Saturday night brings us one of the most anticipated games of the NBA’s regular season, as the LeBron James and Luka Doncic-led Lakers head to Boston to take on the defending champions. Of course, Doncic is all too familiar with the 2024 banner that hangs in TD Garden, as he was a member of the Dallas team that lost 4-1 — and his effort and conditioning was perhaps part of the reason he was shipped to Los Angeles.
But let’s focus in on Saturday night, as both teams enter playing fantastic basketball. The attention is going specifically to the new-look Lakers, who after embarrassing losses to the Jazz and Hornets, have ripped off eight straight wins. However, following a comeback victory over the Knicks that required overtime on Thursday night, followed by a cross-country commute, I’d argue this is the perfect time to sell high on Los Angeles.
In one of the most obvious statements of the season, the Lakers offense has been thriving since joining Luka with LeBron. But one of the most shocking aspects of the trade is that the Lakers have been solid defensively. However, it’s been a small sample size, and I’m not convinced that what we’re seeing can last.
Enter the Celtics, who should be close to full strength on Saturday night, and have the type of offensive potential to break any opposing defense. This is going to be the toughest test yet for this freshly formed Lakers roster, and I expect them to feel it. While Boston’s ATS numbers aren’t great on the season (mostly due to laying such massive numbers), it has improved over the last month. Over the last 11 games, the C’s are 9-2 SU/8-3 ATS, but have also been getting out to tremendous starts, which is the angle I’m backing.
The Celtics are on an 8-2 1Q ATS and 9-1 1H ATS run, and I expect them to get out to another fast start with a full stable in front of a Saturday night home crowd. I’ll lay the points for the quarter and half, as well as back Boston on the Halftime/Full time Double Result — which means to lead at the half and win the game outright.
The Play: Celtics 1Q -2.5 (-110) 1-unit
The Play: Celtics 1H -4 (-110) 1-unit
The Play: Celtics Double Result (-145) 1-unit
Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app on Apple or Google!
