by Rod Pearson
Friday, Mar 07, 2025
Game Time: 8:30 pm ET, Saturday, March 8, 2025
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Where to Watch: ABC, ESPN+
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Lakers +6, Celtics -6; Over/Under: 225.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Lakers +6, Celtics -6; Over/Under: 225.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Lakers +6, Celtics -6; Over/Under: 225.5 points
Season Record
Los Angeles Lakers: 40-21 (1st place, Pacific Division)
Boston Celtics: 45-18 (1st place, Atlantic Division)
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Recent Form
Los Angeles Lakers: 8-2 last 10
Boston Celtics: 8-2 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Preview and Analysis
The Lakers are entering this game with a 40-21 record overall this season and they are 15-14 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on an 8 game winning streak with wins coming against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Denver Nuggets, the Dallas Mavericks, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Clippers twice in a row, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the New York Knicks. Luka Dončić led the team in points in that game with 32 while LeBron James was next on the team with 31 points. Luka Dončić led the team in assists in that game with 12 while LeBron James led the team in rebounds with 12. They were 42.7% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 82.1% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 113.1 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 111.1 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 35-25-1 this season and their O/U record is 28-33.
The Celtics are entering this game with a 45-18 record overall this season and they are 21-11 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 3 game winning streak with wins coming against the Denver Nuggets, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Philadelphia 76ers. Jayson Tatum led the team in points in that game with 35 while Payton Pritchard was next on the team with 19 points. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each led the team in assists in that game with 6 while Neemias Queta led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 50.5% from the field, 39.6% from 3-point range, and 92.3% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 117 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 108.3 PPG against them. The Celtics have an ATS record of 28-34-1 this season and their O/U record is 29-34.
Lakers vs Celtics Prediction
The current betting odds have the Celtics listed as a 6 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Celtics have looked really good in their games this season with their 45-18 record overall which has them right near the top of the East with one of the best records in the entire NBA. They have also looked good on their home court with their 21-11 home record. Meanwhile, The Lakers have looked really good in their games this season with their 40-21 record overall which has them right near the top of the West. They have also been a good road team with their 15-14 road record, but they haven't been great in those games. They have looked a lot better since acquiring Luka Doncic as they have been storming up the standings in the West. They have been really hot lately too, going 8-2 in their last 10 games with 8 wins in a row now. The Celtics have also been hot though as they are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have some momentum on their side with 3 wins in a row now. This game could be a sneak peak at the NBA Finals this season so both teams are going to bring their best effort to win this one. The Lakers have more momentum on their side right now with 8 wins in a row, but they also looked shaky in their last game as the Knicks took them to OT at home. They got out of there with a win over the Knicks, but that was a really tight game so this Lakers streak could be nearing it's end. The Celtics have been one of the best teams in the NBA all season and they are still the defending champions so they are not only going to bring their best effort to beat LeBron, they will bring it to end this winning streak they have been on. The best way to place a bet here is on the Celtics to cover the spread in this game.
Lakers Celtics Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Saturday, March 8, 2025 (8:30 pm ET start time) is Celtics 117 Lakers 108.
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NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles Lakers: 21-34 ATS after a win by 6 points or less. 4-10 ATS on the road after successfully covering the spread in 3 or more consecutive games. 34-21 OVER after a win by 6 points or less. 24-15 OVER after playing 3 consecutive home games. 29-18 OVER when playing 6 or more games in 10 days.
Boston Celtics: 15-6 ATS as a home favorite of 6 points or less. 36-20 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 12-7 ATS off a home win against a division rival. 16-5 OVER as a home favorite of 6 points or less. 38-21 OVER in a home game where the total is 220 to 229.5. 25-15 OVER revenging a road loss vs opponent.
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers: M. Morris (PF) Day To Day - Illness. J. Goodwin (PG) Day To Day - Ankle. R. Hachimura (PF) Day To Day - Knee. M. Kleber (PF) Out - Foot.
Boston Celtics: J. Brown (SF) Day To Day - Knee. A. Horford (C) Day To Day - Toe. S. Hauser (PF) Day To Day - Ankle. K. Porziņģis (C) Day To Day - Illness. J. Holiday (PG) Day To Day - Hand.
Notable Quotes
“They’re a great team. They have great players and it’s a tough win. Now, we got eight in a row and every game is a battle for us.” - Luka Doncic after their win against the Knicks in their game on Thursday.
“From my time in the league, I wouldn’t look at the Lakers as rivals; we only play them twice. The teams that we’ve played over and over again in the playoffs—Philly would be one of them, and there [are] other teams as well. But you respect and understand the history. What it means to the game of basketball and the NBA, and it’s an honor to be a part of that.” - Jayson Tatum on the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF LeBron James
PF Jarred Vanderbilt
C Jaxson Hayes
Boston Celtics
PG Derrick White
SG Payton Pritchard
SF Jaylen Brown
PF Jayson Tatum
C Luke Kornet
Statistical Leaders
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. Dončić (26.8)
APG: L. James (8.5)
Reb/G: L. Dončić (8.3)
Boston Celtics
PPG: J. Tatum (26.9)
APG: J. Tatum (5.8)
Reb/G: J. Tatum (8.8)
Coaches:
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (1st season)
Boston Celtics: Joe Mazzulla (3rd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
