LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The Los Angeles Lakers (14-11) and Boston Celtics (14-10) face off on Thursday night in what's always one of the NBA's best matchups. Even though both teams have sputtered out of the gate this season, it's too early to take them out of the contender category.
Derek Fisher has been Los Angeles' biggest problem. The veteran point guard's skills continue to diminish, and he's really starting to cause the team's offense to lag. Don't be surprised if the Lakers make a move for another option at the position before the deadline.
After a dreadful start, the Celtics have really rounded into form over the past couple weeks. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games, including a current five-game winning streak. At least fans in Boston have something to cheer about right now.
Where: TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
When: Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. ET
Watch: TNT or NBA League Pass
Listen: KSPN 710 AM (Lakers) or WEEI 850 AM (Celtics)
Betting Line: Celtics -3.5
Key Injuries (via CBS Sports)
Lakers: Steve Blake (questionable, rib)
Celtics: Jeff Green (out, heart), Keyon Dooling (out, oblique) and Marquis Daniels (questionable, ankle)
What's at Stake?
Whenever there's a high-profile clash like this, it has the potential to give one team a major boost. That's especially important this time around, because both teams are looking to improve their playoff positioning as much as possible right now so they have more flexibility down the stretch.
Both squads are getting up there in age, so having the chance to rest some of the veterans down the stretch before the playoffs will be crucial. Since it's a condensed season, every game holds some type of significance, and tonight's game in Boston certainly is no exception.
What They're Saying
Kobe Bryant is getting up there in age, and his wrist has been bothering him for most of the season, but his drive to win another championship remains, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times.
""I'm obsessed about it. I've got to get it," he said. "It's just one of those things. I can think of nothing else.
"As a kid growing up, that's all I saw. I watched [Larry] Bird, I watched Magic [Johnson] and I watched [Michael] Jordan win multiple titles. You just kind of grow up saying this is how it should be. This is what I must do. I want another one."
"
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald compares tonight's game to a boxing match:
"You can call it Celtics-Lakers if you want, but when these teams meet at TD Garden this evening, it may seem more like two aging boxers with championship belts in their wake.
They will step into the parquet ring each hoping to show itself more worthy of a title shot. WBO, WBC, IBF, NBA . . . after a while, they all run together.
"
Lakers Player to Watch: Kobe Bryant
Bryant continues to carry the Lakers on his shoulders despite a nagging wrist injury that finally seems to be getting back near full strength. He leads the NBA in scoring at 29 points per game and will be making another All-Star Game start at month's end.
His sheer determination is unmatched. He knows how important it is for the Lakers to have him out there every night, so he keeps toughing it out. That's the type of player Bryant has always been. His will to win is simply extraordinary.
Prediction: 33 points, seven rebounds, seven assists
Celtics Player to Watch: Ray Allen
One stat that's been overlooked so far this season is Allen's efficiency from beyond the arc. He's shooting an eye-popping 53 percent from long range even though he's jacking up nearly five per game. His previous career high for an entire season is 44 percent.
So even though Allen's PPG total is at its lowest since his rookie years, he's still playing a major role for Boston. Teams have attempted to sell out to stop him, and he still keeping draining shots. It will be interesting to see if he can stay this hot for the entire campaign.
Prediction: 18 points, four assists, three rebounds
Key Matchup: Pau Gasol vs. Kevin Garnett
Gasol has watched his numbers dip this season because of Andrew Bynum's emergence. He needs to start being more aggressive on the offensive end. It's been a common criticism of Gasol throughout his career, but now that there's another dominant force in his frontcourt, it becomes vital.
It's not the same watching Garnett play without the explosive athleticism he had during his early years, but he's still a warrior on the court. He makes up for his lack of hops with good positioning on defense and more jump shots on offense, which is why he's still a valuable commodity.
Whichever team wins the power forward battle tonight will likely win the game as well.
Prediction
Celtics 92, Lakers 90
