Boston Celtics vs

Los Angeles Lakers Prediction

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on Thursday night. Currently, the point spread in this game sits at +/-6 with the Celtics listed as the away favorite. Both teams are coming off wins in their previous contests, with the Lakers defeating the Charlotte Hornets while the Celtics topped the Trail Blazers, extending their winning streak to four games. Keep reading our Lakers vs Celtics prediction to see how each team stacks up and find out which way our NBA model is betting in this game.

Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The Lakers (34-21) have the better record of these two teams, but they’re listed as the underdog for this matchup due to a number of reasons. The first one is related to the injury department, as the Lakers continue to be without LeBron James and Anthony Davis due to ankle and calf injuries, respectively -- while both teams should return before the postseason to lead Los Angeles to potential back-to-back titles, both have been ruled out for this contest. The Lakers have managed to stay afloat despite the absences of both James and Davis, however, and they enter this game posting a 6-4 record over their last 10 games -- but they haven’t been able to clinch back-to-back wins over their last eight contests. They have gone 6-4 ATS during that stretch as well.

Boston Celtics Preview

The Celtics (29-26) have been struggling through most of the season and had been underwhelming compared to the pre-season expectations over them, as Boston was tipped to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference but have barely managed to stay above the .500 mark and were sporting a losing streak as early as last week. However, the Celtics should be fully motivated for this matchup since they’re entering this game on a four-game winning streak following their recent 116-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers the last time out, and they’ve gone 2-0 in their current road trip through the West. The Celtics’ strong run of form comes from way back, however, as they own a 7-3 record over their last 10 contests while going 6-3-1 ATS during that span. Boston seems to have left their mid-season woes behind and are gearing up for a strong end of the season based on how good they’ve looked of late.

Full Game Prediction

If both teams were at full strength, then the Lakers could have a chance to get the win here. However, they’re decimated by injuries of their two best players and are facing a Boston team that is catching fire at the right time while firing in all cylinders thanks to their ongoing four-game winning run. Despite the fact the Lakers are at home, the Celtics should be able to come away with the win here.