Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds

Andrew Rogers | Updated Dec 07, 2021

The Lakers are hitting their offensive stride: they’ve scored 110+ points in five consecutive games, and average the fourth-most points in the NBA at 111.7 points per game.

Boston
51-31
AT
December 07, 2021, 10:00 PM ET
Staples Center
L.A. Lakers
33-49
Pointspread +4 -110
Moneyline +150
Over / Under o +219.5

54%

Betting Action

46%

Pointspread -4 -110
Moneyline -180
Over / Under u +219.5

54%

Betting Action

46%

The latest edition of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry takes on added meaning for Los Angeles, which looks to avenge a one-sided loss in Boston as the teams renew hostilities Tuesday. The Lakers were on the wrong end of a 130-108 decision back on Nov. 19, but will have LeBron James available for Tuesday’s rematch against a Celtics team that is coming off its most impressive offensive showing of the season in Portland over the weekend.

L.A. is a 2.5-point favourite to win on the NBA odds, with a total of 219.0.

Celtics vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds

Expect to see plenty of action on the visitors in this one for a couple of compelling reasons. First, the Celtics have dominated the head-to-head series, having gone 8-4 straight up in the past 12 with six consecutive covers against the Lakers. There’s also the small issue of Los Angeles having gone just 4-11 against the spread as the home team at Staples Center this season. The Lakers have also dropped three of their last four at home, including two as a favourite.

The total for Tuesday’s hotly-anticipated rematch is expected to be several points higher than that Nov. 19 encounter, which easily soared past the number. And while that has been the prevailing trend for the Lakers this season (15-9 O/U), it’s a bit of a departure for a Celtics team that has converted the Over in just 10 of its first 24 games. But facing the Lakers just brings that out in Boston, with these teams having gone 7-1 O/U in their last eight meetings.

Boston Celtics

Bettors might want to avoid betting on the Celtics’ team total, given how unpredictable the Boston offence has been of late. The Celtics’ last five games have featured two 88-point performances, a 130-point effort in a loss to Utah and a 145-point explosion against the Trail Blazers. Boston will look to duplicate its impressive showing the last time it faced the Lakers, when it shot 50 per cent from the floor and out-rebounded Los Angeles 51-33.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are hitting their offensive stride: they’ve scored 110+ points in five consecutive games, and average the fourth-most points in the NBA at 111.7 ppg. Unfortunately for the Purple and Gold, their defence has been a major liability, surrendering 113.4 points per game – second-most in the NBA. Foul trouble has been one of the biggest issues for the Lakers, who allow 23.5 opponent free throws per contest (second-most in the league).

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Celtics vs. Lakers?

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