The Boston Celtics are set to face off against fierce rivals Los Angeles Lakers in the third NBA Christmas Day game of the year.
This inter-conference showdown is scheduled to take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, and will be broadcasted on ESPN and ABC. The game is set to tip off at 5:00 PM Eastern Time or 2:00 PM Pacific Time.
Commentary for the game will be provided by Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Doc Rivers, with Cassidy Hubbarth fulfilling the role of sideline reporter.
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Lakers vs. Celtics Christmas Day Game Odds, Spread, Betting Lines
Here's an overview of the betting lines for the upcoming NBA Christmas Day Game between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, as provided by Sports Illustrated.
Moneyline:
Celtics: -133
Lakers: +105
Spread:
Celtics: -1.5 with odds at -118
Lakers: +1.5 with odds at -110
Total: 237.5
According to the odds, Boston is slightly favored with a -133 moneyline, indicating they are the team expected to win. A $133 bet on the Celtics would result in a $100 profit if they come out on top.
On the flip side, the Los Angeles Lakers, with a +105 moneyline, are considered the underdogs, and a successful $100 bet on the Lakers would yield a $105 profit.
In terms of the spread, the Celtics are favored by 1.5 points, while the Lakers are given a 1.5-point advantage.
Choosing the Celtics in this scenario requires them to win by more than 1.5 points for a successful bet, while a bet on the Lakers succeeds if they either win or lose by fewer than 1.5 points.
The total predicted score for the game is set at 237.5 points, with the option to bet on whether the combined score will be over or under this specified figure.
Lakers vs. Celtics Christmas Day Game Preview
The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics is the most iconic matchup in NBA history. Both teams boast an unparalleled level of success in the league, each having secured 17 championships.
LeBron James and Jayson Tatum are among the top players in the league, and each of them are eager to make statement on a highly-anticipated Christmas showdown.
The Celtics currently hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference with an impressive record of 21-6. In contrast, the Lakers find themselves in the 10th position in the Western Conference, posting a record of 10-11.
Even after clinching the inaugural In-Season Tournament title, the Lakers have struggled to maintain momentum and string together consistent victories in the continuation of the regular season.
Lakers vs. Celtics Christmas Day Game Pick
Celtics 121, Lakers 107
The Lakers are currently in the middle of a four-game losing streak and have shown vulnerabilities against top-tier teams in the league.
LeBron James is also dealing with an ankle injury that has previously caused him to miss their last game against the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves.
Meawhile, the Celtics are 8-2 in their last ten games, and their current blazing form may be too much for the purple-and-gold franchise to handle.
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