In such a back-and-forth, unpredictable series, NBA betting fans need all the help they can get to wrap their minds around the NBA Finals. Here are some trends to look at for Game 5, which goes down at the TD Garden in Boston.
NBA FINALS – GAME 5
Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
Sunday, June 13, 8:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook spread: Celtics -3.5
LAKERS TRENDS
Despite falling in Game 4 after Glen "Big Baby" Davis went off against them in the fourth quarter, the Lakers have generally been solid of late during playoff games with the spread against them. They're 5-2 ATS in their last seven NBA Finals games and also 5-2 ATS in their last playoff games as an underdog.
One interesting factor to consider; does life in L.A. – and the parties that accompany it – take its toll? The Lakers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven Sunday games. That said, they'll be on the road and perhaps free of their usual temptations.
CELTICS TRENDS
The spread stats suggest that Boston will be tough to topple at home in Game 5. The Celtics are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 NBA Finals games and they're also 8-3 ATS over their last 11 home games. Their 5-0 record ATS over their last five playing on two days rests suggests that having Friday and Saturday off could do wonders for the Celtics' NBA odds.
HEAD-TO-HEAD TRENDS
Arguably, the head-to-head trends are the most important spread numbers to follow. The Lakers have beaten the spread in just two of their last eight trips to Boston and just four times in their last 16 meetings overall. The numbers seem to suggest Boston will cover on Sunday night.
OVER/UNDER TRENDS
Given that each of these teams crack the NBA's top 10 in defensive proficiency, it should come as little surprise to sports betting sharps that the trends overwhelmingly favor the UNDER. The under is 6-1 in the Celtics' last seven home games and 4-1-1 in the Lakers' last six NBA Finals matchups. It's also 4-1-1 over the last six meetings between these two teams.
