Offense meets defense when the Los Angeles Lakers (34-8) visit Boston to take on the Celtics (27-14). The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020, and will air on TNT.
Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics ATS Prediction
The Lakers will be hoping for a similar outcome after defeating the Houston Rockets in their last contest, 124-115, as 3.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (239) came in over the projected point total of 234.5. The Lakers had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 30.0 (above their season average of 24.4), while the Rockets had a turnover percentage of 16.3 (above their season average of 12.4). Los Angeles received a boost from LeBron James, who led the team in scoring with 31 points on 13-for-25 shooting.
The last time the Celtics played, they were beaten by the Phoenix Suns, 123-119, despite being 4-point favorites. The game’s total points (242) came in well over the O/U total of 220. Phoenix out-rebounded Boston. The Suns had 10 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Celtics had four and 39, respectively. Marcus Smart put together a solid performance for Boston, leading the team in scoring with 37 points on 13-for-25 shooting.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this meeting between a pair of the league’s best defenses. Boston ranks fifth in defensive efficiency (104.4) and Los Angeles is third (102.9).
Los Angeles heads into the contest with records of 34-8 straight up (SU) and 23-18-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Lakers games, with 22 unders compared to 20 overs.
Meanwhile, Boston is 27-14 SU and 23-17-1 ATS. Coinciding with Los Angeles, just over half of Celtics games have finished under the total.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Celtics won 120-107. Boston had a better effective field goal percentage (0.591 vs. 0.511). Los Angeles, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (14-18; 77.8 percent).
Lakers at Celtics Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Los Angeles is 12-9 ATS with 11 overs and 10 unders.
Boston is 11-10 ATS at home with 11 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
Boston is 9-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Los Angeles is 14-0.
The Celtics are 26-8 when they score over 100 points, while the Lakers are 30-8.
Los Angeles averages 7.3 blocks per game, which ranks first in the league. Boston ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
The Celtics rank seventh in fast break points per game (15.1) while the Lakers rank 27th in fast break points allowed per game (15.6).
Boston ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Los Angeles ranks 21st (8.0).
The Lakers rank fifth in assists per game (26.1) while the Celtics rank 19th (23.1).
Los Angeles ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.6) while Boston ranks 16th (12.9).
The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (53.8) while the Celtics rank ninth (48.9).
Boston ranks fourth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while Los Angeles ranks 10th (16.2).
The Lakers rank third in rebounds allowed per game (42.2) while the Celtics rank ninth (44.3).
Over its last five contests, Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS with 5 overs.
Boston is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs over its last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 8.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 119.6 points per game (7.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.6 points per game (9.0 above their season average).