The Boston Celtics hit the midway point of their five-game road trip when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Boston began its western trek with a 137-130 loss at Utah on Friday but bounced back the following night to rout Portland 145-117. It was the sixth victory in nine overall games for the Celtics (13-11), who set a season high in points. The Lakers (12-12) are well-rested, as they’ve been idle since dropping a 119-115 decision to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
Tipoff at Staples Center is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Los Angeles is a 2.5-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Celtics odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total points scored is 220. Before making any Celtics vs. Lakers picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters Week 8 of the 2021-22 NBA season up almost $2,000 on all top-rated NBA picks this season. It’s also on a stunning 121-78 roll on top-rated NBA picks against the spread that dates back to last season. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Celtics and just locked in its NBA picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Celtics vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Celtics spread: Los Angeles -2.5
- Lakers vs. Celtics over-under: 220 points
- Lakers vs. Celtics money line: Los Angeles -140, Boston +120
- LAL: The Lakers are 1-8 against the spread in their last nine games against teams with winning records
- BOS: The Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last six meetings with Los Angeles
Featured Game | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Why the Lakers can cover
LeBron James claimed to be a bit rusty on Friday but still managed to produce his fourth double-double in 12 games this season. The 36-year-old superstar, who hadn’t played since the previous weekend due to being in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, scored 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the setback. James also dished out six assists after missing just one game following what proved to be a false positive result on his COVID-19 test.
Anthony Davis also had a double-double in the loss to the Clippers, pouring in a team-high 27 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. The 28-year-old ranks 11th in the league in scoring with an average of 24.4 points and has recorded 20 or more in seven consecutive contests. Davis also has hit double digits in rebounds 11 times in his 23 outings this season.
Why the Celtics can cover
Boston had six players reach double figures in points on Saturday. Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schroder led the way with 31 points apiece, with the former adding 10 boards for his third double-double in five games and ninth overall this season. The 23-year-old is among the top scorers in the NBA, ranking ninth with an average of 25.2 points.
Tatum came up with a strong performance in his first meeting with the Lakers this campaign. The two-time All-Star led all players with 37 points and 11 rebounds as the Celtics posted a 130-108 victory at home on Nov. 19. Schroder, who has averaged 19 points over his last 10 contests, scored 21 in the triumph as Boston had five players finish in double figures.
How to make Lakers vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning under on the total, with the teams projected to combine for 214 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in almost 60 percent of simulations. You can only see the model’s Celtics vs. Lakers pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Lakers? And which side of the spread hits in almost 60 percent of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
