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The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics play in a classic NBA rivalry matchup on Friday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Lakers-Celtics prediction and pick.
The Lakers and Celtics will battle on Friday as each team is still looking to find their footing this season. Los Angeles may get LeBron James back for this one, as he is listed as questionable to return from his groin injury that has sidelined him for the past couple weeks. Both Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams III are questionable to play Friday for the Celtics. The final injury report will have a big impact on this game, to say the least. The Celtics are slim favorites over the Lakers as of Friday morning.
Here are the Lakers-Celtics odds for this Friday NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Lakers-Celtics Odds
Los Angeles Lakers +2 (-106)
Boston Celtics -2 (-114)
Over 214.5 points (-112)
Under 214.5 points (-108)
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Why The Lakers Can Cover The Spread
The Lakers might be getting LeBron James back, and if they do this bet is a bargain. If James is officially ruled as in, the line will shift towards the Lakers some, they could even close as favorites if Brown and/or Williams are still out for the Celtics. Los Angeles has struggled a bit in the absence of James, so his status may be even more important than normal.
The Lakers are 8-8 this season and will be looking to move above .500 and start working their way up the Western Conference standings. Landing a top-6 seed will not be easy in the West, so if LA wants to avoid the play-in this season, the Lakers will need to start gaining ground as soon as possible. If James suits up Friday, the Lakers should find a way to pull out the win vs. what has been an average Celtics team this season.
Why The Celtics Can Cover The Spread
The Celtics need to get Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams III back, and both are questionable to return. If those guys are able to suit up, Boston is a decent play even if the Lakers activate James. Boston is 5-5 in their last 10 games and 8-6-1 against the spread this season. Betting the Celtics this evening depends on the final status of Brown and Williams III, so be sure to check the final injury reports before betting on Boston.
The Celtics have the 23rd ranked offense in terms of efficiency, scoring just 104.6 points per 100 possessions.
Final Lakers-Celtics Prediction & Pick
Take the Lakers and the points as long as you can get them. Once James is officially in, it won't be surprising if money pours in on Los Angeles. The Lakers likely wouldn't have upgraded LeBron to questionable if they weren't going to play him, so again take the points with LA while you can get them.
FINAL LAKERS-CELTICS PREDICTION & PICK: Lakers +2 (-106)
