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LA Lakers (16-5) at Boston (13-9)
- When: Dec 5 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA, USA
- TV: SportsNet LA
LA Lakers vs Boston Preview & Prediction
Spread: Boston -7.0
Moneyline: Boston (-245)
Total: 226.0
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Breakdown
The Lakers land in Boston riding emotional momentum after a wild finish in Toronto. LeBron’s historic double-digit scoring streak finally ended, but he made the unselfish game-winning pass that sealed the win. That moment captured the identity of this Lakers group: flawed, inconsistent, yet refusing to go away.
Austin Reaves put on a superstar performance with 44 points, and Rui Hachimura drilled the buzzer-beater, giving Los Angeles its eighth win in nine outings. But the elephant in the room is Luka Doncic’s absence. With the star guard still away for personal reasons, the Lakers could once again be without their leading scorer and engine.
Marcus Smart’s ongoing back issues also leave the rotation thin against a Celtics team built to exploit short-handed opponents.
From a betting angle, the Lakers have been finding ways to grind out wins, but depending on Reaves and Hachimura to repeat heroic performances on the second night of a back-to-back is a tough sell. Their defensive lapses still show up on the road, and Boston’s pace and spacing create matchup problems when short-rested legs are involved.
Los Angeles needs another high-effort night to stay inside the number, but fatigue and availability concerns make that an uphill climb.
Boston Celtics Betting Breakdown
Boston enters this matchup feeling great after vaporizing Washington 146-101 without Jaylen Brown. Even with their roster shuffled, the Celtics looked like a machine. Jordan Walsh’s breakout performance — 22 points on perfect shooting — highlighted just how deep and comfortable this rotation has become.
Walsh’s defensive presence has shifted Boston’s identity; the team is 8-2 since he moved into the starting lineup. Joe Mazzulla continues leaning into pace, floor spacing, and pressure defense, and Boston has flourished.
Brown’s status for this game remains uncertain, but the Celtics have shown they can steamroll weaker teams even without him. Against a Lakers squad on the back-to-back, likely without its star, and forced to lean on secondary scoring, Boston holds all the built-in advantages.
From a handicapping perspective, Boston at home has been a reliable double-digit win threat. The spacing, shooting, and physicality typically overwhelm tired opponents. The Celtics’ depth also allows them to keep pressure high for 48 minutes — exactly the scenario where the Lakers struggle late.
NBA Prediction & Betting Angle
The Celtics catch the Lakers at the perfect time: fatigued, short-handed, and possibly without Doncic again. Boston’s efficiency and depth give them too many advantages.
Boston’s offense is rolling, and the Lakers play faster without Luka. Even on short rest, scoring should be steady from both sides.
Final Score: Celtics 119, Lakers 109
Lean: Boston -7.0
Total: Over 226.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
