2008 NBA Finals - Bodog Odds for Lakers Vs. Celtics

Tonight, the 2008 NBA Finals will get underway, and the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers will meet with the championship on the line for a record 11th time. Legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain have been replaced with Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, but that doesn’t mean that anyone has forgotten this rivalry.

For example, a young Kobe Bryant managed to follow the legendary games between the two teams in the 80s, even though he grew up in Italy. This was thanks to tapes shipped to him by his grandfather.

CELTICS/LAKERS RIVALRY

The two franchises first played for the title in 1959. While the Celtics were located in Boston, the Lakers of that time were based in Minneapolis. The Celtics swept them decisively in four games.

During the 60s, they would meet six more times, with the Celtics coming out on top each time. After building up an 8-0 advantage in their championship conflicts, the Celtics would finally fall to their rivals in 1985 and ‘87.

The Celtics have won a total of 16 NBA titles, which is the most in the history of the NBA. The Lakers, however, are close behind with 14.

TEAM LEADERS

The Lakers are led by this year’s MVP, Kobe Bryant. He was also the 2nd highest scorer in the league in 2007/08, and arguably the best player among the current crop of NBA superstars.

The Celtics, on the other hand, are led by the dream trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. After coming over from the hopeless Timberwolves, Garnett made an immediate impact. In fact, some argued that he should have been selected the league’s Most Valuable Player over Bryant.

EA SPORTS SIMULATION

Each year, EA Sports simulates the NBA Finals using their latest edition of NBA Live. The results are usually very accurate, with their only miss to date being the Suns/Spurs series. According to the simulation, the Lakers will win in a nail-biting seven game series. Kobe will average 29 points a game and score 38 in the final game of the series. Of course, the real results remain to be seen.

BODOG ODDS - NBA FINALS

Our friends at Bodog’s online sports book have a ton of bets available for the NBA fan. Besides just betting on the outcome of each game, you can also try your hand at wagering on such stats as points, rebounds and assists. With Bodog, almost every possibility is available.

Here are just a few examples of what’s available:

Game 1 - Lakers at Celtics

Lakers +3

Celtics -3

Who will win the 2008 NBA Finals MVP Award?

Derek Fisher (LAL) 30/1

Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1/ 2

Lamar Odom (LAL) 20/1

Pau Gasol (LAL) 12/1

Luke Walton (LAL) 75/1

Ronny Turiaf (LAL) 100/1

Rajon Rondo (BOS) 25/1

Ray Allen (BOS) 10/1

Paul Pierce (BOS) 4/1

Kevin Garnett (BOS) 7/2

Sam Cassell (BOS) 75/1

(NOTE: Several other players are also available. See Bodog for a complete list.)

How many points will Kobe Bryant average per game during the NBA Finals?

Over 28 ½ (-125)

How many combined points and rebounds will Kevin Garnett average during the 2008 NBA Finals?

Over 32 (-110)

Under 32 (-120)

For more gambling news, check out the following:

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2008 NBA Finals - Bodog Odds for Lakers Vs. Celtics