The Los Angeles Lakers have played at the 5th-most up-tempo pace in the NBA over the last 20 games, which ought to raise opportunities for the Boston Celtics.Offensive rebounds save possession and result in additional opportunities for scoring and assists, and the Celtics grade out 3rdbest in in the NBA with 13.2 offensive boards per game over the last 5 games.The Lakers have given up the 5th-least offensive boards per game (9.9) in the NBA to the other team over the last 15 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them may therefore eliminate further opportunities for scoring and assists).Al Horford has successfully made an impressive 100.0% of his foul shot attempts this year, a big improvement over his 72.6 rate last year.This year, opposing squads have attempted 19.2 foul shots per game (3rd-lowest in the league) against the Lakers, facing an uphill battle to get to the charity stripe.
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