Celtics vs. Lakers: Odds, Predictions, and Betting Tips (NBA Championship, 16.04.2021)

Celtics vs. Lakers: Odds, Predictions, and Betting Tips (NBA Championship, 16.04.2021)
Image source: usatoday.com

The Boston Celtics visit the Staples Center on Friday (16th April 2021), where they will face the Los Angeles Lakers to conclude their mini Western Conference road trip. The Celtics have turned their season around after a difficult start, so it is no surprise to see the current NBA odds from basketball sportsbooks favoring a win for Jason Tatum and co.

On the other hand, the Lakers have been hit-and-miss of late due to injuries to their star players. Regardless, some promising Celtics vs. Lakers odds could prove to be great bets. Let’s dive straight into this one!

Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers Team News

Boston Celtics

The Celtics currently have a record of 29-26, good enough for fifth in the Eastern Conference. Coach Brad Stevens has all-star forward Jayson Tatum to thank for the Celtics’ 6-1 record in their last 7 games. The 23-year-old has been on a tear recently, and defenses are struggling to contain the dynamic scorer. His partner-in-crime Jaylen Brown, too, has quietly gone about his business - scoring at least 20 points in 4 games in a row.

The Celtics will be without starting center Robert Williams, though, owing to injury. Tristan Thompson will be given the start in his absence.

Boston Celtics form guide: W-W-W-W-L

Injuries: Robert Williams (left knee soreness)

LA Lakers

The Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference with a record of 34-21. Frank Vogel continues to miss the services of superstar duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the Lakers’ resolute defense continues to pick up wins here and there. However, with starting center Andre Drummond also unavailable, this match-up against the Boston Celtics will prove to be that much more troublesome. 

The responsibility to get buckets will fall on Dennis Schroeder and Kyle Kuzma’s shoulders again, and Marc Gasol will be promoted to the starting 5 with Montrezl Harrell acting deputy off the bench.

LA Lakers form guide: W-L-W-L-W

Injuries: LeBron James (high ankle sprain), Anthony Davis (Achilles tendinosis), Andre Drummond (toe injury), Markieff Morris (ankle injury), Jared Dudley (knee injury)

Celtics vs. Lakers Betting Odds

According to basketball sportsbooks, the Boston Celtics are heavy favorites to be the winner of this game, courtesy of the LA Lakers’ depleted roster due to injury.

  • Boston Celtics to win - 1.31
  • LA Lakers to win - 3.60
  • Celtics vs. Lakers over-under - 212.5 points
  • Celtics vs. Lakers betting line - Celtics - 6

Celtics vs. Lakers Expert Predictions and Betting Tips

While a Boston Celtics win is a safe pick, there is better value to be obtained elsewhere.

  • Boston Celtics (-6.5 points) to win - This shouldn’t just be a win for the Celtics, but a comfortable one for that matter. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been in fine form recently, and the Lakers have typically struggled to knock down shots from outside the arc. The absence of Markieff Morris doesn’t help that cause at all, and as a result, the Celtics should win by more than the given spread (-6).
  • Tristan Thompson over 8.5 points - The lack of Andre Drummond in the Lakers team means that the Celtics will find it much easier to crash the offensive glass. Expected to start in place to Robert Williams, Tristan Thompson is likely to get plenty of second-chance opportunities to score. He should comfortably secure more than his season average of 8 points per game.
  • Ben McLemore to hit over 1.5 threes - The 6’3” shooting guard can blow hot and cold when it comes to perimeter shooting, but it’s not for the lack of trying. McLemore has attempted 23 threes in his last four games. In the absence of Markieff Morris, McLemore should put up at least six threes against the Boston Celtics, barring a catastrophic shooting night; he should make at least two of them.

Celtics vs. Lakers Predictions

While the LA Lakers remain one of the favorites to win the NBA championship in 2021, this particular battle against the Boston Celtics is one they’ll have to face defeat in. The Lakers simply don’t have enough personnel to trouble the in-form Celtics, who should build a lead going into half-time and keep it thereon.

Make use of our expert analysis and place your bets now!

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