The Boston Celtics’ four-game West Coast trip will continue on Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston, which opened the stretch with a 121-110 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, hopes to secure the season series against LA with another victory. Jayson Tatum remains out, but Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vucevic are all available.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are coming off a pulsating 125-122 win over the LA Clippers two nights ago. The home team, No. 5 in the Western Conference, hopes to climb the standings with a healthy roster. For just the second time this season, the Lakers head into the showdown without anyone on the injury report.
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds
Moneyline: Celtics (-125) vs. Lakers (+105)
Odds: Celtics (-2.0 -112) vs. Lakers (-2.0 -107)
Total (O/U): Celtics (o228.5 -118) vs. Lakers (u228.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineups
Celtics
PG: Derrick White | SG: Jaylen Brown | SG: Baylor Scheierman | SF: Sam Hauser | C: Neemias Queta
Lakers
PG: Luka Doncic | PG: Marcus Smart | SG: Austin Reaves | PF: LeBron James | C: Deandre Ayton
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Prediction
Preview
The Celtics know they will be facing a different Lakers team than the one they whipped 126-105 in early December. Boston blew away an opponent that didn’t have LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart. All three will be available in the rematch in LA.
Boston’s defense, ranked No. 8 in defensive rating, has to be spot on against a team that’s now healthy and humming on offense. The Cs have to be wary about Doncic, who often sets the tone for the home team with a fiery start. Boston should be fine if it can withstand LA’s initial flurry.
Meanwhile, the Lakers can’t afford long stretches where they will struggle on both ends. In the first meeting against Boston, they trailed 39-17 after one quarter and never recovered. The Celtics’ roster isn’t as stacked as it once was, but behind Jaylen Brown, they have been exceeding expectations. LA can’t be lackluster and hope it can get away with a win.
Prediction
Now healthy, the Lakers don’t want to be embarrassed again by their eternal rivals in the rematch. Expect the home team, +2.0 underdogs, to defend its home court.
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Tips
Luka Doncic’s hamstring issue seems a thing of the past. In his first game since returning from that injury, he dropped 38 points on the LA Clippers. Doncic likely tops his 29.5 (O/U) points prop.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown will go up against a close friend and former teammate in Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year winner. Brown is playing well, but Smart could help limit him to under 29.5 (O/U) points.
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