Lakers Vs. Celtics Tonight on TNT

The Los Angeles Lakers (39-9) will take on the Boston Celtics (41-9) tonight at 8 p.m. ET on TNT in a battle for the best record in the NBA.

The Celtics are now on a 12-game winning streak and, with KG returning to the court tonight, could improve their win streak to 13 to extend their best record in the league.

With Andrew Bynum out for the next 8-12 weeks, the Lakers have shown the past two games that they can step up and outplay their opponents regardless of an injury, even one as critical as Bynum's.

Kobe Bryant dropped 61 points against the New York Knicks and followed that game with 36 points and nine rebounds against the Raptors. Bryant is out to prove that the Lakers are still the best team in the West, and in the last two games he's done just that.

Pau Gasol is literally playing out of his mind since moving to the center position. He scored 31 points along with 14 boards, five assists, and two blocks in 41 minutes against the Knicks. Wednesday night Gasol dropped another 31 points, grabbed down 15 rebounds, dished out four assists, grabbed two steals, and blocked two shots in 45 minutes of action.

Moving along to the Celtics…

In Kevin Garnett's two-game absence, Paul Pierce has clearly stepped up his game, posting 36 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and one block against the Timberwolves in 41 minutes of play. Pierce scored another 29 points against the 76ers, adding seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 37 minutes on the court.

Ray Allen has also picked up his scoring production in the last two games, putting up 22 points against the Timberwolves and 23 points against the 76ers, with three 3-point field-goals in each game.

Deciding the winner of this game comes down to which team wants it more. Kobe Bryant has a statement to make tonight, and if he can go out there and play his game and win in the TD Banknorth Garden Area, he will not only beat the best team in the league, he will capture the best record in the NBA.

KG and the Celtics will come out and look to shut down Kobe (if possible), and use their home court and fans to their advantage.

Who will win tonight’s game??? I guess we will just have to wait and see! Watch it tonight at 8 on TNT!!!