Online World Cup betting players will be breaking down each game for the big tournament by each matchup, and NBA betting players will be aiming to do so in Game 3 of the Finals, which will be held in Boston on Tuesday. The backcourts have been the deciding factor in both games so far, so which gets the edge in Game 3?
Bet On Celtics Lakers – Tuesday, June 8, 9:00 PM ET
Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo struggled in Game 1, going 9-of-22 from the field for 25 combined points in a 102-89 loss, and Rondo was a game-low -17 on the night. But the duo bounced back with a vengeance in Game 2's 103-94 win as Allen set an NBA Finals-record with eight three-pointers, including an unconscious first half in which he nailed all seven of his attempts from beyond the arc en route to a game-high 32 points. Meanwhile, Rondo quietly picked up the fifth triple-double of his playoff career (and second of these playoffs), posting 19 points, 12 boards and 10 assists. The Lakers keyed on Allen in the second half, but then it was Rondo time and the young guard put the team on his back. It was essential that the guards played well as Paul Pierce was struggling to notch 10 points in the face of Ron Artest's tough defense, shooting 2-of-11 from the field.
Derek Fisher did a great job on Rondo in Game 1, racking up a +18 as he frustrated the young guard. Kobe Bryant had 30 points in the win, shooting an efficient 10-of-22 from the field. IT was a different story in Game 2 as Bryant had just 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting, but he had foul troubles and ended up playing 34 minutes in the game. Fisher was 2-of-8 from the field for six points in Game 2, and the Lakers had to switch Bryant onto Allen after it was clear that Fisher couldn't handle him. However, that came at a cost as Rondo tore up the Lakers in the second half. If the Lakers are going to survive this NBA final betting matchup, Fisher needs to find a way to stay with either Allen or Rondo.
Those waiting to bet on a 2010 World Cup contest could compare this matchup to midfield battles in South Africa: the winner of the clash in the middle of the field will usually win the game. The Celtics are 2.5-point favorites on Tuesday night, but they're going to be facing a guard duo who was embarrassed by the way they played on Sunday night. Bryant and Fisher have been down this road together before, and they'll step up on Tuesday night on the road. Rondo could have another big night, but Allen has been up and down during this playoff run.
Online betting pick: Lakers +2.5