I actually think this is a must win for the Celtics more so than the Lakers.
1. Celts are at home where they've played significantly better all playoffs.
2. Celts are fresh after 5 days rest and this will be the most rested they will be all series. The Big 3 have played a lot of minutes all season and in to the playoffs and PJ and Casell are ancient.
3. A loss at home in Game 1 would put a TON of pressure on Boston and no one on their team sans Posey has ever been in Finals type pressure. It would be devastating to their psyche, IMO.
I do agree a split would be ideal, but I'm not ready to call it a necessity ... yet
Mainly it's ideal because while it's great to have 3 home games in a row, it's also very tough to win 3 games in a row in the playoffs regardless of venue. That's why it would be nice to steal one of the first two, then you can lose one at home without too much worry.
My pick would be the Lakers lose tonight but win game 2, which would be fine with me