Boston, MA (My Sportsbook) - The
Los Angeles Lakers and
Boston Celtics rekindle one of the most famed rivalries in sports when the teams meet at the FleetCenter on Thursday.
The Lakers are off to a disappointing 2-3 start to the season, but have been without the services of Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal, who underwent toe surgery in September, is eligible to be activated off the injured list, but will likely not see action until Tuesday's home game against Atlanta.
Los Angeles is coming off a stunning 89-70 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday in which the team set a franchise-low for points in a game. LA's previous low was 74, which was set three times, the last coming November 7, 2000 in Houston.
Kobe Bryant narrowly missed his third straight triple-double, as he had 15 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers. He had recorded triple- doubles against the Clippers and Blazers in the previous two outings.
No player has had three triple-doubles in a row since Grant Hill for Detroit in April 1997, and no Laker has accomplished the feat since Magic Johnson did it in four straight during the 1986-87 season.
Meanwhile, Boston has won two straight after starting the season with a pair of losses.
Antoine Walker scored 22 points to lead six Celtics in double figures, as Boston cruised to a 91-69 win over Chicago at the United Center Wednesday. Paul Pierce added 17 points for the Celtics, who avenged a 99-96 loss to the Bulls on opening night at the FleetCenter.
Eric Williams chipped in 12 points, Shammond Williams contributed 11 points, while Tony Battie and Walter McCarty each scored 10. Battie added a game-high 14 rebounds.
Boston shot just 37 percent from the field, including hitting only 7-of-33 three-pointers, but held the Bulls to 30 percent shooting.
Boston won both meetings with the Lakers last season after dropping the previous four meetings. However, Los Angeles has won five of the last seven matchups at Boston.
LA, in the midst of a three-game road trip, is just 1-2 as the visitor this year, while the Celtics post an 0-1 home mark.
