HomeNBANBA PredictionsBoston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds and Picks

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/23/25

Updated: 12:52 PM ET Jan 23, 2025

Crypto.com ArenaTNT

Celtics

10:10 PM ETToday

Lakers

LWLWW	Last 5	LWWLW
31-13	Record	23-18
19-24-0	ATS Record	17-24-0
22-21	O/U Record	20-21

Vote on who will cover the spread!

Celtics vs Lakers Pickswise Expert Predictions

NBA

Point Spread Pick

BOS Celtics -5.0(-110)BOS Celtics @ LA Lakers

Reasoning

The Clippers were without Ivica Zubac, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, but Boston still needed overtime to pull out the win. Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White all had 20+ points, the Celtics will be pleased with their three-point shooting as they knocked down 19 threes on 50 attempts. That’s something that has bothered them ever since the start of the New Year, resulting in just 5 wins over their last 9 games. Expectations are high against the Lakers tonight, especially since we know Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Al Horford are all expected back in the line-up.

We all know the Lakers can execute offensively, their biggest issue is containing opponents from scoring the ball. Big things are expected from Anthony Davis in this game, he has been key for the Lakers in their last 2 home games vs the Celtics averaging 38.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. LA has won 3 of 4 games, but it is worth pointing out that 2 of the wins were against the Wizards and Nets, so not exactly top tier opponents. Despite the positive run, LA cannot afford to relax here. The Lakers’ biggest problem is the fact that they are allowing 51.7 points per game inside the paint this season, that’s the 3rd worst number in the entire NBA.

Playing on a 2nd night of a back-to-back isn’t ideal for the defending champions, but with those 3 players coming back they should have enough fresh legs to keep up with the Lakers here. They’ve knocked down 19 and 20 threes in their last 2 games, a similar output here almost guarantees them a win. I’ll take my chances with the 15-5 SU on the road Celtics here.

Celtics vs Lakers Predictions: Celtics -5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Celtics vs Lakers predictions.

BET -5.0 NOW WITH

Filip Tomic

Show Bio

Long-time NBA fan, following the game closely for 21 years now. Joined the Pickswise writing staff for the 2020-21 season and have given out winning picks since. Hopefully we can make some money together! Oh, and I firmly believe Lebron James is not one of the two best basketball players of all time. Yeah, I said it. For Filip Tomic media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.

Same Game Parlay

Point Spread

BOS Celtics -5.0

Player Points

J. Tatum (BOS) - 25+ pts

Player Threes Made

L. James (LAL) - Over 1.5 threes

Reasoning

Boston Celtics -5 over LA Lakers (-112)

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White all had 20+ points in last night’s win over the Clippers in overtime. Rhe Celtics will be pleased with their three-point shooting as they knocked down 19 from beyond the arc on 50 attempts. That’s something that has bothered them ever since the start of 2025, resulting in just 5 wins over their last 9 games. Expectations are high against the Lakers tonight, especially since we know Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Al Horford are all expected back in the lineup.

LA has won 3 of its last 4 games, but it is worth pointing out that 2 of those victories were against the Wizards and Nets, so not exactly top-tier opponents. Despite the positive run, LA cannot afford to relax here. The biggest problem is their interior defense, as they allow 51.7 points per game inside the paint, which is the 3rd-worst number in the entire NBA. Playing on the 2nd night of a back-to-back isn’t ideal for the defending champions, but with those 3 players coming back they should have enough fresh legs to keep up with the Lakers here. They’ve knocked down 19 and 20 threes in their last 2 games, and a similar output here should be enough for the win. I’ll take my chances with the Celtics here, who are 15-5 on the road.

Jayson Tatum to score 25+ points (-150)

Although his numbers are slightly down over the last 10 games, I have full confidence in Jayson Tatum having a big game here. The Lakers are one of his favorite opponents to play, as he’s averaging 30.5 points per game in the last 10 meetings. He’s cleared this line in 4 of 5 visits to Crypto.com Arena, and in 2 of those games, he went over 40 points. LA’s defensive issues against opposing wings are well-documented this season and things still haven’t improved all that much even after they acquired Dorian Finney-Smith. On the road this season, Tatum is averaging 29.3 points per game on over 46% efficiency from the field and almost 35% from downtown. It’s been 3 games since he hasn’t cleared this line and he should step up here against his bitter rivals.

LeBron James 2+ made threes (-155)

LeBron James has endured a lot of criticism this year on the defensive end, but if there’s one thing the critics cannot hold against him lately, it’s his three-point shooting. Right now, James is in one of his best stretches of shooting the ball in the last few years, making over 50% of his attempts from downtown in the last 10 games played.

James has cleared this line 9 times during this stretch, and the last time he failed to make a three was back on December 2 in Minnesota. Since then, he’s suited up in 17 games and has made a pair of triples 13 times while shooting an efficient 46%. That kind of consistency warrants us backing him to do well against the Celtics here, even if Boston is one of the better teams at defending the perimeter. LeBron has enjoyed a lot of success over the last 10 meetings, clearing this line 7 times and shooting 38.7% on 2.9 made threes per game. Perhaps the Celtics playing their 2nd game in less than 24 hours can help LeBron here and I have full confidence his streak will extend tonight.

BET +389 NOW WITH

Filip Tomic

Featured In

Parlay Pick

7:30 PM ETToday

Thursday's NBA parlay

SGP

10:00 PM ETToday

Celtics vs Lakers Same Game Parlay

Top Trends

Game Totals

14 of the Celtics' last 17 road games stayed Under the total.

Money Line

The Lakers have won 3 straight home games.

Point Spread

The Lakers are 12-9 ATS at home this season.

$200

Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly!

Bet $5 on any sports market and get $200 in bonus bets instantly

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MD/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in OH/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com.

$200

Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly!

Bet $5 on any sports market and get $200 instantly

$200

Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly!

$200

Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly!

Bet $5 on any sports market and get $200 in bonus bets instantly

Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com.

Coins

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

You’ll get a 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 free Sweeps Coins upon signup

Start making bets with the at the Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

Coins

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup

You’ll get a 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 free Sweeps Coins upon signup

Start making bets with the at the Sportzino Social Sportsbook & Casino

Get up to 1,570,000 Gold Coins + 45 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup