It will be a clash between two exceptional defenses when the Boston Celtics (27-14) take on the Los Angeles Lakers (34-8) at TD Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020, and will air on TNT.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Odds
The Lakers will be hoping for a similar outcome after beating the Houston Rockets in their last matchup, 124-115, as 3.5-point underdogs. The Celtics, meanwhile, were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, 123-119, resulting in a push. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Los Angeles game finished 4.5 points over the projected point total of 234.5, while the Boston game went 22 points over the projected point total of 220.
Los Angeles dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 30.0 (above their season average of 24.4) and a turnover percentage of 13.7 (worse than their season average of 12.7). Houston recorded marks of 24.4 and 16.3, respectively, for those same stats. Boston, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 12.8). Marcus Smart had a good outing for Boston with 37 points, eight assists and five rebounds. LeBron James played well for Los Angeles, putting up 31 points, 12 assists and five rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Celtics won the last game 120-107. Boston had a better effective field goal percentage (0.591 vs. 0.511). Los Angeles, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (14-18; 77.8 percent). This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
Of the Lakers’ 42 games, 22 have finished under the total. Los Angeles holds records of 34-8 straight up (SU) and 23-18-1 against the spread (ATS).
Similarly to Los Angeles, games featuring the Celtics have gone under the total 51.2 percent of the time. Additionally, Boston owns records of 27-14 SU and 23-17-1 ATS.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this showdown between a pair of the league’s top defenses. Boston ranks fifth in defensive efficiency (104.4) and Los Angeles is third (102.9).
Lakers at Celtics Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers rank third in rebounds allowed per game (42.2) while the Celtics rank ninth (44.3).
- Los Angeles ranks first in blocks per game (7.3) while Boston ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
- The Lakers rank fifth in assists per game (26.1) while the Celtics rank 19th (23.1).
- Los Angeles ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.6) while Boston ranks 16th (12.9).
- Boston ranks fourth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while Los Angeles ranks 10th (16.2).
- The Celtics average 15.1 fast break points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Lakers rank 27th in fast break points allowed per game (15.6).
- The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (53.8) while the Celtics rank ninth (48.9).
- Boston ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Los Angeles ranks 21st (8.0).
- When holding opponents under 100 points, Boston is 9-2 and Los Angeles is 14-0.
- The Lakers are 30-8 when they reach the century mark, while the Celtics are 26-8.
- Los Angeles is 12-9 ATS on the road, while Boston is 11-10 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 11 of the Celtics’ 21 home games, while 11 of the Lakers’ 21 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Lakers are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Los Angeles has 5 overs, while Boston has 4 overs.
- The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 8.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 119.6 points per game (7.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.6 points per game (9.0 above their season average).
