NBA Finals Game 1 Predictions: Lakers @ Celtics 9:00pm (ABC)

So here we are less than 2 hours from the tip-off of Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals, and the historic rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers is about to open up a new chapter. Tonight we will bear witness to a long anticipated NBA Finals match-up between these two teams and it should make for some exciting basketball.

The last time these two teams were pitted against each other in an NBA Final I was about to be born, a long 21 years ago this upcoming June 11th. The old 80s player rivalries of Bird vs. Magic, McHale vs. Rambis and Parrish vs. Jabaar when I was born, have been re-made for the 2000s in the form of Garnett vs. Gasol, Pierce vs. Radmanovic and Bryant vs. Allen. These new rivalries will hopefully live up to those of Celtics/Lakers past.

There is, of course, another rivalry brewing in this series which involves former Celtics coach Red Auerbach and current Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Jackson is on the verge of surpassing Auerbach's current coaching record of 9 NBA Championships (Auerbach was however, the "architect" of all 16 of the Celtics championships.) Jackson had 6 NBA Championships while coaching the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in the 1990s and has 3 NBA Championships coaching the Lakers.

As you may know, Auerbach recently died just before this season began and the Celtics dedicated the 2008 season in his memory. I am sure the Celtics players are aware of what Jackson could accomplish by winning a 10th championship, and I am positive they will not let Jackson win that 10th championship...at least this year against THIS team.

The Lakers and Celtics have combined for 30 NBA Championships (16 for the Celtics/14 for the Lakers.) The Celtics currently hold the NBA record for most championships however the Lakers are not far behind. This series is not only the start of a new chapter in the history of the historic franchise but it is also a last shot for the Celtics to re-establish themselves as the best franchise in NBA history of all time. You can argue however you want, but the Celtics have the most rings and numbers don't lie.

I believe tonight the Celtics will dominate the Lakers, not just as a fan but as an analyst. They have such tremendous energy playing on their home court that they are nearly invincible, as we have witnessed throughout the 2008 playoffs. The Celtics are going to outright outphysical the Lakers to every loose ball, which will eventually pave the way to Game 1 victory.

GAME PREDICTIONS
Halftime score: 46-42 Celtics by 4
Final Score: 93-88 Celtics by 5
Vegas Odds Celtics -2.5;Lakers +2.5 (+/- 192)

Check back Sunday for my NBA Finals Game 2 Predictions right here @ Pat's Sports Journal!