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Boston (36-19) at LA Lakers (34-21)
- When: Feb 22 2026, 6:30 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: NBC/Peacock
Boston vs LA Lakers Preview & Prediction
Spread: Boston -1.5
Moneyline: Boston (-120)
Total: 228.0
Boston Celtics: Angry Jaylen Returns
Jaylen Brown returning to Los Angeles again feels less like a regular-season stop and more like a personal documentary. Earlier this year, he casually dropped 50 on the Clippers like it was a pickup run. Then came the All-Star weekend drama in Beverly Hills that clearly did not sit well. Based on his recent quotes and triple-double line of 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists against Golden State, we can confirm one thing: angry Jaylen is productive Jaylen.
Boston just beat the Warriors 121-110, shooting 51.6 percent from the field while holding Golden State to 44.8 percent. Payton Pritchard poured in 26 off the bench and Sam Hauser added 16. The Celtics look sharp, confident, and mildly irritated. However, let’s be honest: that earlier 126-105 win over the Lakers came without LeBron James and Luka Doncic. That is like bragging about beating a tiger that was at the vet.
Boston is favored by 1.5 for a reason. They are deep, disciplined, and dangerous. But this matchup will not look like December.
Los Angeles Lakers: Hollywood Trio Unleashed
The Lakers are coming off a 125-122 win over the Clippers where Luka Doncic dropped 38 points in 38 minutes in his official return. Austin Reaves chipped in 29, and LeBron James added 13 points with 11 assists while managing knee soreness like a veteran superhero.
Here is the key: this will be just the 12th game this season that James, Doncic, and Reaves share the court. When they actually play together, the offense looks like a video game set on easy mode. The Lakers shot 84.2 percent in the first quarter and 66.7 percent in the first half against the Clippers. That is not sustainable, but it is terrifying.
Boston’s defense is elite. But the Lakers at home, with all three stars available, is a different puzzle. Add in a little Hollywood drama and a nationally televised spotlight, and you have peak chaos potential.
Final Predictions
The total sits at 228.0, which suggests pace and scoring bursts. Boston will come out sharp. Brown will be motivated. But the Lakers are healthier, at home, and finally operating with their full trio. Revenge energy meets star power in prime time.
This feels like a statement spot for Los Angeles.
Final Score: Lakers 118, Celtics 114
Lean: Lakers ML (+100)
Total: Over 228.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
