The logic last night was sound when betting on the Under in the Boston Celtics’ first night in Los Angeles. Their defense has been underappreciated this season as the Celtics seemingly cruise through the season.
The only mistake was not realizing Boston might be sluggish from the night before in Los Angeles, thus allowing the Clippers to hang around and force overtime.
That problem should not be afoot tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. Let’s trust that Under again in my Celtics vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks. Tip comes at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23.
Celtics vs Lakers prediction
My best bet
Under 219.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
If not for overtime between the Clippers and Boston Celtics, last night’s Under would have cashed by 11 points. How in the world did overtime come about when the Celtics were favored by 12.5 points?
Well, this is a bit of an intangible thought, one beyond any ability to be proven. But we have seen it before.
Boston may have had something akin to the Los Angeles Flu. The Celtics mopped the floor with the Warriors on Monday and then flew to Southern California. They had Tuesday night to themselves. It is not a logical leap to think there may have been plenty of reason for Boston to be a bit sluggish on Wednesday night.
To some degree, the second night of a back-to-back may be less exhausting, particularly since it did not include travel.
But more tangibly, all of last night’s thoughts hold true. The Celtics have improved their defensive rating by nearly a bucket in the last month compared to the 2023-24 title-winning defense. Meanwhile, their offensive rating has fallen off by two buckets.
Recognizing that emphasizes this bet on the Under 219.5. Both aspects of Boston suggest taking Unders, and that has been profitable all season.
24 of 44 Celtics’ games have gone Under their totals, with one of the exceptions being a push and another taking place last night. Shortening the sample size, eight of Boston’s last 12 games have fallen short of hitting the Over.
All of this should be amplified against the scuffling Los Angeles Lakers.
Celtics vs Lakers same-game parlay
Under 219.5
Celtics moneyline
LeBron James Under 22.5 points
Despite supposed cruise control, Boston has won both games on this California road trip, and some intention should be drawn from facing the Lakers and LeBron James. The Celtics are the vastly superior team, even in a tough travel spot, so this -200 moneyline feels rather underpriced.
Fading James is simply recognizing reality. He has fallen short of this points prop in five of his last seven games, and it would be aggressive to think he will pour in points against a bettered Boston defense, particularly one with plenty of strong wings to throw at him — including perhaps an Olympic teammate with a bit of a grudge in Jayson Tatum.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Celtics vs Lakers odds
Celtics vs Lakers live odds
Celtics vs Lakers opening odds
- Spread: Boston -5.5 | Los Angeles +5.5
- Moneyline: Boston -220 | Los Angeles+180
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Celtics vs Lakers spread and Over/Under analysis
- This spread opened with Boston favored by 5.5 points, a number that first rose to -6 before last night’s overtime compelled it to slide to -5 long before morning.
- Is that an overreaction? Quite possibly, especially since the Celtics handled overtime with some ease.
- This total opened at 221.5 and despite feinting to 222, held rather firm overnight. But on Thursday morning, it began to steadily tick downward until reaching 219.5.
Celtics vs Lakers trend
Boston has gone just 4-3 ATS on the second night of back-to-backs this season, though the C's have won five of the seven outright. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Lakers.
How to watch Celtics vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California |
| Date | Thursday, 1-23-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, truTV, Max |
Celtics vs Lakers latest injuries
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