The Boston Celtics (40-26) will travel to the Staples Center to clash against the Los Angeles Lakers (30-35). The game gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers ATS Odds
In their last game, the Lakers (5-point underdogs) fell to the Denver Nuggets, 115-99, while The Celtics (2-point favorites) barely escaped the Sacramento Kings, 111-109. The Los Angeles game finished 17.5 points under the projected point total of 231.5, while the Boston game finished 6 points under the projected point total of 226.
The Celtics made 18 of their 21 free throws (85.7 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.534). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.143 vs. 0.122). LeBron James had a solid outing for Los Angeles with 31 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Al Horford had a solid performance for Boston, contributing 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
In their first matchup this year, James led the Lakers to a 129-128 victory. He notched a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. The two teams combined to score 257 points, which was well over the projected point total of 228.5, and Los Angeles covered as a 10-point underdog. Los Angeles made 22 of its 41 three pointers (53.7 percent). Boston, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (20-20; 100.0 percent).
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Celtics games, with 35 overs compared to 31 unders. Boston holds records of 40-26 straight up (SU) and 32-32-2 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas tends to place the total high when the Lakers are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have gone under the total. Further, Los Angeles owns records of 30-35 SU and 25-38-2 ATS.
Los Angeles might have a tough time scoring as they square off against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Boston currently ranks fourth in defensive efficiency while the Lakers rank 24th in offensive efficiency.
Celtics at Lakers Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers rank seventh in rebounds per game (46.4) while the Celtics rank 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (45.6).
- Boston ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (18.2).
- The Celtics rank seventh in fast break points per game (16.2) while the Lakers rank 26th in fast break points allowed per game (15.4).
- Boston ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Los Angeles ranks 20th (5.3).
- Boston averages 34.9 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (33.2).
- The Celtics rank second in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Lakers rank 25th (8.4).
- The Celtics rank third in assists allowed per game (22.9) while the Lakers rank 20th (24.9).
- Los Angeles ranks second in points in the paint per game (56.4) while Boston ranks 25th (44.5).
- Los Angeles is 7-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Boston is 15-4.
- The Celtics are 40-19 when they score above 100 points, while the Lakers are 29-28.
- Los Angeles is 11-20-2 ATS at home, while Boston is 12-18-2 ATS on the road.
- Of the Celtics’ 32 road games, they have 17 unders and 15 overs.
- Of the Lakers’ 33 home games, they have 23 unders and 10 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 0-5.
- In their last five games, Boston has 5 unders, while Los Angeles has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
- The Lakers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 1.8 for the season.
