Celtics vs. Lakers prediction, odds, line, spread: 2023 NBA picks, Jan. 28 best bets from proven model
One of the biggest rivalries in the NBA takes place when the Los Angeles Lakers (23-26) go on the road to play the Boston Celtics (35-15) on Saturday evening. The Lakers have won three of their past four games, notching a 113-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Boston is in a mini-slump, losing three straight contests, falling to the New York Knicks 120-117 in overtime on Thursday night. Marcus Smart (ankle) is out for Boston. Los Angeles lists LeBron James (ankle) as questionable and Anthony Davis (foot) as probable.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston. Caesars Sportsbook lists Boston as the 8.5-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Celtics odds. The over/under for total points is set at 234. Before making any Celtics vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 15 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 47-22 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,200. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Celtics and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Celtics vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -8.5
- Lakers vs. Celtics over/under: 234 points
- Lakers vs. Celtics money line: Boston -355, Los Angeles +278
- LAL: Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last six Saturday games
- BOS: Under is 4-1 in Celtics' last five overall
- Lakers vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Celtics can cover
Forward Jayson Tatum is an assertive and versatile scorer. Tatum can score at the rim, from the post or from beyond the arc with no hesitation. The four-time All-Star uses an array of fakes to get the defender off their spots. The Duke product also does a great job securing rebounds for Boston. Tatum is third in the NBA in scoring (31.1) with 8.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. In Thursday's loss, he tallied 35 points and 14 boards.
Guard Malcolm Brogdon is a solid two-way threat in the backcourt. Brogdon has good length and awareness on the defensive end, forcing the ball handler to play physical throughout the matchup. The Virginia product has good foot speed and a smooth jumper. Brogdon averages 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. On Jan. 21, he totaled 23 points and seven boards.
Why the Lakers can cover
James has been exceptional this season. He continues to have the offense run through him due to his superb court vision and shotmaking ability. The 19-time All-Star is in a rhythm offensively, scoring 40-plus points in four of his last 12 games. James averages 29.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. On Jan. 24, he finished with 46 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Davis returned from injury on Jan. 25, providing a massive boost on both ends of the floor. Davis is able to glide defensively to defend the rim and out on the perimeter. The Kentucky product has a reliable mid-range jumper and is fearless when going to the basket. Davis averages 27.2 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He logged 21 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on Wednesday.
How to make Celtics vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 243 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
