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June, 17 2008 9:00pm EST
ATS: Los Angeles Lakers +4.5 (-110)
LOSS for -3 unit(s)

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics

I'm taking the points with the LAKERS. As you're probably aware, the celtics have covered every game in this series thus far. That has kept tonight's line generously high, despite the fact that the Celtics are somewhat banged-up and despite the fact that the Lakers are playing a 'must win' game. Yes, the Celtics would love to close out the series here. However, they've already lost a pair of Game 6's (at Atlanta and at Cleveland) only to win easily in Game 7, and the feeling that "there is always another game if we lose this one" may be difficult to get rid of entirely. Obviously, that's not the case for the Lakers, who have already won one game, when facing elimination. Then there are the nagging "bumps and bruises." Center Kendrick Perkins missed Game 5 with a shoulder injury and there's a good chance that he won't be ready for tonight's game. While it seemingly hasn't hurt his level of play too much, Paul Pierce still isn't at his best. Rajon Rondo is slowed by a "tender ankle" and Ray Allen had to leave LA immediately after Game 5 due to a "health issue" with one of his children. This is a difficut scheduling spot (for both teams) and Doc Rivers already seems to be getting his "excuse" ready, saying: "It's a terrible turnaround. It's as tough as you can have. I think going West to East is tougher. Sleep patterns are messed up. It's a tough one. There's no way around it..."

The Lakers have only played one 'Game 6' in these playoffs thus far. That was at Utah, which was the most difficult venue in the league this season. The Lakers had lost their previous two games at Utah in the series but won that important Game 6 clash outright. Despite dropping the first two games here, the Lakers are still an excellent 16-8-2 ATS as underdogs this season. They finally got a good game from Gasol (19 points, 13 rebounds) in Game 5 and I look for another massive team effort this evening. *Main Event

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Boston Celtics @ Los Angeles Lakers Sunday June 15, 2008 9:05 pm
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Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics Sunday June 8, 2008 9:00 pm
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