LA Lakers (40-21) vs. Boston Celtics (45-18)
March 8, 2025 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: Boston Celtics -7.5; Over/Under: 225.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Lakers invade the TD Garden to take on the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. Here’s a Celtics vs Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Celtics vs Lakers Pick.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers have been on fire as they are now gunning for a ninth straight victory after outlasting the Knicks in a thrilling 113-109 overtime win on Thursday. Luka Doncic led the team with 32 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists, LeBron James added 31 points with 12 rebounds and eight assists while Gabe Vincent chipped in with 12 points off the bench. As a team, the Lakers shot 42 percent from the field and 14 of 42 from the 3-point line as they allowed the Knicks to get off to a flyer and trailed for most of the game. However, they rallied back from a 13-point deficit to force overtime where they escaped with free throws down the stretch. The Lakers will meet the Nets after this game.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been in fine form as they’ve won 13 of their last 16 games overall and they will be aiming for a fourth straight win after routing the 76ers in a 123-105 home win on Thursday. Jayson Tatum led the team with 35 points on 14 of 23 shooting, Payton Pritchard added 19 points with six assists off the bench while Baylor Scheierman chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Celtics shot 50 percent from the field and 19 of 48 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 35 points in the first quarter to jump out to an early double-digit lead. They just kept building until the lead ballooned to 30 points at one stage. The Celtics will play the Jazz, Thunder, and Heat next
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The home team has won each of the Lakers’ last six games.
- The Lakers have lost 10 of their last 11 games at TD Garden following a home win.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in 13 of their last 14 night games following an overtime win.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Lakers’ last five games.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last 10 games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Celtics have lost four of their last six games as home favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last six games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four night games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Lakers’ last nine games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Eight of the Celtics’ last 10 home games following a home win have gone OVER the total points line.
Celtics vs Lakers Prediction
The Lakers are still a little shorthanded with Rui Hachimura ruled out, and Jaxson Hayes listed as questionable, while the Celtics are keeping an eye on Jrue Holiday, Sam Hauser, and Kristaps Porzingis who are all questionable. It’s always a great show when the Lakers and Celtics renew their old rivalry, but there’s extra anticipation for this one with both teams playing such good basketball at the moment. The Celtics still open as favorites, which is no surprise given how tough they are to beat at home, but the Lakers are playing their best basketball of the season. They’ve never had Doncic in one of these marquee matchups. I think the Celtics do enough to get the win at home, but I think the Lakers stay close right till the end and get the cover.
