Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Last month’s league-shattering Luka Doncic trade has set the stage for one of the biggest clashes between these two bitter rivals in years.

The Lakers and Celtics have each won a title in the last five years, but they’ve never been a part of the NBA elite at the same time in that stretch. The Doncic trade has helped propel the Lakers up the standings, meaning the pair are second seeds in their respective conferences as they prepare to face off.

This is a game with some huge plot points, including Doncic having a point to prove after a poor showing against the Celtics in last year’s NBA Finals. Can this surging Lakers side upset the odds in Boston's TD Garden?

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics betting picks and predictions

Los Angeles Lakers +7.5 (-115)

The immediate response to the Doncic trade was that the Lakers sacrificed their short-term future for long-term gain. However, they’ve won each of their last eight games to leap into second place in the Western Conference. 

The early signs are that Doncic’s possession-heavy style hasn’t broken coach JJ Reddick’s offensive approach, while the Lakers have dealt with giving up their two best defenders in the trade. They’re looking strong on both ends of the floor, which should concern the Celtics.

Boston are likely to be without Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday for this one, which puts the Lakers in a strong position. The visitors have also performed well as an underdog this season, as they’re 15-9 against the spread when facing favoured teams. Excluding Cleveland - who have covered in four of the five games in which they’ve been underdogs - no side has covered at a better rate than the Lakers. 

Boston have been favoured in 60 of their 63 games this season and they’ve covered the spread in just 27 of those. 

The Celtics are five games clear of the New York Knicks and eight shy of the Cavaliers, so they’re basically locked into second. With doubts over key players, it’s easy to see the Celtics easing off here, so back the Lakers to at least keep this close. 

Luka Doncic over 28.5 points (-110)

Doncic made a slow start after returning from his longest-ever injury layoff, but he’s acclimated to LA with an impressive string of games. He has recorded 32, 30, 29 and 31 points across his last four games.

If Jrue Holiday is out, Boston is very limited in terms of players they can put on Doncic. The Slovenian has added motivation here given the criticism which came his way in the Finals, while he’s averaged 29.9 points per game against Boston in his career. 

LeBron James over 40.5 points, assists and rebounds (-115)

Doncic’s arrival has made LeBron James the Lakers’ second option. The 40-year-old has spent his entire career as the main man, but he’s able to impact the game in other ways with Doncic the primary scorer.

James still posted 31 points in the win over the Knicks and he has scored at least 25 in eight of his last nine games. He’s hit double figures in terms of rebounds in four of his last six and his assist numbers remain high given his spells as primary playmaker when Doncic sits.

James was active off the glass when these two sides last met, grabbing 14 rebounds in the January meeting. The Celtics are set to lack height to rival him off the glass and they’re limited in defensive options given the focus on Doncic, so he should have a strong night across the board. 

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NBA on site.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics odds

Boston Celtics	-275 ML
Los Angeles Lakers	+225 ML
Spread	BOS Celtics -7.5
Total Points	O/U 227.5

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics player props

Player Points

Luka Doncic (LA Lakers)	O/U 28.5
Jayson Tatum (BOS Celtics)	O/U 26.5
LeBron James (LA Lakers)	O/U 25.5
Jaylen Brown (BOS Celtics)	O/U 22.5
Kristaps Porzingis (BOS Celtics)	O/U 18.5
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers)	O/U 17.5

Read the latest NBA news on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.