Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers – Preview & Prediction: In the NBA, Boston Celtics will host Los Angeles Lakers.
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Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview
The Boston Celtics looked quite unconvincing at the beginning of the season with numerous issues, but it appears they are now in their best form. Over their last ten games, they have recorded eight wins, with the only losses coming against the Brooklyn Nets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. They hold a 13-9 record and currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Before the matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, they dominated the Washington Wizards 146-101 in their best offensive performance of the season.
Jayson Tatum has been out since the start of the season, and it remains unclear when he will return, as he is still recovering from an Achilles injury. Jaylen Brown is currently dealing with an illness. In their absence, Derrick White has stepped up as the leader, scoring 30 points to go along with nine assists and five rebounds against Washington. Jordan Walsh added 22 points, while Payton Pritchard reached 20. The Celtics have the fourth-best offense in the NBA, averaging 122 points per 100 possessions. However, unlike in some previous years, their defense has been more modest, allowing opponents 117 points per 100 possessions, which is around the league average. Before falling ill, Brown was averaging 29 points per game, Pritchard is at 17 per game, while White is averaging 16.3. The positive takeaway for this team is their collective effort: regardless of the opponent, everyone contributes on both ends, which is their biggest strength. They still are not close to reaching their maximum potential.
The Los Angeles Lakers, just like their historic rivals the Boston Celtics, have eight wins in their last ten games. Many of those victories came without LeBron James, who has dealt with back issues since the beginning of the season. The Lakers currently hold a 16-5 record, sitting second in the Western Conference standings, right behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coming into this matchup, they defeated the Toronto Raptors in a nail-biter, as Rui Hachimura delivered the game-winning shot off a LeBron James assist for a 123-120 victory.
The score was tied, James had the ball in his hands, but he decided to make the pass into the corner where Hachimura sealed the win. With that game, LeBron finished with only eight points, snapping his incredible streak of 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points scored. The Lakers managed to win without Luka Doncic, who traveled to Slovenia before the game for the birth of his child — and he will not play against the Celtics either. Austin Reaves led the team with 44 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, becoming only the third player in franchise history to record at least 40 points in three straight games. The only others to do so were Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic. Reaves is having a terrific season, averaging 28 points, 6.6 assists, and six rebounds while shooting 37 percent from three-point range.
Claim Now Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers H2H
The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers faced each other twice last season, with each team winning once on its home court.
Injuries and Suspensions
Jayson Tatum will not play for the Boston Celtics as he is still recovering from an Achilles injury, while Jaylen Brown is questionable due to illness. For the Los Angeles Lakers, Marcus Smart will be out with an injury, and Luka Doncic is also out as he is in Slovenia for the birth of his child.
Where to Watch Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Best Betting Tip and Prediction
The Boston Celtics enter this marquee NBA showdown in excellent form at home, coming off a dominant performance in which they dropped 146 points on the Washington Wizards. In fact, across their last five games, the lowest point total they’ve posted is 115, showcasing just how explosive their offense is right now. On the other side, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to find ways to score efficiently despite numerous setbacks this season. Austin Reaves has taken his game to another level, providing a huge spark and playing the best basketball of his career. Given the offensive momentum both teams are carrying into this clash, the best betting angle appears to be the total — over the projected points line.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 7:00 p.m. EST, December 5th
Prediction: Over 219.5 points
Odds: 1.70
Stake: 1 Unit
Sportsbook: BetNow
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