2010 NBA Finals Game Four Handicap: Boston Celtics in a Must Win Situation

Game Three was a mess for the Boston Celtics and in the end the Lakers wanted the game more.  With seconds to go Ray Allen hoisted up another miss on the night and when Derrick Fisher grabbed the ball and went coast to coast the game was over. 

The Celtics starred at him flat footed most of the way only reacting in time to foul Fisher and watch him seal up the victory.  After the game Fisher was overrun with emotion and that summed up what the Celtics were missing.

Now it’s time for Game Four and the pressure sits firmly with the Boston Celtics.

Brobury Sports has posted the Celtics as 3.5 point favorites which was very close to the line they posted in Game Three.  The total is set at 191 standing pat with the series total price although the last game went well under the total.

Ray Allen has to shoot better, Paul Pierce has to stay out of foul trouble, and Kevin Garnett has to have another productive game.  The bench has to produce early and often, the big men have to get physical, and Rondo has to control the tempo.  This has to happen right now in Game Four or the Celtics would have to run the table and that is not going to happen.

 

Doc Rivers has done his part.  He complained to the front office about the moving screens that the Lakers were committing in Game Three. He sent video tapes to the front office and complained to the media, a very Phil Jackson-like move.  This is an attempt to get the refs to call more fouls against the Lakers and give the Celtics home cooking for Game Four.

Andrew Bynum is playing through pain and the Lakers had more than one moment when they sat back and let Kobe do all of the work.  The Lakers seemed to be playing well enough to win and working the Celtics over on the inside, but with KG playing aggressive and actually driving to the lane it opened things up.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will be better—after all, they have to be.  If Allen makes one shot he will be better and if Paul Pierce guards Ron Artest and Luke Walton for most of the game he should play more minutes.

The bench for the Celtics has been impressive and Glenn Davis was aggressive on offense and Tony Allen looked good on defense against Kobe.  If they bring that same drive and determination to this game, the Celtics will win.

The Celtics have had the edge lately as they are 10-4-1 against the spread (ATS) in the last 15 games against the Lakers.  They tend to rebound well after a loss as well as they are 6-1 ATS in the last seven games after a straight up loss.

This game is a challenge for the big three to step and have a big game and all of them have something to prove tonight.  The Celtics will come out aggressive and win and cover Game Four.

Predicted Final: Boston 102 Lakers 93

(Bet: Boston -3.5 )