Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Lakers have now lost two games in a row and are .500 over their last ten games.
• The Celtics have also been struggling, but begin a four-game homestand.
• The Lakers and Celtics split their season series last year.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Odds and Picks

The Lakers are coming off of a loss where they struggled to contain one of the league’s premier talents. While the Celtics are also dangerous, the need to bounce back and the lack of opposition in the paint should put the game in Los Angeles’ favor.

Picks:

Los Angeles Lakers def. Boston Celtics (+105)

Head-to-Head: Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics

Injury Report

How can the Lakers beat the Celtics?

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the better scoring teams in the NBA, but the efficiency of their scoring tends to fluctuate.

When they face the Celtics, they need to deal with one of the NBA’s more active defences. Boston hold their opponents to an average of 43.8% from the field and just 33% from three-point range.

Los Angeles want to push the pace, as they don’t want to get stuck in the halfcourt against Boston.

Lakers Key Player: (G-F) Talen Horton-Tucker

Talen Horton-Tucker’s last 2 games

25 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST, 3 3PT
28 PTS, 6 REB, 4 3PT, 2 ASTpic.twitter.com/zTvvojZIdG

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 18, 2021

The Lakers have been struggling since LeBron James was injured. However in three games after returning from injury, Talen Horton-Tucker has starred.

Horton-Tucker is averaging 23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over 34.4 minutes per game. It’s a small sample size, but he seems to be in top form since returning.

He’s acting as an outlet for the Lakers’ stars while also taking some initiative of his own on the offensive side of the ball. With Los Angeles’ offensive struggles, Horton-Tucker’s scoring will be needed.

How can the Celtics beat the Lakers?

The Celtics have a tall task ahead of them, especially with Robert Williams and Jaylen Brown unable to play.

When Boston face off against the Lakers, they take on one of the league’s best rim-attacking teams. Between Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, the paint and the kick-out are always a danger.

Al Horford and Enes Kanter will be counted on to man the paint when Boston take on Los Angeles. Neither offer what Williams does on the court, but their veteran experience needs to make up the difference against Hollywood’s favorite team.

Celtics Key Player: (G) Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart with the Statue of Liberty … assist? pic.twitter.com/QsnAuKW0Yh

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 13, 2021

The Boston Celtics have struggled to find their groove through the opening of the season. A big reason for their struggles is the inconsistency of veteran Marcus Smart.

Smart is coming off of a game where he posted 8 points, 11 assists, and 3 rebounds. Of course, Smart does the intangibles well, but his struggles scoring the ball can grind Boston’s offence to a halt.

Simply put, Smart needs to improve on his shooting. He needs to be aggressive getting to the rim as well as efficient from three, if he can’t do so the weight falls on Tatum’s shoulders again.

How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics