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Celtics vs Lakers Odds, Predictions and Preview

Mitchell Hansen

by Mitchell Hansen in NBA Basketball

Updated Dec 6, 2021 · 7:29 PM PST

Jayson Tatum driving against LeBron James
Nov 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
  • The Boston Celtics travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers at 10pm ET on Tuesday, Dec. 7th
  • The C’s come into the game at 13-11 overall, while the Lakers enter at 12-12 on the year
  • See below for the latest odds, analysis and the best bet

One of the greatest rivalries in NBA history will cap off action in the league on Tuesday, Dec. 7th when the Boston Celtics visit the Los Angeles Lakers at 10pm ET at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Going into the matchup, the Lakers are listed as 2.5-point favorites over the Celtics.

Celtics vs Lakers Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Boston Celtics +2.5 (-110) +120 Over 218.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers -2.5 (-110) -142 Under 218.5 (-110)

Odds as of Dec. 6th from FanDuel

Boston is 13-11 overall and is 6-4 in its last 10 games going into Tuesday, sitting in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics are coming off of taking down the Portland Trail Blazers 145-117 on Saturday in Portland.

Los Angeles enters at 12-12 on the year and is 4-6 over its last 10 contests, holding onto the eighth seed in the West. The Lakers most recently fell to the cross-town rival Los Angeles Clippers 119-115 on Friday.

Injury Report

Boston could be without Jaylen Brown, a key piece in the rotation, as he is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Los Angeles’ injury report consists of LeBron James (abdomen) and Anthony Davis (thumb) as probable and Carmelo Anthony (illness) as questionable. Trevor Ariza (ankle) and Kedrick Nunn (knee) will remain out.

Celtics Are Hot, Own Lead in Season Series

Boston has been on a hot streak as of late, having won three of its last four contests. The Celtics also hold a 1-0 series lead against Los Angeles in the two-game regular season series, having defeated the Lakers 130-108 on Nov. 19th in Boston.

One key factor for Boston in the rematch against Los Angeles will be its ability to defend the Lakers, as the Celtics are a much better defensive squad in wins compared to losses.

In victory, the Celtics are giving up just 98.5 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot 40.6% from the field and 32.5% from three. In losses, Boston is giving up 116 points on average, along with shooting marks of 47.5% from the field and 35.8% from deep.

The duo of Jayson Tatum and Brown have led the Celtics once again this season, with Tatum averaging a team-best 25.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists and Brown following up with 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals.

Former Laker Dennis Schroder has also been a nice player mainly coming off the bench averaging 17.9 points, 4.9 assists and 3.7 boards.

Lakers Healthier, Playing Better of Late

Earlier this month, the big storyline for Los Angeles was the struggles of the team behind a few different injuries to players, including James. Now with James back and the Lakers healthier, Los Angeles has been playing better, winning three of its last five.

As important as defense has been for Boston, offense has been equally as important for Los Angeles this season in wins compared to losses.

In 12 wins, the Lakers are averaging 117.1 points while shooting 49.2% from the field and 38.1% from deep. In losses, they have averaged 106.3 points, shooting 43.4% from the field and 31.9% from three.

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Individually, the trio of James, Russell Westbrook and Davis have done just about everything for the Lakers to lead the team. James is averaging 25.6 points, 6.8 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals, Davis has averaged 24.4 points and 10 rebounds and Westbrook has added 20.3 points, 8.6 assists and eight rebounds a game.

Celtics vs Lakers Prediction

One of the best rivalries in all of sports should be an entertaining one once again on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, as both teams always bring it while facing off.

Although Los Angeles is healthier, it is still banged up somewhat and Boston will likely be able to use that to its advantage on the road.

In the end, it’s likely the Celtics go on the road and take down the Lakers to sweep the season series 2-0. For the best bet of the night, go with Boston being 2.5-point underdogs. The Celtics should be able to cover that line.

  • The Pick: Celtics +2.5 (-110)
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