June 17, 2008

Game 6: Lakers at Celtics (Celtics lead 3-2)

The Boston Celtics had their chances to nail down banner No. 17 Sunday night at Staples Center but the Los Angeles Lakers weren't ready to die. The Lakers managed to put their historic collapse in Game 4 behind them with a 103-98 victory to earn another cross country flight for Tuesday's Game 6 of the NBA Finals at TD Banknorth Garden.

Boston is still in great shape, but there are some danger signs. The 48-hour turnaround to the next game works against the Celtics. Kendrick Perkins didn't play Sunday with an injured shoulder and he's unlikely to see action when the series shifts to Beantown. Point guard Rajon Rondo was hobbled again with his sprained ankle and Paul Pierce played almost 48 minutes Sunday, so no telling how much gas is left in his tank.

The newest concern for the Eastern Conference champs is the availability of Ray Allen, who left Staples Center because of a health issue with one of his children. It has been announced that Allen is expected to play in Game 6.

The key plays in the final minutes on Sunday pretty much went the Lakers' way, and for the first time, the Celtics looked like they might have been worn down. Los Angeles served notice it's ready to match Boston's more assertive style of play.

The Lakers wouldn't be making this return trip to Boston without the assistance of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, who have taken the brunt of the criticism for the teams failing in this series. Odom contributed 11 boards and 20 points and Gasol chipped in with 19 points, 13 boards and six assists.

With Perkins out, the Celtics might be out of whack - the Lakers suddenly have room to roam.

Pierce was magnificent once again, but none of his teammates stepped up and delivered. Allen was 4-for-13 and Kevin Garnett, except for his work on the glass (seven offensive and seven defensive rebounds), was unspectacular with 13 points, zero assists and four turnovers.

Kobe Bryant got more help than Pierce, but the only beautiful aspect of the game for the Lakers was the final score.

Los Angeles still hasn't figured out how to defend the screen-and-roll and its defense was often caught out of position. The Lakers can thank their lucky stars that the Celtics missed 10 layups.

Bryant hasn't shot well in four of the five games. He couldn't penetrate the Boston defense and overall he was 8-for-21 from the field, including 6-of-18 on his jumpers.

Vladimir Radmanovic was once again missing in action and Sasha Vujacic (2-for-10) was more of a hindrance than a help.

The Celtics have now 'covered' seven straight this season against the Lakers dating back to the regular season. Boston is 14-5 ATS of late at home and 27-11-1 off an ATS win.

Los Angeles is 0-9-1 ATS in its last 10 Finals appearances. The Lakers have cashed at a 21-9-1 clip on the road and at an 11-4-1 rate off a SU win.

The Celtics have been on the high side in five of their last seven home games. However, they have slipped 'under' in five of six when playing with one day's rest and in five straight after allowing 100 points or more.

Los Angeles has been on the low side in six straight when playing with one night off and in seven of its last 10 on the highway.

Most offshore books opened Boston as 3 1/2-point favorites with the 'total' set at 192.

Check out our NBA odds and matchup reports.