After two days of rest, the 2008 NBA Finals resume, as the Celtics and Lakers will meet for Game 2 at the TD BanknNorth Garden tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET.  Pierce, who sprained his knee and made a dramatic return in Boston's series-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers, after being carried off the floor in the second half, said Saturday that he will 'definitely' play in Game 2 on Sunday.  The Celtics kicked off their first NBA Finals appearance since 1987 in style, winning an eventful grind-out game on their home floor, 98-88. Boston fans were hit with a scare mid-third quarter, when Paul Pierce fell to the ground grimacing in pain, but the Celtics captain was not about to let his first Finals outing end that way.  Minutes after being wheeled out on a wheelchair Pierce came back into the game and brought energy to the Garden floor.  Moments later, number 34 assured his wellbeing with back-to-back three-point bombs to lift the moment to its furthest extremes.  The oddsmakers at bodoglife.com currently have the LA Lakers -1 favorites to Boston heading into this NBA Finals odds prediction. 

A Game 2 victory is crucial for the Celtics to obtain, as the following three games will be played at the Staples Center, where the Lakers have not lost a game since March 28.  The Celtics have proven they can win on the road, taking two games in Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals.  These are the LA Lakers and they haven't lost at home yet in these playoffs and all they want to do is take one in Boston and go home.  Celtics need this game tonight but it will be tough.  Anything is possible on the road, as we’ve learned this postseason.  Get your popcorn ready for a dogfight, folks.
 
All eyes will be on Paul Pierce tonight as the Celtics try to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the finals.  Three more wins and the Boston Celtics are going to make us all very, very happy.  After a thrilling Game 1 victory in the NBA Finals, there is a great deal to feel good about, particularly the play of Paul Pierce.  However, Pierce's near catastrophic knee injury had a lot of Celtics fans fearing the worst, but a Larry Legend sequel return to the floor five minutes later energizing the team and the fans to victory.  Kevin Garnett has promised to make amends for his poor finish, and Pierce is sure the ultra-intense KG will keep his word. "He's so hard on himself.  He wants to play the perfect game,"Pierce said.  "We're all like that in our ways.  And if a bad game is 24 points and 13 rebounds, I can't wait until he has a good game."

NBA Angle plays for this NBA Playoff Picks Matchup When LA LAKERS team Played as Road team as a Favorite - playing on Sunday - Last 4 years 9-2 SU in this spot.  When LA LAKERS team Played as Road team as a Favorite - After a non conference game - playing on Sunday 17-4 SU in this spot.

View NBA Finals Betting Predictions at OnlineSportsHandicapping.com before you bet on bet on NBA Finals Basketball at bodoglife.com

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