playoff preview. However, Jeff Green has really arrived at this point, and his 21 point effort off of the bench on Friday proved that. The C’s are a dangerous club, and even though they really haven’t turned up the defensive intensity in a few games, they are scoring a ton of late. The Bucks don’t have that inside banger to make up for the lack of bigs that Boston has, and as a result, the visitors should triumph in a big time way in the Bradley Center on Sunday. Free NBA Pick: Boston Celtics

 
June 17th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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All 82 games of the NBA betting regular season and four full rounds of the playoffs all come down to this one game on Thursday night at Staples Center, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics square off in a winner take all Game 7 to determine the NBA champions.

Boston Celtics (+7) @ Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
9:00 ET, Staples Center

Boston Notes: By all accounts, Game 6 was nothing but a total dud for the Celtics. This hasn't been the first time that they have gotten blown out of the water in a game in the playoffs, but it had better be the last time, or the season all goes for naught. The bench, which has been key for HC Doc Rivers in this series, was downright miserable on Tuesday night. The seven reserves that Rivers called upon shot a combined 4/26 from the floor (15.4%) and only scored 13 total points in spite of the fact that five players saw at least 15 minutes of court time. Those players are probably going to be called on quite a bit to help fill the minutes that will most likely be lost by the absence of C Kendrick Perkins. Perkins was out of the game after just seven minutes on Tuesday with a knee injury, and he is doubtful to play in Game 7. G Ray Allen had an encouraging second to last game of the season, scoring 19 points. Even though he and his three "Big Four" teammates all scored at least ten points, the efforts by all four are going to have to step up, especially offensively, for the C's to be called champions on Thursday night.

Los Angeles Notes: The Lakers have done their job and have narrowed the NBA Finals down to just this one game in front of their hometown fans. Game 6 wasn't a particularly strong offensive one for LA, as it shot just 41.8 percent from the field. However, holding Boston to 33.3 percent was all the more impressive. Both G Kobe Bryant and F Pau Gasol had double-doubles in the victory. Bryant shot 9/19 from the floor and scored 26 points to go with 11 boards. Gasol nearly had a triple-double, as he totaled 17 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists to go with his three blocks. Defensively, Gasol really has made the difference in this series. Speaking of defense, F Ron Artest has done a fantastic job in the first six games of the NBA Finals as well. However, his real difference making moment came in Game 6 when he nailed three triples and scored a personal series high with 15 points. F Lamar Odom came up two points short of a double-double as well, as he had eight points and ten boards.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 7

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+7
-7
187
Diamond Sportsbook
+7
-7
187.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+7
-7
187

Trends of Note: Six games up, and six games down for the team that has won the rebounding battle. After blowing Boston out on the glass 52-39 on Tuesday, the team winning the battle of the boards moved to 6-0 SU and ATS in this series. If the Celtics do win tonight SU, they would become the first team in NBA history to beat HC Phil Jackson in a seven game series in which his team won the first game of the best of seven (47-0). They would also become the first team in the history of the game to lose Game 3 and fall behind 2-1 in the NBA Finals in the 2-3-2 format and win the championship (10-0). Boston dropped to 12-5-1 ATS in its L/18 meetings with the Lakers overall. The Celtics have covered four straight games following a double digit defeat and are 7-1 ATS in their L/8 games following either an SU or ATS loss.

The Final Word: There really is no common logic for describing how the Celtics can win the NBA championship tonight after such a devastating setback in Game 6, but they are a bunch that has figured out how to overcome adversity every step of the way in these playoffs. We're going to back this bunch once again with the touchdown that is given to us, as we are expecting a nail-biting final game to the NBA betting campaign.

Prediction: Boston 99 – Los Angeles 98

 
June 15th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The last game of the NBA betting campaign could be tonight in Tinseltown, as the Los Angeles Lakers try to save their season in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.

Boston Celtics (+6.5) @ Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
9:00 ET, Staples Center

Boston Notes: If the Celtics are to close out the series tonight, they are once again going to need to put together the complete team effort. HC Doc Rivers really hasn't had any true "superstars" in this series, but at any time, he could call on any number of about ten players to hit big shots or make crucial plays for him. Defense for the C's was a real staple at home, and it was that unit that carried the club to back to back wins to turn a 2-1 series deficit into the 3-2 series lead that they currently hold. In Game 5, Boston pretty much allowed G Kobe Bryant to do whatever he wanted to do, but the rest of the men in purple and gold were totally shut down. The team only shot 39.7 percent from the field, which include Bryant shooting 13/27. F Kevin Garnett had his second very strong game out of his L/3, recording his first double-double in this series with 18 points and ten rebounds. F Paul Pierce nailed 12 shots, including a pair of triples, scoring 27 to lead the way. It was another questionable game for G Ray Allen, who went 0/4 from downtown, but he still scored 12 points to be a key contributor.

Los Angeles Notes: As stated before, Bryant scored his 38 points in Game 5, but the rest of the team was totally missing in action. We give C Andrew Bynum a bit of a free pass, as he only scored six points and had one rebound, because of his injured knee, which has already been drained twice of fluids in these playoffs. However, F Pau Gasol shouldn't be held to 12 points and 12 rebounds in the NBA Finals in 39 minutes worth of court time. The Spaniard knows that he should be putting in at least 20 on the average night to give Bryant a hand, because there really isn't anyone else on the squad that feels like they can be counted upon on a consistent basis to help out offensively. The Lakers also shot themselves in the foot from the charity stripe in Game 5, going just 17/26. They outscored the C's at the line by eight points, but did so on 13 more attempts. The Lakers only had three fast break points for the entire game, and they were outdone in the paint 46-32. For the third time in this series, they also lost the rebounding battle, though a -1 margin shouldn't be considered alarming.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 6

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+6.5
-6.5
187.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+6.5
-6.5
187.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+6.5
-6.5
188

Trends of Note: We've talked about this every step of the way, but the team winning the rebounding battle is still perfect both SU and ATS in this series at 5-0. If the Celtics do win tonight SU, they would become the first team in NBA history to beat HC Phil Jackson in a seven game series in which his team won the first game of the best of seven (47-0). They would also become the first team in the history of the game to lose Game 3 and fall behind 2-1 in the NBA Finals in the 2-3-2 format and win the championship (10-0). However, it is hard to ignore the fact that the Celtics are now 9-2 ATS in their 11 NBA Finals duels with the Lakers over the L/3 seasons, and even harder to overlook the 12-4-1 ATS they are in their L/17 meetings overall.

The Final Word: The series ends tonight. The Celtics are just playing better team ball right now, and what the Lakers have proven to themselves is that Bryant isn't like to win a game on his own with no help. Confidence cannot be riding high right now in Tinseltown, and unless Bryant proves us wrong, that he indeed can beat the Celtics all by his lonesome, we very much so expect to see the city of Boston celebrating its second championship in the L/3 years tonight over the Lakers.

Prediction: Boston 97 – Los Angeles 91

 
June 12th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Boston's TD Banknorth Garden will be the site of one final NBA Finals betting affair on Sunday night, as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers clash in Game 5 of the championship series. For the second time in this series, the C's fended off a potential two game series deficit when they stole a 96-89 win at home in Game 4 on Thursday.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics (-3)
Sunday, June 13th, 2010
8:00 ET, TD Banknorth Garden

Los Angeles Notes: This has become a very, very dangerous game for the Lakers. Losing Game 4 was a bit predictable after the Game 3 triumph, as there was probably a bit of a feeling of satisfaction knowing that this series was, at very worst, heading back to the Staples Center. C Andrew Bynum's injury concerns are once again present, as he had his knee drained yet again after not being able to play in the second half of Game 4. His partner in the paint, F Pau Gasol, once again had a respectable game for the defending champions, scoring 21 points and ripping down six boards. It should come as no surprise that G Kobe Bryant once again led the Lakers in scoring. He only shot 10/22 from the field, but he did connect on six three pointers and totaled 33 points. HC Phil Jackson probably wishes that his star would need fewer shots to score his points, and turning the ball over seven times is incredibly unacceptable. LA only shot 45.1 percent from the field, but the more embarrassing statistic was the fact that the team shot just 1/9 from beyond the arc if you discount Kobe's six triples.

Boston Notes: For the second time in this series, the Celtics have won the rebounding battle, but the key was the offensive glass for the hosts. Boston grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, which was eight more than the Lakers mustered. F Glen Davis had four of those o-boards. He was the real star of the game, scoring 18 points on 7/10 shooting in just 23 minutes of court time for the Celtics. Davis was one of six players that scored in double digits for HC Doc Rivers in what amounted to be an incredibly well rounded effort. It wasn't a fantastic game for F Paul Pierce, though Rivers will surely take 19 points, six boards, and five assists from "The Truth" on a regular basis. G Ray Allen rebounded from his woeful 0/13 shooting night by scoring 12 points and hauling in five rebounds. G Rajon Rondo really needs to get himself together in this series, as he only averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game, but a lot of those numbers really came about from his triple-double in Game 2. Rivers is going to hope that he can count on his bench to come up in a big way yet again, as Boston outscored LA's bench 36-18 in Game 4.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+3
-3
187.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+3
-3
188
BetUS Sportsbook
+3
-3
187.5

Trends of Note: These two teams have split the SU and ATS proceedings against the NBA Finals odds in the first four games of this series. The team winning the rebounding battle has gone a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS. Los Angeles is now just 4-11-1 ATS in its L/16 clashes with the Celtics. Boston is 8-3 ATS in its L/11 home games and 9-4 ATS in its L/13 NBA betting affairs overall. When they are on at least two days worth of rest, the Celtics are a perfect 5-0, with all five games coming in these playoffs. They're also 4-1 ATS in their L/5 games as favorites of less than five points.

The Final Word: Once again, there is far more pressure on the Celtics in this game than there is on the Lakers. Boston has no chance of winning the NBA Finals from down 3-2 going back to Tinseltown in all likelihood, so this becomes a game of paramount importance. The Celtics are simply playing better all-around ball right now, and until Bynum or someone off of the LA bench proves that they can step up and make a difference in this series, we're going to continue to back the C's.

Prediction: Boston 100 – Los Angeles 90

 
June 9th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The fourth game of NBA Finals betting action takes place on Thursday night at TD Banknorth Garden, and here at Cappers Info, we're dissecting the odds and picking out your free picks for the game.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics (-3.5)
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
9:00 ET, TD Banknorth Garden

Los Angeles Notes: Game 3 probably wasn't the most impressive game that the Lakers have played all season, but it certainly was an effective one that moved them to within two steps of becoming NBA champions for the second straight season. G Kobe Bryant probably took far too many shots for his own good (29 to be exact), but scoring 29 points was really a huge difference maker in the triumph. The rebounding battle swung back to the way it was in Game 1 for Los Angeles, as it won the bash on the boards 43-35. To no one's surprise, the team that has had the more rebounds in each game in this series is both 3-0 SU and ATS. C Andrew Bynum had his second straight quality start in this series, scoring nine points and bringing in ten rebounds. Even though many would expect him to be a bigger point producer, grabbing five offensive rebounds setup a number of opportunities that otherwise wouldn't have happened, which makes him as valuable of an asset as there was on the court in purple and gold.

Boston Notes: For all of the right reasons, G Ray Allen was the man that was highly discussed following Game 2 of the NBA Finals, as he was coming off of a game in which he nailed an NBA Finals record eight three pointers and pretty much single handedly carried the team to victory in Tinseltown. However, Ray Allen gives, and Ray Allen takes away. Allen shot 0/13 from the floor, including a woeful 0/8 from beyond the arc in the Game 3 loss, proving that he can be just as deadly to his own team as he can to his opponents. F Paul Pierce really needs to get his act in gear and take over as a leader of this team in order for it to survive. He has only averaged 16.3 points per game in this series, and though those numbers are respectable, he has yet to look like the superstar that the Celtics so desperately need on the court. G Rajon Rondo had an off night on Tuesday as well, scoring just 11 points. The best game in weeks by F Kevin Garnett was wasted. KG put up 25 points, and at times, he was the only offensive threat that was keeping Boston alive in the game.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+3.5
-3.5
190.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+3.5
-3.5
190.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+3.5
-3.5
190.5

Trends of Note: Since starting up the 2-3-2 format in the NBA Finals, there have been ten teams take a 2-1 series lead in Game 3. That team that took the 2-1 series edge is a perfect 10-0 in terms of winning the NBA Championship. Obviously, the Celtics are still staring in the face the prospects of that 47-0 mark by HC Phil Jackson in series in which his team took a 1-0 series lead. Still, Boston backers must rest assured that their team is a solid 10-4-1 ATS in their L/15 NBA betting battles with these Lakers. However, since Game 6 of the NBA Finals two years ago, LA is a perfect 3-0 SU and ATS at the Garden.

The Final Word: We knew that Allen wasn't going to have the game of his life once again in Game 3, but going 0/13 is a tad bit ridiculous. If the former Connecticut Huskies guard even remotely looked halfway decent on Tuesday, the story would've been significantly different than the seven point defeat. Motivation and desperation should be the keys to victory for HC Doc Rivers' crew on Thursday night, as the Celtics should storm back and level this series for the second time.

Prediction: Boston 96 – Los Angeles 88

 
June 8th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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NBA Finals betting action continues on Tuesday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics get ready to have at it in Game 3 of this best of seven set.

Los Angeles Lakers (+3) @ Boston Celtics
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
9:00 ET, TD Banknorth Garden

Los Angeles Notes: It was most certainly a tale of two different games for the Lakers in Tinseltown last week. The NBA Finals odds were stacked in LA's favor in Game 1, as the hosts dominated the glass and watched G Kobe Bryant notch his fifth straight 30+ point game in the postseason in an easy victory to take a 1-0 series lead. That series lead became critical, as HC Phil Jackson has never lost a series in which he has opened with a victory. Game 2 looked totally different, though. Though F Pau Gasol had his second straight dominating game, Boston simply shot the Lakers out of their own building and evened this series at a game apiece. Gasol is averaging 24.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, and 3.0 assists per game in the NBA Finals, which is by far the most impressive performance from a player in purple and gold. If there was one encouraging sign in Game 2 for Lakers fans, it was that C Andrew Bynum scored 21 points in what easily amounted to be his best game of the L/2 rounds of the playoffs. Bryant only scored 21 points in Game 2 and must improve upon that for Los Angeles to get back in front in this series.

Boston Notes: G Ray Allen took it upon himself to make sure that the Celtics were getting back to Beantown all square in the NBA Finals. Just three days after only scoring 12 points and not logging a single other statistic, Allen was all over the court, nailing an NBA Finals record eight three pointers and outdueling every single sharpshooter that the Lakers have to offer. The former Connecticut Huskies star finished the night with 32 points to lead all scorers. G Rajon Rondo had his say as well. He had a triple-double through just three quarters of play and ultimately ended up with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and ten assists in the best game of his NBA Finals career in Game 2. Fs Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have really yet to truly get into this series, as the two only combined to shoot 4/16 and score 16 points in Game 2. HC Doc Rivers can't be thrilled about the fact that his team has yet to top 43.3 percent shooting from the field in this series. However, he can rest easily that the C's outrebounded the Lakers 44-39 in Game 2, just three days after getting their clocks cleaned 42-31 in that department.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+3
-3
192.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+3
-3
192.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+3
-3
192.5

Trends of Note: Including the Game 1 dud, the Celtics have now covered seven out of eight NBA Finals betting affairs against Los Angeles dating back to the '08 season. The Lakers are just 3-10-1 ATS in their L/14 against Boston overall. The C's are 6-2 ATS in their L/8 against the NBA playoff odds as favorites and are 8-3 ATS in their L/11 games overall. Los Angeles is only 5-14 ATS in its L/19 games playing on one day of rest, but Boston just snapped a five game ATS losing streak against the Western Conference in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

The Final Word: Does anyone else feel like it is now Kobe Time? Bryant and the Lakers know that they played perhaps their worst game possible, particularly on the outside on Sunday night. Playing well in the post once again will eventually yield a 'W' in Boston at some point, and we tend to believe that that victory is coming on Tuesday night. Look for Bryant to have another 30+ point showing as he carries the Lakers to victory.

Prediction: Los Angeles 100 – Boston 94

 
June 2nd, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The NBA Finals tips off on Thursday night at the Staples Center, and Cappers Info has the lowdown on Game 1 of NBA Finals betting action between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Boston Celtics (+5.5) @ Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
9:00 ET, Staples Center

Boston Notes: HC Doc Rivers has to be thankful that his team was given a few off days after playing back-to-back grueling six game series with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. The names that you have become familiar with have all taken their place and taken their turns as the stars of the Celtics. F Paul Pierce is averaging 19.1 points per game in the playoffs to pace the team, but he really didn't shine his brightest until the Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic when he scored 30+ points in two of the final three games of the series to help put Orlando away. G Rajon Rondo has also been huge for the C's, as he put together a monster series against Cleveland in which he averaged 20.7 points per game. Boston is allowing just under 92 points per game in the postseason, the best such mark in the league. The Celtics haven't scored more than 96 points in a game since Game 5 against the Cavs, but the defense has conceded 90 points or fewer in seven of its L/9 NBA playoff betting affairs.

Los Angeles Notes: The Lakers have a lot of issues coming into the NBA Finals, most notably the health of their C Andrew Bynum. Bynum had fluid drained from his knee earlier in the week in an effort to get him ready for the championship series. He was rather harmless in the Western Conference Finals, posting three games of four points or less. However, he was picked up on the inside by the play of both F Lamar Odom and F Pau Gasol. Gasol has been particularly stellar in these playoffs, averaging 20.0 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Odom has had five double-doubles in the postseason, and he has had at least either double digits in points or rebounds in seven consecutive games. However, when it's playoff time, it's Kobe Time. G Kobe Bryant has been absolutely unconscious at times in the postseason, as he has scored 30+ points in four straight games and reached the 35+ point plateau four times against the Suns in the Western Conference Finals. Bryant still feels disrespected by the way that Celtics fans treated him and his Lakers following the 2008 NBA Finals, and he will inevitably try to channel that aggression to lead the purple and gold to their second straight NBA title.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 1

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+5.5
-5.5
192
Diamond Sportsbook
+5.5
-5.5
191.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+5.5
-5.5
192

Trends of Note: The season series was split between these two teams one game apiece with both teams winning on the opponents' court. However, the Lakers' loss at Staples Center was largely thanks to the fact that Bryant didn't suit up that day. The C's covered all six NBA Finals odds in the 2008 series between the teams, including sticking within huge numbers in both Games 3, 4, and 5 in Tinseltown. Boston's only failed cover attempt at Staples Center since the '07-'08 regular season was in a 92-83 Christmas Day loss in the first meeting of these two teams after the Finals.

The Final Word: Boston has the horses to win this series, just as it did in 2008. The difference this year is that there has to be a win for the visitors at some point if the Celtics have hopes of winning it all. That may be just what happens on Thursday night, as the C's are going to use a stifling defense to once again take care of an opponent on enemy soil. The Cavs and Magic went a combined 1-3 SU and ATS on their home floor against this Boston squad in Games 1 and 2 of those series. Don't expect LA to do any better than that.

Prediction: Boston 98 – Los Angeles 93