Once upon a time the Lakers and Celtics were appointment television. Indeed the 1980s saw Magic vs. Bird catapult the Association back into permanent prominence. Now Boston and Los Angeles are again contending for best in the NBA. Boston lacks a marquee star but brings dominant defense. LA has the star power but is not always a great value for NBA bets. Sunday afternoon will bring back plenty of memories, but also cause eager anticipation. Naturally, the Celtics and Lakers will draw plenty of TV eyeballs and betting action!
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| Date and Time: | Sunday, February 23, 2020, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California |
| Celtics vs. Lakers TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Betting on NBA odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Overview
LA has covered four of its last six offshore betting matchups. As a result, the Lakers are 41-12 straight up, 28-24-1 vs. the line, and 27-26 over the total. Los Angeles has NBA metrics of the seventh for both scoring offense and points allowed. Specifically, they lead the Western Conference by four games.
Late on the Celtics have failed to cover three of their last four games. Boston is now 38-16 straight up, 32-20-2 against the spread, and 24-30 under the total. NBA metrics have the Celtics ranked 10th for scoring offense and third for points allowed. Presently Boston is third in the East.
Key Celtics: PF Jayson Tatum (22.4 PTS, 6.9 REB, 2.9 AST, 44.3 FGPCT, 38.2 3PPCT, 81.3 FTPCT), PG Kemba Walker (21.8 PTS, 4.1 REB, 5.0 AST, 43.0 FGPCT, 38.8 3PPCT, 86.6 FTPCT), SG Jaylen Brown (20.2 PTS, 6.4 REB, 2.2 AST, 49.5 FGPCT, 38.1 3PPCT, 74.3 FTPCT)
Key Lakers: PF Anthony Davis (26.6 PTS, 9.2 REB, 3.3 AST, 51.9 FGPCT, 31.6 3PPCT, 85.3 FTPCT), SF LeBron James (25.0 PTS, 7.8 REB, 10.8 AST, 48.9 FGPCT, 34.5 3PPCT, 68.7 FTPCT, PF Kyle Kuzma (12.6 PTS, 4.4 REB, 1.3 AST, 43.7 FGPCT, 3.2 3PPCT, 74.3 FTPCT)
Boston and Los Angeles Against the Spread
The Celtics are:
- 5-2 against the spread in their last seven away games
- 5-3 over the total on the road
- 2-1 vs. the line in their last three away games with the Lakers
- 3-2 over the total on the road against Los Angeles
- 11-4 on the board in their last 15 games as a dog
- 2-6 under the total when getting points
The Lakers are:
- 5-7 against the spread when laying points
- 5-2 over the total in their last seven games as a chalk
- 2-4 on the board in their last six games with the Celtics
- 4-0 over the total head to head against Boston
- 5-7-1 with the odds in their last 13 games at Staples Center
- 5-7 under the total at home
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Bets Picks
Consistent with the metrics is that this is a good spot for the Celtics. Hence the Lakers are usually a bad NBA Bets value at home and as chalk. Too much public betting consistently inflates their price. As mentioned earlier Boston is a strong dog, road team, and ticket against the Lakers. Defense wins championships and should get the money here.
Celtics vs. Lakers NBA Bet Pick: Boston Celtics
Celtics vs. Lakers NBA Bets Score Prediction: Celtics 98, Lakers 97