Filip Tomic
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It’s the 2 most storied franchises in the NBA going at it tonight in Los Angeles as the Lakers host the defending champion Boston Celtics. You can catch the game live at 10:00 pm ET on TNT, and to make things even more interesting, I’ve prepared a Celtics vs Lakers Same Game Parlay at +389 odds. You can also find out our NBA picks for predictions on the side and total for today’s big game, but for now let’s dive into my SGP!
Celtics -5 (-112)
Jayson Tatum to score 25+ points (-150)
LeBron James 2+ made threes (-155)
Celtics vs Lakers Same Game Parlay odds: +389
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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.
Read our full Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers prediction
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.
