Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Predictions, Odds, Picks

Nov. 19, 2021

Michael Crosson
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Nationally televised NBA coverage will kick things off on Friday night with a heavyweight non- conference bout between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Score Prediction

Celtics 105, Lakers 102

Best Bets

Under

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Predictions

After finishing fourth in the East with a record of 36-36 last year, Boston stumbled out to an incredibly disappointing start to the new season, as the Celtics opened with losses in five of their first seven games – with Boston’s only victories across that span coming in matchups against somewhat pedestrian opponents in the Rockets and Hornets.

Since their head-scratching 2-5 start though, the Celtics have seemingly reverted to base form, highlighted by Boston entering Friday’s matchup following wins in five of the last eight contests – which includes impressive victories over the Bucks, Raptors, and Heat.

On the other hand, Los Angles got off to a relatively decent start immediately following the groundbreaking acquisition of Russell Westbrook, as the Lakers kicked off the season with wins in five of their first eight games – with included tough matchups against the Warriors, Suns, Grizzlies, and Blazers.

Since starting 5-3 though, Los Angeles has quickly flipped the script on its season, considering the Lakers enter Friday’s contest riding a lackluster 3-5 skid – which includes frustrating losses to the Thunder, Wolves, and Bulls.

I’ll take the under here, as the total has stayed under in seven of the last eight Celtics’ games – and they’ll probably get caught in another low-scoring defensive battle against the Lakers on Friday night.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Odds

More Odds | Futures Odds

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Resources

• Matchup: Pacific vs. Atlantic
• Date: Friday, November 19, 2021
• Venue: TD Garden
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• TV-Time: ESPN - 7:30 p.m. ET

• Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 8-8
• ATS: 6-10
• O/U: 9-7

Regardless of the circumstances, sitting at 8-8 is a disappointment for this Lakers’ squad – but they got banged up early, highlighted by Anthony Davis and LeBron James both still listed on the injury report heading into Friday night.

Things may be looking up for Los Angeles shortly though, considering Davis is expected to play through his minor thigh injury on Friday night – while LeBron’s status is still up in the air with an abdomen issue.

Boston Celtics Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 7-8
• ATS: 8-6-1
• O/U: 5-9-1

After making a quick exit from last year’s playoffs, the Celtics’ 2-5 start was undeniably worrisome, as Boston dropped five-of-seven games to open the new season – despite being favored in five of those matchups.

The oddsmakers never gave up on the Celtics though, and rightfully so, considering Boston has covered the spread in seven of the last eight games – while being listed as generous favorites in half of those events.

The Boston Celtics have covered the spread in five straight games when facing the Lakers. (AP)

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

The Lakers and Celtics split a two-game regular-season set last year, with the first of those matchups taking place in Boston and staying well-under the total set for Friday’s affair (96-95) – while the second took place in L.A. and soared over that total (121-113).

Key Players to Watch

• LAL: Anthony Davis - PF (23.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg)
• LAL: Russell Westbrook - PG (19.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 8.8 apg)
• BOS: Jayson Tatum - SF (24.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg)
• BOS: Dennis Schroder - PG (17 ppg, 5.1 apg)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Conclusion

After posting a second straight loss in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, the Lakers will travel to Boston for Friday’s matchup as narrow road underdogs against the Celtics at TD Garden – which marks the fifth time L.A. has been an underdog across the last six games.

I’ll take the under here, as I slightly lean with Boston to take down the Lakers at the Garden – but I’m far more confident in these teams inevitably slugging it out in a competitive low-scoring battle on Friday night.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Trends

• Los Angeles has lost three straight road games.
• The point total has gone OVER in six of the last seven meetings.
• Boston has covered the spread in five straight games when facing the Lakers.