Lakers vs. Celtics prediction, odds, line, start time: Advanced computer model releases NBA picks for Saturday, Jan. 28

Rivals square off as the Boston Celtics (35-15) host the Los Angeles Lakers (23-26) in a cross-conference matchup on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET. Boston is favored by 8.5 points at Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under is set at 234 (see up-to-date odds for every game this week on our NBA odds page). 

Before making any Lakers vs. Celtics picks,

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!

The model knows Los Angeles forward LeBron James (questionable, ankle) has been carrying the team during the month of January. James has an excellent offensive repertoire and is dominant when he's playing downhill. In January, the 19-time All-Star is averaging 33.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and eight assists per game. On Jan. 24, he finished with 46 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

The model also knows Boston has one of highest scoring offenses in the NBA. The Celtics have five players who average double-digit points and are fourth in the league in scoring (117.6). Forward Jayson Tatum is a smooth three-level scorer, leading the way for Boston. Tatum is third in the NBA with 31.1 points with 8.7 boards per game. He has scored at least 34 points in two of his last four games. 

Now, it has set its sights on Lakers vs. Celtics. We can tell you the model is leaning Over on the point total, and it also says one side of the spread hits over 50% of the time! You ABSOLUTELY need to see it before locking in any NBA picks.