Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and predictions

Nathan Beighle | Staff Writer

The Los Angeles Lakers (16-14) welcome the Boston Celtics (22-6) to crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day. Tip Monday is set for 5 p.m. ET (ABC). Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Celtics vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Celtics won both meetings last season in OT

The Lakers snapped a 4-game losing streak Saturday, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-120. Los Angeles covered as 3.5-point road underdogs. It is 13-17 against the spread (ATS) on the season and is just 2-5 ATS over its last 7. The Lakers are 15-15 O/U. They are led by F LeBron James, who is averaging 25.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game.

The Celtics beat the Los Angeles Clippers 145-108 Saturday, easily covering as 4.5-point road favorites. Boston has won 7 of its last 8 and has covered 6 of those. It is just 2-6 ATS in its last 8 road games. The Celtics are 14-13-1 O/U on the season. They are led by F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 26.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.

Celtics at Lakers odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 6:31 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics -152 (bet $152 to win $100) | Lakers +128 (bet $100 to win $128)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -3 (-110) | Lakers +3 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Lakers key injuries

Celtics

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Lakers

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For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Celtics at Lakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 120, Celtics 117

Moneyline

PASS.

This should be a close game, and while the Lakers may come out on top, the spread is the safer and better option.

Against the spread

BET LAKERS +3 (-110).

Los Angeles put together one of its most complete games of the season Saturday, beating the Thunder at home as road underdogs. It is 2-0 ATS over its last 2, snapping a 5-game covering skid.

The Lakers haven't been great against the spread at home, but the Celtics have been one of the worst-covering teams on the road. They are just 3-8-2 ATS as a road favorite. The Lakers are 5-5 ATS as an underdog, so they have been relatively reliable in this position.

At home, Los Angeles may start clicking once again. Take LAKERS +3 (-110).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 234.5 (-110).

The Celtics are 14-13-1 O/U and have gone Over in 3 straight games. They have scored 144 or more in 2 straight games, neither of which went to overtime. Boston has tallied at least 120 in 5 of its last 7. It has dynamic playmakers and have scored with ease lately.

The Lakers are 15-15 O/U this season, but they have been surging lately. They are 6-1 O/U in their last 7 games. Los Angeles has allowed 114 or more in 7 straight games and 120 or more in 4 of its last 7. Both offenses have been efficient as of late while neither defense has been overly strong.

Back OVER 234.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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