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Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Lakers enter Boston after a dramatic 123-120 win over Toronto, capped by Rui Hachimura’s buzzer-beater. LeBron James scored only eight points, ending his record streak of double-digit scoring games, but he made the final read and delivered the assist that won the game. Austin Reaves carried the load with 44 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Los Angeles has won eight of nine, but Luka Doncic is expected to miss another game for personal reasons, and Marcus Smart remains day-to-day with back management issues.
Boston handled Washington 146-101 without Jaylen Brown. Jordan Walsh went 8-for-8 from the field and continues to spark the starting unit. The Celtics are 8-2 since he moved into the lineup, and their defense has tightened during that stretch. Derrick White’s efficiency and on-ball work remain central to their stability. Jaylen Brown’s status remains uncertain heading into Friday.
For a full slate overview and matchup context, check the league’s updated NBA previews.
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Line Movement and Odds
Boston opened -6 and has moved to -7 with bettors concerned about Los Angeles’ back-to-back and missing personnel. The Lakers sit at +7, drawing slightly more tickets but fewer dollars.
The total opened at 223 and climbed to 224.5. The market expects pace and shot quality from both sides despite injury questions.
See live adjustments on the NBA odds board.
Matchup Breakdown
Los Angeles remains one of the most efficient scoring teams in the league. Reaves has taken on increased creation duties, and the Lakers continue to lead the league in field goal percentage. Their free-throw volume gives them a reliable scoring floor. Without Doncic, they lean heavily on Reaves and secondary creation from D’Angelo Russell.
Boston has steadied its rotations and is defending well. They allow only 110.7 points per game and pressure teams into tough shots late in the clock. Walsh’s defensive range and activity change their early-possession matchups, and White’s versatility lifts both ends. If Brown returns, Boston gains another layer of wing creation.
For alternative perspectives on tonight’s slate, browse the current NBA picks.
Injuries and Conditions
Los Angeles Lakers
- Luka Doncic, personal, unlikely
- Marcus Smart, back, day-to-day
- LeBron James, heavy minutes, expected to play
See full Los Angeles Lakers injury report.
Boston Celtics
- Jaylen Brown, illness, questionable
- Kristaps Porzingis, calf management, probable
See full Boston Celtics injury report.
Indoor game, no weather factor.
Best Bets and Prediction
Boston’s defense creates fewer clean looks than Toronto, and Los Angeles enters off a taxing finish with limited depth. Even so, the Lakers’ efficiency and Reaves’ recent form make them competitive inside the number.
Projected Score: Celtics 118, Lakers 112
Best Bet: Lakers +7
Secondary Lean: Over 224.5
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