Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers - NBA Preview
One of the most awaited battles in National Basketball Association (NBA) takes places this Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics come face to face at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. Both the teams share enormous
experience and immense talent along with some of the finest players in the league.
Boston Celtics is leading in the Eastern Conference with 35 wins 10 defeats for this season whereas the two times defending champions currently stand at the second spot in Western Conference with 33 wins and 13 defeats.
The attention on the night though, will be focussed more on the clash between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’ Neal than the game itself. Shaq was once part of Lakers and paired with Bryant and to lead the Lakers for three successive
championship titles from 2000 to 2002. However, differences began to grow between the duo in the year that followed, prompting Shaq to leave the Lakers. Shaquille O'Neal might have reduced minutes on the night though as he is struggling from hip injury due
to which, he missed some recent games. However, the good news is he is expected to be the part of the squad as fans definitely want to see him against Bryant.
Celtics have played 25 matches on the home and have made T.D. Garden their fortress this season by winning 22. Their track record on the road isn’t too bad either. Out of the 20 games they have played this season, the C’s have
managed to win 13 and it will certainly be a fact that the Lakers need to be aware of. In their last 10 matches, the Celtics have lost only three games. Boston’s game play has been aggressive throughout the season against the top scoring teams.
In contrast, Lakers have played 23 games at home and on road this season. They have also been strong at the Staples centre with 18 wins. In the last 10 games, they were able to win 6. There major strength has always been their
defense, spearheaded by Kobe Bryant, who has been a vital player for the team for more than a decade now.
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