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Betting Picks: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers preview prediction and picks

Lou Ramon Aguila Sports Editor

Updated3 hours ago on April 20, 2024

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The Los Angeles Lakers (13-11, 13-11 ATS) look to even the score with all-time rival Boston Celtics (12-12, 8-16 ATS) on Tuesday, 10 PM, at Staples Center.

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The Lakers will play the Celtics for the second time this season after absorbing a humiliating 130-108 defeat dealt by their arch-nemesis.

Will Los Angeles equalize the regular-season series at 1-1? Based on the latest NBA betting trend on BetUS.com, the odds favor the Lakers to win this time around. Los Angeles carries the burden of a -4-point handicap as the home favorite, while bookmakers adjusted the total at a fair 219 points.

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Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Lines

ATS: Celtics +4

Moneyline: Celtics +150, Lakers -170

O/U: 219 points

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Team News

In the latest episode of the Knuckleheads podcast, Jayson Tatum took the chance to address the situation surrounding his relationship with co-star Jaylen Brown. Tatum revealed that they are still both figuring how to get their spots and form chemistry together to unravel the true potential of the Celtics 1-2 punch.

“It’s been great,” Tatum said. “… Every day, every game, I know where I’m trying to get to and he knows where he’s trying to get to, and we’re trying to figure it out together.

In his recent interview with the media, LeBron James shared his opinion on the criticism they are dealing with right now amid an unexpectedly slow start. Surprisingly during the interviews, the Lakers superstar didn’t sound supportive of head coach Frank Vogel.

“I think criticism comes with the job, you know?” James said with a slight laugh. “Frank is a strong-minded guy. He has a great coaching staff. And we as his players have to do a better job of going out and producing on the floor. We’re a team and organization that don’t mind some adversity, that don’t mind people saying things about us, obviously, because it comes with a territory. We have a lot of guys on this team that’s been bulletin board material for quite a long time. It didn’t quite bother to us. Everything we do stays in-house when comes to our preparation and how we prepare for our next opponent and how we prepare to get better. Frank doesn’t care and we don’t either about what people are saying.”

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report

Celtics: Al Horford – Probable (Back), Jaylen Brown – OUT (Hamstring), Romeo Langford – Probable (Ankle).

Lakers: Trevor Ariza – OUT (Ankle), LeBron James – Probable (Abdominal), Carmelo Anthony – Probable (Flu), Anthony Davis – Probable (Thumb), and Kendrick Nunn – OUT (Knee)

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The Celtics are fresh from a 145-117 thrashing of the Portland Trail Blazers last Saturday to stay two games above .500. Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schroder poured in 31 points each, while Marcus Smart contributed 17 points. Boston turned a close score at halftime to a lopsided ballgame after unleashing a 39-26 run in the third and scoring 42 more in the fourth quarter. The Celtics also fired from all cylinders, converting 56.3 percent of their shots and 56.8 percent of their threes.

On Friday, the Lakers dropped their first Battle of LA game, succumbing to the Clippers, 119-115. LeBron James and Anthony Davis delivered their usual numbers in the game, but the Lakers’ failure to score down the stretch did them in against the Clips. With the loss, the Lakers are now 12-12, one loss shy to dropping to below .500 again.

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction

Fearless Forecast: The Celtics sweep the regular-season series with a double-digit win at Staples Centers.

Jayson Tatum, who erupted for 37 points in the last game against the Lakers, will continue to find his mark in this latest matchup. It also doesn’t help the Lakers that both James and Davis are dealing some minor injuries. Moreover, Los Angeles bench hasn’t shown its mighty potential to score in bunches. As for the Celtics, they have been utilizing other weapons outside the Tatum-Brown combo. Marcus Smart thrives as the team facilitator and main wing defender. Bettors should also expect another big night from Schroder, who played last year with the Lakers.

When playing on the road against LA Lakers, the total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers’ last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers’ last 5 games at home.