NBA Odds: Lakers (even)
The Boston Celtics will travel to the Staples Center to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The game starts at 9:30 pm ET on Sunday, Feb. 22 and will air on NBATV, CSN-NE and TWC SN.
The Lakers lost to the Nets 114-105 on Friday. Ed Davis recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds, earning his fourth double-double of the year. The Celtics, meanwhile, are coming off a 109-101 loss to the Kings on Friday. Avery Bradley had a team-high 28 points.
Over the last five games, Jared Sullinger has been on a tear for the Celtics. During that stretch, he has averaged 18.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.6 blocks, and 0.8 three-pointers.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Celtics won the first game 113-96. Tyler Zeller played a big role with 24 points and 14 rebounds.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Lakers enter the game with records of 13-41 Straight Up (SU) and 23-29-2 Against The Spread (ATS). In their last 10 games they are 3-7 ATS.
Across the court, Boston has a SU record of 20-32 and an ATS record of 29-23. Most recently, Boston is 7-3 ATS over the last 10 games. Defenses have a tough time accounting for every player when up against the Celtics, who are known for distributing the ball with 24.5 assists per game.
Following the Celtics’ latest win over Los Angeles, Boston is still behind in the head-to-head record over the past 10 meetings, 3-7 SU. The teams have an even record ATS, 5-5. Boston topped the Lakers in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) twice over the last 10. Los Angeles has never had the edge in all categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, ATS Winner – BOS
Notes
On average, Boston scores 100.8 points per game (ranked 12th). Los Angeles ranks 30th in points allowed per game with 106.3.
Boston scores an average of 99.6 points per away game (ranked 11th). Los Angeles ranks 30th in points allowed per home game with 105.1.
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Boston Celtics are a stellar 15-5. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Los Angeles Lakers have a subpar record of 3-24.
When Boston allows at least 100 points, it has a subpar 5-27 record this season. Los Angeles also has a poor record when it hits triple digits (10-17).
The Lakers have a defensive rating of 108.2 (ranked 29th), while the Celtics rank 21st for their offensive rating of 101.0.
Los Angeles has an average field goal percentage of 43.2%. Boston is an underachieving 7-24 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
On average, Los Angeles attempts 19.4 three pointers and Boston attempts 23.4 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, both have losing records. The Lakers are 3-7 while the Celtics sit at 6-11.
The Los Angeles Lakers rank 13th with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.65. The Boston Celtics have a higher A/TO (1.78), ranking seventh.
The Lakers rank 14th in rebounds per game with 43.7, while the Celtics rank 12th with 43.7 per game.
The Boston Celtics rank 14th in offensive rebounding, while the Los Angeles Lakers rank 20th in defensive rebounding.
Los Angeles has forced an average turnover percentage of 13.3% this season. Boston has a subpar 10-18 record when its TOV% is 13.3% or higher.
