The Los Angeles Lakers will take on two of the NBA's most famous teams on Thursday, the Boston Celtics. Kickoff is set for 10 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Our Celtics vs Lakers matchup predictions and player betting odds are focused on three of the greatest players to have faced each other over the years. There is no disdain in today's battle of the superstars, but there is a certain familiarity.
Our best sports betting sites consider the visitors as favorites with a 5.5 point handicap. Will any of our superstar predictions affect the outcome of the match?
Predictions for Celtics - Lakers game
Celtics confidence on a scale of 1 to 5 stars; odds at our top NBA betting sites.
Matchup pick: Lakers to win (+166 on FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
LeBron James Over 37.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jayson Tatum Over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anthony Davis Over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Celtics players' prop picks vs. Lakers tonight
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Best predictions for the Celtics vs. Lakers game
LeBron James Over 37.5 points + rebounds + assists ⭐⭐⭐⭐
James has been playing well against Boston since arriving in Los Angeles. He is averaging a 43.2 PRA in 10 games and has struck out the Over six times, including four of five at home, in 2018-19.
This season, James has struck out an Over on that line in 22 of 38 games and is averaging a 40.7 PRA at home. Over his last 13 games, he is averaging a 41.4 PRA, hitting the Over nine times and racking up at least a 36 PRA 11 times.
The Los Angeles superstar had three consecutive plus outings before Thursday's meeting with the Celtics and just completed a triple-double against the Washington Wizards on 21/10/13. We expect another strong performance against a familiar opponent tonight.
Best odds: -115 at DraftKings | Estimated Odds: 53.49%
Jayson Tatum Over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Like James, Tatum is playing well against tonight's opponent. In eight games against the Lakers from 2020-21, Tatum scored an average of 42.2 points. He hit the over in six of those eight games, including three of four on the road. Tatum's splits against the Lakers are nearly identical: 42.5 at TD Garden and 42.1 in Los Angeles.
Tatum is averaging a 42.1 PRA per game this season and has hit Over in 21 of 41 meetings, including 12 of 20 on the road. Tatum is averaging a 43.8 PRA on the road and just 39.6 at home, making this lineup even more favorable as he takes the court at Crypto.com Arena.
Best odds: -115 on DraftKings | Estimated probability: 53.49%
Anthony Davis Over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Davis has been very productive at home this season, averaging a 43.3 PRA at Crypto.com Arena compared to 38.9 at all other venues. Davis has struck out an over in 24 of 38 games on that line, and against the Celtics, he will look to keep his output up.
Davis is averaging a 43.1 PRA and has topped that mark six times in his last nine games. Boston's lineup could be missing Kristaps Porzingis, who is out due to illness on Wednesday. If Al Horford is available, the undersized veteran won't be a terrible opponent for Davis.
Davis has a rich history with tonight's opponent, much like the aforementioned duo. He's faced the Celtics eight times since turning purple and gold, and has averaged a 40 PRA in eight games. That includes a 48.3 PRA at home and just 31.8 on the road. Those stats are awesome, and they'll work in his favor tonight.
Best odds: -115 via BetMGM | Estimated odds: 53.49%
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Celtics vs. Lakers matchup information
When: Thursday, Jan. 23
Kickoff: 10pm ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles)
How to watch: TNT/truTV/Max
Favorite: Celtics -5.5 (-102 via BetMGM)
