SBG Global reports that early NBA betting has the public taking Celtics at Home.

NBA Finals Betting Preview
Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics (Game One)
Thursday, 9:05 pm Eastern - ABC

SBG Global Opening Line: Celtics  - 2.5, Total  192 

The Celtics and Lakers know each other very well in terms of the NBA Finals.  They have met a total of 10 times in NBA Finals history with the Celtics winning eight of those matchups.  It has been a long time since the two teams have met in the Finals (1987) and both teams are excited about the history. "I feel like a little kid," said Celtics forward Paul Pierce, "Now I understand that, hey, I'm going to be a part of history. This is something I grew up watching, the Laker-Celtics rivalries."  Lakers head coach Phil Jackson will be trying to win his record 10th title. He is currently tied with Celtic’s legend Red Auerbach with 9 titles.  The rivalry between the two teams has never really disappeared even though they haven’t met in the finals in over 20 years. "I think this is a great thing not just for the NBA, but just for sports in general," Lakers guard Derek Fisher said. "I think it's a great thing when the best gets a chance to compete against the best, and whoever comes out on top, they earned it. I think both teams should be proud to be here."

SBG Global Current Line: Celtics  - 2.5, Total  192 

The one big advantage for the Lakers is league MVP Kobe Bryant.  He can take over a game like no other player in the league. "He's the captain of this team, and we follow his lead," Lamar Odom said. "Kobe is the first one in the gym, the last one to leave. He's the first one in the weight room, the last one to leave. You try to compete against him and there's no competing against him. If we have a 10 o'clock practice, Kobe is there at 8:45 preparing to be the best. And some of that has rubbed off on me and my teammates, and that's the only reason why I'm sitting here talking today."  Bryant has some solid help in Odom and center Pau Gasol in addition to Fisher.  The Lakers have the experience with Kobe and Fisher but the Celtics are not intimidated. "At the end of the day, it's just basketball," Kevin Garnett said. "You play the way you know. You bring what you bring, play with your heart and soul and play together, play as a team." 

Here are the NBA betting stats for Thursday’s game.  The Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games. The Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days of rest. The Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 playoff games as an underdog. The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Atlantic. The Lakers are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall. The Lakers are 19-7-2 ATS in their last 28 games as a road underdog. The Lakers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 NBA Championship games. The Lakers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Boston. The road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings between the two teams. 

The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the Western Conference. The Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Thursday games. The Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. the Pacific. The Celtics are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall. The Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite. 

The Under is 8-0 in the Lakers last 8 Thursday games. The Under is 5-0 in the Lakers last 5 overall. The Under is 6-1 in the Lakers last 7 games as a road underdog. The Under is 6-1 in the Lakers last 7 games as an underdog. The Over is 5-1 in the Lakers last 6 vs. the Atlantic. The Under is 6-2 in the Lakers last 8 road games. 

The Over is 4-1 in the Celtics last 5 games as a home favorite. The Under is 8-3 in the Celtics last 11 Thursday games.

• Receive up to 135% in Total Bonuses from SBG Global!
• 50% Casino Deposit Bonus
• 30% Initial Deposit Bonus
• 30% Re-Up Bonus
• 10% Buddy Referral

*Bonuses have restrictions, please contact customer service.

---