A cross-conference matchup features the Boston Celtics (35-15) hosting the Los Angeles Lakers (23-26) in a primetime battle on Saturday night. Boston has been dominant throughout the season and is currently the first seed in the Eastern Conference. On the flip side, Los Angeles is looking to win and improve its playoff chances. The Lakers are 13th in the Western Conference. Marcus Smart (ankle) is out for Boston. Los Angeles lists LeBron James (ankle) as questionable and Anthony Davis (foot) as probable.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston. Caesars Sportsbook lists Boston as the 8.5-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Celtics odds. The over/under for total points is set at 234. Before making any Celtics vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 15 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 47-22 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,200. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Celtics and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Celtics vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -8.5
- Lakers vs. Celtics over/under: 234 points
- Lakers vs. Celtics money line: Boston -355, Los Angeles +278
- LAL: Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last six Saturday games
- BOS: Under is 4-1 in Celtics' last five overall
- Lakers vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Celtics can cover
Guard Jaylen Brown is an explosive and energetic scorer. Brown has great leaping ability and can throw it down with force. The California product is instinctive when jumping into passing lanes, logging 1.1 steals per contest. Brown is putting up 26.8 points with 7.1 rebounds a game. On Jan. 21, he had 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Center Robert Williams III (questionable, ankle) has been an athletic and defensive force in the paint. Williams III quickly reacts to offensive players and consistently alters/blocks shots with ease. The Texas A&M product sets solid screens and thrives on alley-oops. He averages 7.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and is shooting 76% from the floor. In the Jan. 19 matchup against Golden State, Williams III had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Why the Lakers can cover
James has been exceptional this season. He continues to have the offense run through him due to his superb court vision and shotmaking ability. The 19-time All-Star is in a rhythm offensively, scoring 40-plus points in four of his last 12 games. James averages 29.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. On Jan. 24, he finished with 46 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Davis returned from injury on Jan. 25, providing a massive boost on both ends of the floor. Davis is able to glide defensively to defend the rim and out on the perimeter. The Kentucky product has a reliable mid-range jumper and is fearless when going to the basket. Davis averages 27.2 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He logged 21 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on Wednesday.
How to make Celtics vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 243 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Lakers vs. Celtics? And which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
