NBA Championship Betting: Winner takes it all!

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 16 June 2010 / Leave a Comment

Hollywood ending?

"The Lakers are priced at a ridiculous [1.34] - a tremendous trading opportunity as they will surely trade bigger in running."

After the Lakers levelled the series on Tuesday night, one of the most hotly contested NBA Championships is going down to a winner takes all match on Thursday. So will the title go to Los Angeles or Boston? Nick Shiambouros selects the best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 89-67 to square the NBA Championship final series at 3-3 on Tuesday night. Facing elimination, the Lakers answered with a dominant performance to force a deciding game seven.

Boston started well and were the better team in the opening few minutes. The celebrity crowd watched in silence as they took a 12-10 lead early in the first quarter. But Los Angeles began to find their range and quickly established a 10 point lead. Kobe Bryant started to take over and helped build the lead to 20 points at the half.
　
After the interval, the Lakers kept the pressure on Boston and finished the game in determined fashion to seal the victory.

It's fitting that the championship will go to a winner-take-all game seven on Thursday night as both teams have provided fans with one of the most competitive series in NBA history. They are so closely matched it is difficult to predict who will have the Hollywood ending.

The Celtics have a perfect 4-0 record against the Lakers in game seven situations. This statistic may give Boston a psychological edge in this championship decider. Boston coach Doc Rivers will use his exceptional motivational skills to drive this point home to his team.
　
The Lakers are currently priced at a ridiculous [1.34] to win this final encounter. I believe this represents a tremendous trading opportunity as they will surely trade bigger in running. I can't see Boston rolling over and conceding defeat from the opening tip.

Both teams will be very nervous at the start but I think Los Angeles may feel the pressure a little more. Boston will once again play a slow half court game. They are the best defensive team in basketball and will try to choke the life out of Los Angeles. If they can hold them in the early going I think they have a real chance of winning the championship.

This is probably the last time that this current Celtic rotation will be seen on a basketball court together. It remains to be seen if Ray Allen or Rasheed Wallace will return next season. It has even been rumoured that the great Kevin Garnett is considering retirement. They are one win away from basketball immortality.

Recommended bets:

Thursday lay the Los Angeles Lakers at [1.34].