Boston Celtics Vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Preview, And Betting Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are set to clash in an exciting matchup on Thursday, February 01, 2024, at 05:30 PM ET at the TD Garden (Boston). Here’s a comprehensive preview of the game, including betting odds, and a game prediction.
Match Prediction Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
This game becomes a fascinating story of one team’s depth versus another’s superstar power. The Celtics’ balanced attack and home-court advantage give them the edge, but LeBron’s ability to take over games cannot be underestimated. If Tatum and Brown find their rhythm and the Celtics’ defense holds firm, they can overcome the Davis-less Lakers.
My Pick: is the Celtics -4.5, but expect a LeBron-fueled Lakers effort that might keep it close.
Head to Head
- Celtics lead 150-124 (.545 win percentage)
- Points per game: Boston 104.3, Los Angeles 103.2
- Home win percentage: Celtics 84-62 (57.6%), Lakers 62-84 (42.4%)
- Away win percentage: Celtics 66-62 (51.6%), Lakers 62-66 (48.4%)
Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Preview
The Boston Celtics (28-14) boast a balanced and high-powered offense led by Jayson Tatum (28.2 ppg) and Jaylen Brown (25.8 ppg). Their stingy defense, anchored by Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III, ranks 5th in the league. However, Smart’s ankle sprain and Gallinari’s absence in the frontcourt leave some questions about their depth.
The Los Angeles Lakers (25-17) rely heavily on the scoring prowess of LeBron James (30.0 ppg) and the inside presence of Anthony Davis. However, Davis’ absence with a foot injury is a major blow, leaving LeBron to carry the offensive load alongside Russell Westbrook (17.6 ppg) and Thomas Bryant (12.1 ppg).
Injury Report:
- Celtics: Marcus Smart (Probable, Ankle), Danilo Gallinari (Out, Knee)
- Lakers: Anthony Davis (Out, Foot), LeBron James (Probable, Ankle)
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Celtics -175 | Lakers +140
- Spread: Celtics -4.5 (-110) | Lakers +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 237.5 points (Over -110 | Under -110)
FAQs for Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
How many times the Lakers beat the Celtics?
The Los Angeles Lakers have won 133 times against the Celtics all-time.
How successful are the Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers prevailed despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant influence on the 2020 NBA season and won their seventeenth championship. Under the leadership of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the NBA champions overcame the incomparable obstacles of the NBA dome in Orlando, to secure the championship.
Who played for both the Celtics and the Lakers?
Hall of Famer Clyde Lovellette played 2 seasons for the Boston Celtics (3.0 Win Shares) and 4 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers (30.0 Win Shares).
Is the Lakers a champion?
The Lakers are one of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA and have won 17 NBA championships, tied with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. More recently, the Lakers were the champions of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament in 2023.
What team is called the Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers franchise has a long and storied history, predating the formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Read More: Minnesota Timberwolves Vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, Preview, And Betting Odds
Conclusion
This game becomes a battle of strengths. The Celtics boast a deeper and more balanced roster, while the Lakers rely on LeBron’s brilliance and Westbrook’s energy. Anthony Davis‘ absence throws a wrench in the Lakers’ plans, but LeBron’s ability to adjust and carry the team cannot be ignored. The Celtics’ defense will need to contain LeBron and limit his supporting cast, while their offense needs to find momentum without relying solely on Tatum and Brown.
