Betting split for the opener of hyped Finals

Gamblers on the NBA can only hope that the Lakers and Boston Celtics play up to expectations and make this year’s Finals a well-contested, seven-game series.

Just imagine: All-day every day for two weeks, Kobe Bryant vs. Boston’s trio of all-stars. By the time Game 7 rolled around, pro basketball bets would be in overdrive.

For sports gambling, the timing could not be better for the NBA’s marquee event. Ever since the heady days of the 1980s, when the Lakers and Celtics dominated the NBA Finals, the league has had a long list of championship matchups that failed to attract casual bettors.

Whether it was San Antonio’s victory over Cleveland last year or the Lakers’ four-game sweep over New Jersey in 2002, the Finals have lacked the drama needed to boost betting interest. A lengthy battle between two popular and evenly matched teams could be the answer to that.

Although the Lakers are favored to win the series at -180 (according to Bodoglife.com’s updated odds), Boston is listed as a 2 1/2 -point favorite to win Game 1 at TD Banknorth Garden.

Betting action has been split for Thursday’s opener.

With the Lakers’ moneyline listed at +110 to +125, heavy money has flowed in their direction to win straight up, according to InsideVegas.com’s betting chart. On some boards, the Lakers had received more than 80% of the early moneyline wagers.

The Celtics held a slight edge when it came to plays against the point spread. As of Tuesday, Boston had received 58.10% of the picks against the point line, according to Wagerline.com.

It should be noted that both teams will be well rested for Thursday’s game and that may be a problem for Boston.

The Lakers, who have not played since they defeated San Antonio to close out the Western Conference finals on May 29, are 8-2 overall and 7-3 against the point spread in their last 10 games with three days or more rest.

When the Celtics -- who have not played since they finished Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals on May 30 -- have had three days or more rest, they are 3-3 overall and 3-3 against the point spread this season.

Pro hockey

Only one team has rallied to win the Stanley Cup finals after losing the first two games on the road. The Montreal Canadiens did it in 1971 when they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in seven games.

Tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins will continue their quest to join the Canadiens when they host the Detroit Red Wings in Game 6 of this year’s finals at Mellon Arena.

Pittsburgh is listed as the underdog for tonight’s game at +110 to +120. The Red Wings are listed as -130 favorites.

This story is not intended as a tip sheet but is an account of significant betting taking place in the sports world.

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lonnie.white@latimes.com