posted June 12, 2008 at 18:32 EST in NBA Articles

“KG and Pierce weren’t scoring in Game 3! The Celtics are going to rip them tonight!”

“Ray Allen is back, babyyyyyy!”

“Rondo’s ankle is no problem for us…he’s a beast.”

And so goes the diatribe with the Boston Celtics fans, drunk and dizzy with success and All-Star power. The truth is that KG and Pierce were, indeed, shooting poorly. Both combined for 18-points in Game 3, with most of Garnett’s coming in the fourth. Whether they’re on or not is inconsequential because everyone seems to conveniently forget that LAMAR ODOM AND PAU GASOL WERE SHOOTING LIKE DRUNKS.

Boston Celtics (66-16) vs. LA Lakers (57-25)

Thursday, June 12th --- STAPLES Center, LA --- 9:00pm EST

Series: Bos 2-1

NBA Betting Line: LA -7.5 (191.5)

The usually stable tandem of Gasol/Odom pulled in a measly 13-points, though both were able to contribute on the boards and rarely missed their defensive assignments. Sure, you can believe that KG and Pierce will resurrect in to their normal selves on the road (riiiight). But who’s more likely to return to their normal selves? Pau and Lamar at home, or KG and Pierce on the road? And what if Ray Ray vanishes again?

Now that we’ve talked about the intangibles, let’s talk about the numbers. The Celtics are now 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games, though they remain 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games on the road. They are still an unreliable road team, despite the large spread. I will never trust them on the road. Never.

The Lakers meanwhile have stumbled to a 2-4 ATS record in their last 6 games, while going 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games at home. The Lakers are still 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games at home. That also isn’t good, especially with the caliber of Boston’s boys in green walking on to the hardwood. Tonight, I expect the Celtics to continue their woes on the road, while Kobe and the Lakers’ big three take this game and even the series.

I’d be pissed too if all the media was talking about was KG and Pierce. Lamar and Gasol are the guys to watch as they blow up at home. You’ve been warned.

NBA Furious Free Pick: LA -7.5 (OVER)

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