Handicapping

Two years ago the most storied franchises in NBA history battled for the 2008 NBA title. At that time, the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, were making more history, as they had gone from one of the worst teams in the NBA during the 2006-2007 season to one of the best in the 2007-2008 season. The team capped off the monumental turn around by defeating Western Conference champion Los Lakers led by Kobe Bryant for the team's first NBA title since the Bird era.

Fans participating in NBA betting can wager or both storied franchises again as the teams clash for the second time in the last three years. Last night, the Lakers dominated the Celtics, defeating them 89-102. NBA championship betting odds, have the Lakers at a -230 favorite in each of the games as they were last year's NBA champion, and have been to the finals each of the last three years.

Kobe Bryant continues to further his legacy as perhaps the greatest player in the history of NBA as he dominated the Celtics defense at times in last night's match up. Bryant can do it all, as not only did he put the team on his back offensively, but also was able to use dynamic forwards, Paul Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Ron Artest.

As noted earlier, the game saw the Lakers dominate at times, something the team was unable to do in the 2008 final. However similar to the 2008 final, the Celtics appear healthy and look to win a second championship in the last three years. Conversely, the Lakers look to become back to back champions for the first time since 2002 when they reeled off three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. After drawing first blood in game one, the Lakers hope to maintain their strong play and finish the finals early. However in round two, the Cleveland Cavaliers took the first game of that series and then proceeded to lose in six, so fans should not count the Celtics out just yet.