Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 24/12/2023, 16:15  by Joseph King | Modified on 24/12/2023 at 16:15 in NBA Predictions

Arguably the marquee matchup of the stacked Christmas Day slate sees the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Boston Celtics. These two storied franchises are tied for the most NBA championships at 17 apiece. The Celtics are the more likely of these two teams to break the deadlock this season as they are the consensus oddsmakers’ favorites to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy. They have a co-NBA best 22-6 record and lead the Eastern Conference by half a game over the Bucks. Boston comes into this game after a statement win on Saturday night which saw them dominate the resurgent Clippers 145-108 away from home. It was Boston’s second win in a row and eighth from their last 10 overall. It also boosted their road record to 8-6 on the season. The 145 points scored was the second-highest total for the Celtics this season and their second straight game breaking 140+. 

The Lakers made a statement win of their own on Saturday after defeating the third-place OKC Thunder 129-120. It was a much-needed result ahead of this important Christmas Day clash as it snapped a four game losing run for the Purple and Gold. The victory brings LA’s record to 16-14 and has them sitting ninth in the Western Conference. They currently occupy one of the play-in spots but see just two games separating themselves from fourth-place Sacramento. The Lakers have been a much better side when playing at the Crypto.com Arena, winning 10 of 13 outings compared to just six of 17 on the road. LeBron James was in top form in the win over the Thunder, dropping a vintage performance with 40 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. The King will be making his 18th Christmas Day appearance in the NBA where he has posted a 10-7 record so far.