Lakers vs Celtics Betting Preview: Strong Response Required for Lakers

It’s not the 1980s when Magic and Bird were going at it, but tonight’s Lakers vs Celtics matchup should still be a good one.

After losing two games in a row, the Lakers go into tonight’s game having dropped out of 1st place in the Western Conference. The Celtics, meanwhile, are behind the 76ers, Nets, and Bucks in the East but could make a move now that Jayson Tatum has returned.

Today’s NBA odds favor the visitors in this must-see matchup between the two most storied franchises in the NBA, but will the champs be able to get the win? Or will the hosts send them to a third defeat in four days?

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Betting Odds and Information

• Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers (14-6, 10-2 away, 3rd in the Western Conference) vs Boston Celtics (10-7, 5-2 home, 4th in the Eastern Conference)
• Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021
• Time: 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts (TD Garden)
• TV: ABC
• Spread: Lakers -2 (-104), Celtics +2 (-118)
• Total: OVER 218 (-110), UNDER 218 (-110)
• Moneyline: Lakers -134, Celtics +114

Odds via Fanduel as of Saturday, January 30

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview

The Lakers have had as many losses in the last few days as they had in the 13 January games prior. Wednesday’s tight loss in Philadelphia does not take the shine off of an otherwise good month, as the 76ers currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings.

But Thursday night’s second-half implosion against the Pistons is firmly in the “bad loss” category. Anthony Davis did not play, but that does not mitigate how badly the fourth quarter went. The Lakers were ahead at halftime but were outscored 51-34 in the second half. With 8:40 left, they trailed 88-87 after Talen Horton-Tucker’s three. However, that would be the last time they would score until there was 1:50 left and the Pistons were too far ahead to be caught.

Even the best teams have inexplicably bad stretches, so there is nothing to read into the fourth-quarter capitulation. A strong response should be expected.

Boston Celtics Betting Preview

The Celtics have had some real extremes in recent weeks. On one end, they beat the Cavaliers by 38 and the Magic by 27. On the other end, they lost by 30 at home to the Knicks.

But now that Jayson Tatum is back after missing almost three weeks due to COVID, the Celtics should start finding some consistency with results. Tatum’s enforced absence came at an unfortunate time, as the Celtics had won four in a row and six of seven.

Tatum returned in Monday’s win over the Bulls, and his impact was felt immediately as he scored 24 points on 10 of 21 shooting. He followed that up with 25 points Wednesday in a loss to the Spurs, though he did not make at least one three for the first time this season. With Tatum out, Jaylen Brown stepped up big, averaging 29.4 ppg in five games. Kemba Walker is still getting in the groove after missing almost a month to start the season, but if that trio can consistently score at a high level, the Celtics will be able to hold their own against the Nets, Bucks, and 76ers in the East.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Betting Stats and Trends

Los Angeles Lakers Stat Sheet

Offense

• PPG: 112.8 (13th in the NBA)
• FG: 48.0 percent (3rd)
• 3PT: 38.8 percent (5th)

Defense

• PPG: 104.8 (2nd)
• FG: 44.9 percent (7th)
• 3PT: 34.3 percent (3rd)

Los Angeles Lakers Recent Form (Last Five: 3-2)

• 1/28/21: Detroit Pistons 107-92 Los Angeles Lakers
• 1/27/21: Philadelphia 76ers 107-106 Los Angeles Lakers
• 1/25/21: Cleveland 108-115 Los Angeles Lakers
• 1/23/21: Chicago Bulls 90-101 Los Angeles Lakers
• 1/21/21: Milwaukee Bucks 106-113 Los Angeles Lakers

Boston Celtics Stat Sheet

Offense

• PPG: 112.6 (14th)
• FG: 47.3 percent (10th)
• 3PT: 38.1 percent (7th)

Defense

• PPG: 109.9 (11th)
• FG: 47.0 percent (23rd)
• 3PT: 36.2 percent (13th)

Boston Celtics Recent Form (Last Five: 2-3)

• 1/27/21: San Antonio Spurs 110-106 Boston Celtics
• 1/25/21: Chicago Bulls 103-119 Boston Celtics
• 1/24/21: Boston Celtics 141-103 Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1/22/21: Philadelphia 76ers 122-110 Boston Celtics
• 1/20/21: Philadelphia 76ers 117-109 Boston Celtics

Lakers vs Celtics Top Betting Trend

• There have been points aplenty in the four meetings between the Lakers and Celtics over the last two seasons, with totals of (from most recent) 226, 246, 227, and 257.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Betting Advice

After their uncharacteristically awful fourth quarter against the Pistons, the Lakers are sure to come out swinging tonight. Expect a strong response and a win for the Lakers. Back the moneyline, the over, and the team over.

Lakers vs Celtics Best Bets

• Lakers ML (-134)
• OVER 218 (-110)
• Lakers team total OVER 109.5 (-115)