Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics 2/1/24 – As the NBA season continues to heat up, a thrilling match-up is on the horizon with the Los Angeles Lakers set to face off against the Boston Celtics on Thursday. This game, which promises to be a showcase of talent and strategy, holds significant importance for both teams. With the Lakers seeking to climb the standings and the Celtics aiming to solidify their top position, this clash at TD Garden is drawing considerable attention from premier betting sites and fans alike.
| When: | Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Right on target 🎯 pic.twitter.com/eCx55aaCSP
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 31, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | +9.5 -110 | o244 -110 | +440 |  |
| Celtics | -9.5 -110 | u244 -110 | -588 | |
| ||||
Anthony Davis (PF) vs. Jayson Tatum (SF)
Anthony Davis has been an absolute force this season in his 45 games played for the Lakers. He’s averaging a whopping 36 minutes per game and putting up 25 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.4 blocks. Shooting an efficient 49% from the field, Davis has been nearly unstoppable in the paint while also stepping out to hit mid-range jumpers. He’s hauling in 3.2 offensive rebounds and 9 defensive rebounds each contest – dominating the glass and creating extra possessions. With his length and athleticism, Davis is swatting 2.4 shots per game to anchor the Lakers interior defense. His only noticeable weakness has been turnovers, coughing the ball up 2.1 times per game as teams send aggressive double teams.
On the flip side, Jayson Tatum has taken his game to another level in his fifth NBA season with the Celtics. In 43 games played, the 24 year old star is averaging a career-high 26.8 points while shooting 47% from the field and 35% from three. Tatum has taken on more playmaking responsibilities, dishing out 4.3 assists with 2.5 turnovers per game. While not as dominant on the boards as Davis, he still manages 8.4 rebounds and 1 steal per contest. Tatum excels at scoring from all three levels with his smooth shooting stroke and elite footwork. If he can maintain efficiency as his usage increases, the Celtics offense will remain dangerous.
This matchup features two of the most gifted young forwards in the NBA. Both Davis and Tatum are potent scorers, rebounders and playmakers despite different stylistic approaches. Davis’ post game and rim protection gives him the edge defensively. However, Tatum’s unlimited shooting range and shot creation ability can shred opposing defenses as well.
Lakers’ Statistical Strengths and Weaknesses
The Lakers have showcased an effective offensive game this season, averaging 116 points per game with an impressive 49.1% field goal percentage and 43.1 rebounds per game on average. But their Achilles Heel lies in their ball-handling; an average of 13.9 turnovers per game could prove disastrous against a powerful opponent like Boston Celtics.
Celtics’ Dominance on Both Ends
The Celtics boast an average of 120.3 points per game on offense, averaging 16.2 three-point shots at 37.9% accuracy per game on offense alone! On defense, their performance is equally remarkable averaging 47.5 rebounds and 6.5 blocks each game and their well-rounded gameplay makes them formidable opponents, particularly at home court.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
As of now, the betting odds for the game are still to be determined. However, based on the current form and statistics, the Celtics might be the favorites, especially considering their strong home record and overall performance this season. The over/under will be an interesting aspect to watch, given both teams’ propensity to score heavily.
Trends
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
LA Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Lakers are 9-13 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 5 of Lakers’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 10 of Lakers’ 26 last games at home.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Celtics are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Boston Celtics are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Celtics are 10-12 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Celtics’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Celtics’ 22 last games at home.
Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James SF Is “?” Thursday vs Boston, Ankle
Anthony Davis PF Is “?” Thursday vs Boston, Hip
Cam Reddish SG Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Gabe Vincent PG Is out indefinitely, Knee
Boston Celtics
Al Horford C Is upgraded to probable Thursday vs LA Lakers, Neck
Luke Kornet PF Is “?” Thursday vs LA Lakers, Hamstring
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this game is poised to be a closely contested battle. The Celtics, with their stronger overall record and superior home-court advantage, seem to be the safer bet. However, the Lakers, led by Davis, cannot be underestimated, especially with their ability to score heavily.
In terms of basketball betting picks, the Celtics might be the better pick, especially considering their consistency and depth. Prop bets could be interesting, particularly focusing on individual performances like points scored by Tatum or Davis. The over/under will be a tricky bet, given both teams’ scoring trends, but leaning towards the over might be favorable. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Celtics 115, Lakers 108.
