Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds
The Boston Celtics, in the second game of a four-game second-half opening West Coast trip, travel to Los Angeles to face the hated Lakers. Boston wiped L.A. by 21 in December, but this return matchup will be considerably more difficult with Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the floor this time.
The Celtics have won seven of eight, including three straight road triumphs, and sit just ahead of the Knicks in second in the East. That includes an easy, 121-110 win over a Golden State side missing Steph Curry on Thursday. For the Lakers, Doncic returned from his latest injury, a hamstring strain, and dropped 38 points and 11 assists on the crosstown-rival Clippers in a 125-122 victory on Friday.
Celtics vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
The Celtics are 18-10 straight up and against the spread on the road this season, and have gone 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall. Boston is comfortable in the role of favourite, having gone 28-12 in that position this season. The Lakers stink as dogs, going 8-15 this year. The Celtics have taken five of the past seven results against their traditional rivals.
The Celtics have played to the Under nine times in their past 11 games, with the Lakers going in the opposite direction, cashing the Over 18 times in 26 home contests.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics are in fine form and have ridden the leadership of Jaylen Brown all season. The Eastern Conference’s leading scorer, Brown, is averaging 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. He just posted his third triple-double this season, and fifth of his career, against the Warriors, going for 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists.
The Celtics are unfortunate to be without the services of superstar Jayson Tatum, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury suffered against the Knicks last postseason. However, Boston’s current Big Three, Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, have all played at least 50 games this year. Add in new arrival Nikola Vucevic from the Bulls to clean up in the paint, and Boston suddenly looks like a championship contender in a season where they were just supposed to keep their head above water until Tatum’s return.
Los Angeles Lakers
Dallas Mavericks fans must grab a vomit bag every time they see Doncic have an outing in Lakers gear like he did the other night. If it’s not the worst trade in NBA history, it’s at least in the discussion. Doncic’s performance the other night against the Clippers proves he’s ready and in form.
Doncic, Austin Reaves, and ageless wonder LeBron James have only played together 11 times this season. They are a formidable trio and, although tonight’s matchup will be without Tatum, both teams are at least fielding full rosters for who they were expecting to suit up this season.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Celtics vs. Lakers?
The Celtics have the roster, attitude, and perseverance to handle West Coast swings better than most squads. This has all the makings of one of the best games of the season.
Brown and Doncic should put on scoring clinics, James is always good for theatrics if he does not get a call against Boston, and deep rosters making contributions lend themselves to an instant classic. In the end, the slight advantage, despite coming in as modest underdogs, has to go to the Lakers, who should pull off a 117-113 decision.
BOS
LAL