Two of the most historic and legendary franchises in the NBA are set to meet up on Thursday night for a huge matchup. The Los Angeles Lakers are set to visit the Boston Celtics and this game always seems to deliver some drama and entertainment.
Los Angeles just hasn’t been able to figure things out this season as they are coming into this game at 24-25. Everytime that it seems like the Lakers are going to go on a big run, they always seem to take some steps backwards.
The Boston Celtics are coming into this game with a record of 37-11 and they have emerged as one of the favorites to win the NBA championship. Boston has won four of their last five games and they are coming into this game with some momentum.
The Boston Celtics are 10.5-point betting favorites over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
LeBron Leading the Lakers
LeBron James is currently listed as a gametime decision ahead of this matchup, but he is likely to suit up for this matchup. James is having another huge season for the Lakers with nearly 25 points per game.
Anthony Davis is having a huge season as well, and his athleticism in the paint is going to be needed to win this game. Los Angeles has the size advantage, but they don’t have much of an advantage on the perimeter.
The Lakers are going to have to put up a great defensive effort to win this game, but that is something that they aren’t usually known for doing.
Celtics Can Really Score
The Boston Celtics are coming into this game averaging 120.4 points per game this season, and they have a pair of superstars leading the way. Jayson Tatum is scoring 26.9 points per game this season, while Jaylen Brown has chipped in with 22.6 points per game.
Boston will be trying to push the tempo in this game as they clearly seem to have an advantage on the offensive end of the floor. The Celtics are a team with a ton of weapons, and their depth has helped them roll to their big record.
It has been a great run of late for the Boston Celtics and that momentum could be worth some major points in this game. Playing at home is going to be something that should allow Boston to set the tone as well.
Lakers Battles; Boston Wins
The Boston Celtics have clearly been much better than Los Angeles this season, but that doesn’t seem to matter when the two teams meet up. LeBron James just continues to put up some monster offensive numbers, and he will keep his team in this game.
Boston has a couple of superstars setting the tone, and the Celtics are going to take control of this game at some point. Don’t expect to see the Celtics cruise to a big win in this game, but they are going to win this game on their home floor.
Take the 10.5 points and back the Los Angeles Lakers, but it will be a big win for the Celtics on Thursday night.
