Thinkwin's EASTWESTwin report
 Sunday June 8th 9:00 PM ET

LAKERS-1 at CELTICS

I missed a better early line on this game, but wanted to get a  feel for the game and the  injury factors involving the Celtics.  Sounds like Paul Pierce will be OK, and maybe a strained knee ligament  ( the way he describes the sharp pain).  If he warms up well he should be  good, except if  lateral movement  aggravates it.     Center Kendrick Perkins concerns me more.  He is described as having a high ankle sprain, and that will probably create a problem with his  ability to hold ground inside,  to move quickly and surely, and to get up in the air where his rebounding has been so important.  I would expect the  Lakers to test him early for starters.
 
This line is crazy cheap with Celts getting a point at home,  but injuries to key players can be huge, and  Phil Jackson will make strategic adjustments and his Laker team should  play much better tonight.  They have usually bounced back off a road loss in these playoffs,  and Kobe can be expected  to shoot better and look to take over the game earlier.  The Lakers were also chided to not being physical and I look for that to improve tonight.
 
This is a interesting game because of the Celts injury factor.  I just can't take chances of backing the "unknown" in such a huge game.  Celts game #1 was hugely emotional for them and we may see a  bit of flatness off that emotion as well.  I'll look for the Lakers to win this second game on the road.  They should be acclimated better to the surroundings and the New  Boston  Garden madhouse in addition to  improved play tonight.  

LAKERS -1 * * *

26-9 run in playoffs since second round.


Posted by Thinkwin   on Jun-08 11:39 AM 


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