Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 23, 2025

Two of the most storied NBA franchises, the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers reignite their rivalry in Thursday's marquee game. It's their first meeting of the 2024-25 season. The Celtics enter this clash with a 31-13 record, second in the East, while the Lakers are 23-18, fifth in the West.

In their two-game season series last year, the teams split the results 1-1. Interestingly, both teams lost on their home floor. A fully healthy Lakers team failed to get past Boston on 2024 Christmas Day, losing 126-115. However, a LeBron James and Anthony Davis-less LA team outclassed the Celtics 114-105 at TD Garden on Feb. 1.

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Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips

Money line: Lakers +180, Celtics -219

Spread: Lakers +5.5, Celtics -5.5

Total over/under: Lakers u221 (-108), Celtics o221 (-112)

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Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers preview

The Boston Celtics began the season as the favorites to repeat, and they have more or less played as per expectations. The last few weeks haven't gone their way as Boston went 12-9 since Dec. 8. Despite that, the Celtics have remained top five on offense and defense in that stretch, posting a 116.8 (fifth) and 107.8 rating (third), respectively.

Most of the Celtics' struggles have come in the fourth quarters in that span. They have fallen off on both ends in execution, leading to majority of the losses, posting a -2.4 net rating. Some of those issues might be persistent despite the Celtics winning Wednesday's game against the shorthanded Clippers by 117-113 (overtime).

The Clippers were without James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell. Yet they led through most of the second half, even taking a six-point lead in the fourth. While the Celtics stood their ground, they had a seven-point advantage with a minute left in regulation, which they blew, allowing LA to tie the game and force overtime.

The Clippers nearly pulled off their end-of-regulation antics, keeping it a one-possession game despite trailing by seven with 1:30 left. The Celtics eventually escaped after Neemias Queta scored the crucial layup to put the team up four with 6.1 seconds left. The Celtics are the favorites to win again, but they can't afford such mistakes against the Lakers, who can be explosive in the fourth.

The LA Lakers don't have impressive advanced stats like Jayson Tatum and Co. this season or since Dec. 8, when Boston hit a slump. However, some of their losses have been huge, and their wins have been close, which impacted the numbers. As for the threat they post, the Lakers, when focused and connected, have seemingly looked like the team to beat.

Despite a -5.1 net rating, LA boasts an 11-7 record since Dec. 8, slightly better than its rivals. The Lakers have been gritty under JJ Redick's leadership amid an up-and-down season, which has been critical to them being five games over. 500 midway through the year.

Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood's injury-related absences have also impacted the team's results. The Lakers don't have as much depth, and even one player missing from their rotation has significant implications for them, unlike most contenders.

It has led to LeBron James and Co. posting an underwhelming 10-17 record against teams over .500. The Lakers must ensure they don't find themselves in a big hole early on, as the Celtics have generally been solid in games decided by 10 or more points with a 20-3 record, while LA is 7-12 in such instances.

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Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers predicted starting 5s

Celtics

The Celtics could have a healthy roster available after Jrue Holiday (ankle), Al Horford (toe) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) sat out Wednesday's clash against the Clippers. Here's their predicted starting lineup:

PG - Jrue Holiday, SG - Derrick White, SF - Jaylen Brown, PF - Jayson Tatum, C - Kristaps Porzingis

Lakers

The Lakers will likely have all rotation players available except Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), who is expected to make his season debut on Saturday and Christian Wood (knee). Here's their predicted starting lineup:

PG - Austin Reaves, SG - Max Christie, SF - Rui Hachimura, PF - LeBron James, C - Anthony Davis

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Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers betting tips

• Jaylen Brown is -130 to score under 23.5 points, while Jayson Tatum is -113 to score at least 27.
• LeBron James is -120 to score over 22.5 points, and Anthony Davis is -128 to score over 25.5 points.

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Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers Prediction

The Boston Celtics are -5.5-point favorites to win. Despite their struggles, Boston has enough to outmatch the LA Lakers, especially from a depth perspective. The Lakers have a solid home record (15-6) but haven't been good against teams ranked top four in either conference, losing twice to Cleveland and once to Memphis, Oklahoma City, and Houston, respectively.