Celtics vs Lakers Thursday Prediction | NBA Picks Today, Best Bets
John Canady
Host · Writer
Arguably, the biggest rivalry in sports adds another chapter as the Boston Celtics are set for a showdown on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston enters this matchup fresh off an overtime win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday. On the flip side, the Lakers have had a few days of rest to scout their opponent, who played in LA less than 24 hours ago. Nonetheless, rested or tired, both teams will put forth their best effort in this matchup, knowing what the history between them means for the name on their chest.
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Celtics vs Lakers
- Location: crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California) | Date: Thursday, Jan. 23
- Where to Watch: TNT/truTV/Max | Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Spread: Celtics -5, Moneyline: Celtics -198, Total: 219
Celtics vs Lakers Best Bet: Celtics -5
Boston enters this matchup with tired legs on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite that, there’s no doubt that the Celtics and head coach Joe Mazzulla understand the importance of this matchup, especially as the team continues to work through their recent rough stretch. A win on Thursday not only gives the C’s more bragging rights in the rivalry, but it starts a three-game winning streak that’s much needed for Boston. Although the Lakers seem to play their best ball at home with a 15-6 record, the Celtics 16-5 record on the road proves this won’t be an easy game for either side. Nonetheless, give me Boston to steal another win in LA by more than five points.
Celtics vs Lakers Best Total Bet: Over 219
The Celtics and Lakers have shown glimpses of their weaknesses throughout the start of the season. However, scoring at a high rate has not been one of them. The Celtics currently have the third-best offensive rating in the league, 118.8, while the Lakers trail just behind with 112.8. Assuming these two teams carry on this trend on Thursday night, this game should easily surpass the set total.
Celtics Best Player Bet: Jayson Tatum 30+ Points +185
Jayson Tatum has gone on record multiple times in the past, speaking about how much this rivalry means to him—not only as a Celtics cornerstone but also as a lifelong Kobe Bryant fan. With the Duke product set to suit up and play on the court, his favorite player put together many iconic performances. This just feels like a game that Tatum will come out ready to play from tip-off. That said, I’ll take Tatum to have a big game in LA.
Lakers Best Player Bet: LeBron James 25+ Points +135
LeBron James is another player who understands the historic rivalry between these two franchises and has had a rivalry with the Celtics, no matter what team he’s played for. Against the defending champions, expect James to raise his play as Los Angeles attempts to see how they fare against a true playoff contender. Considering James always seems to deliver, 25+ points feels like a safe bet.
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