Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Preview and Odds - 12/25/2023

Game Time: 5:00 pm ET, Monday, December 25, 2023

Venue:  Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

Where to Watch:  ABC

DraftKings:  Point Spread:  Celtics -3, Lakers +3; Over/Under:  234.5 points

Bet365:  Point Spread:  Celtics -3, Lakers +3; Over/Under:  234.5 points

BetMGM:  Point Spread:  Celtics -2.5, Lakers +2.5; Over/Under:  234.5 points

Boston Celtics:  22-6 (1st place, Atlantic Division)

Los Angeles Lakers:  16-14 (3rd place, Pacific Division)

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Boston Celtics:  8-2 last 10

Los Angeles Lakers:  5-5 last 10

The Celtics are entering this game with a 22-6 record overall and they are 8-6 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 2 game winning streak with wins coming against the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game. Jayson Tatum led the team in points in that game with 30 while Jaylen Brown was next on the team with 24 points. Jrue Holiday led the team in assists in that game with 7 while Neemias Queta led the team in rebounds with 12. They were 52.1% from the field, 47.2% from 3-point range, and 78.6% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 119.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 109.7 PPG against them. The Celtics have an ATS record of 14-12-2 this season and their O/U record is 15-13.

The Lakers are entering this game with a 16-14 record overall and they are 10-3 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last game. LeBron James led the team in points in that game with 40 while Anthony Davis was next on the team with 26 points. Austin Reaves led the team in assists in that game with 9 while Anthony Davis led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 52.2% from the field, 50% from 3-point range, and 82.6% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 114 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 114.2 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 14-17 this season and their O/U record is 15-16.

The current betting odds have the Celtics listed as a 3 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Celtics have looked really good in their games this season with their 22-6 record overall which leads the East right now and is also the best record in the NBA. They are only 8-6 in their road games this season as they have been weaker in those games but they have also looked a lot better lately. They have a lot of momentum coming into this one on a 2 game winning streak and both of those wins were on the road against good teams, games they won by over 20 points in each too. Meanwhile, the Lakers have looked alright this season with their 16-14 record overall and they have been a lot better at home with their 10-3 home record. They have not looked good in their games lately despite bouncing back against the Thunder in their last game. The Lakers will bring their best effort for this Christmas Day game on a big stage but the Celtics look like one of the best teams in the NBA right now and they are also going to bring their best effort here. The best way to place a bet here is on the Celtics to cover the spread in this game.

Celtics Lakers Prediction:  Our NBA Pick for Monday, December 25, 2023 (5:00 pm ET start time) is Celtics 112 Lakers 98.

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Boston Celtics: 37-18 ATS when the line is +3 to -3. 29-19 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 230. 25-16 ATS after 2 straight games outrebounding the opponent by 10 or more. 11-6 OVER off a road blowout win by 20 points or more. 9-4 OVER after a game where they covered the spread.

Los Angeles Lakers: 9-27 ATS off a road win. 4-13 ATS off an upset win as a road underdog. 4-9 ATS after a game where they covered the spread. 7-3 OVER as an underdog. 10-5 OVER after one or more consecutive overs. 19-12 OVER after playing 3 consecutive road games.

Boston Celtics:  K. Porzingis (PF) Ques Mon - Ankle. S. Mykhailiuk (SG) Ques Mon - Heel. L. Kornet (C) Early Jan - Groin.

Los Angeles Lakers:  G. Vincent (SG) Ques Mon - Knee.

“I do not consider it a statement win. I consider it a win (and) an opportunity where we played well and continue to figure out where we didn't play well. We left a lot on the table as far as our execution and the things we want to accomplish.” - Joe Mazzulla after his team’s win against the LA Clippers in their game on Saturday.

"To know I can go out and still make game-winning plays, can affect the game in multiple ways and can still close out a game in the fourth quarter when our team needed it when they started making a run is always a good feeling for sure.” - LeBron James after their win against the Thunder in their game on Saturday.

PG Jrue Holiday

SG Derrick White

SF Jaylen Brown

PF Jayson Tatum

C Kristaps Porzingis

PG D'Angelo Russell

SG Cam Reddish

SF Taurean Prince

PF LeBron James

C Anthony Davis

PPG: J. Tatum (26.9)

APG: D. White (5)

Reb/G: J. Tatum (8.5)

PPG: L. James (25.7)

APG: L. James (7.3)

Reb/G: A. Davis (12.4)

Coaches:

Boston Celtics: Joe Mazzulla (2nd season)

Los Angeles Lakers: Darvin Ham (2nd season)