Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Odds, Analysis, NBA Betting Pick
The Boston Celtics (34-13) will attempt to break a three-game losing streak when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers (17-29) on Tuesday as small road favorites.
The Celtics saw leading scorer Kyrie Irving return from a two-game absence on Sunday following a shoulder injury, but his 40 points were not enough as they fell to the Orlando Magic 103-95 as 10.5-point home chalk.
Point spread: The Celtics opened as 4.5-point favorites; the total is at 208.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 103.7-102.2, Lakers (NBA picks on every game)
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Why the Celtics can cover the spread
Boston has lost three in a row both straight up and against the spread, but all three games took place at home.
The Celtics have won three straight and five of six on the road (3-3 ATS), and this is a fairly small number for them to cover, especially against an opponent they have beaten four consecutive times.
In the past four meetings, Boston has won by six points or more each time, covering the last two. This will be the second meeting this season, with seldom-used center Aron Baynes erupting for 21 points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes as a starter as the Celtics won 107-96 on November 8.
Why the Lakers can cover the spread
Los Angeles will be looking to extend its winning streak to three games here and earn a victory for the seventh time in nine games as well.
Before failing to cover the past two meetings with Boston, the Lakers were 7-1 ATS in the previous eight games between the teams, according to the OddsShark NBA Database, winning outright five times.
The Lakers are coming off a 127-107 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday behind 29 points and 10 assists from Jordan Clarkson.
With rookie Lonzo Ball expected to miss his fifth straight game, Clarkson will be counted on even more, which is a good thing.
Smart betting pick
It is no coincidence Los Angeles is playing better without Ball right now, as he and his father have no doubt been distractions for the team.
Ball's knee injury may or may not be serious, but the Lakers are still erring on the side of caution and do not want to risk it getting worse at this point.
From a defensive perspective, that is great news for Irving since Ball is a solid defender. Look for the Celtics to take advantage and cover at online sports betting sites.
NBA betting trends
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last five games.
Boston is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games on the road.
Los Angeles is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games.
All NBA odds and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.
