Lakers vs. Celtics Prediction, Odds and Best NBA Prop Bets for Saturday, March 8

Saturday’s marquee matchup features the NBA’s most storied franchises going head-to-head.

The Boston Celtics – the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference – have won three games in a row ahead of their matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers – the No. 2 seed in the West – who have won eight straight after an overtime win against the New York Knicks on Thursday.

This matchup has star power across the board, and the C’s rest several players in one of the two games of their recent back-to-back on Wednesday and Thursday – potentially to gear up for this showdown.

Since Luka Doncic joined the Lakers, they have been on fire, skyrocketing up the standings in the Western Conference.

Which of these teams has the edge in Saturday’s contest?

Here’s a breakdown of the odds, players to bet on in the prop market and my prediction.

Lakers vs. Celtics Odds, Spread and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

Lakers +5.5 (-110)
Celtics -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline

Lakers: +180
Celtics: -218

Total

225.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Lakers vs. Celtics How to Watch

Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: 8:30 p.m. EST
Venue: TD Garden
How to Watch (TV): ABC
Lakers record: 40-21
Celtics record: 45-18

Lakers vs. Celtics Injury Reports

Lakers Injury Report

Luka Doncic – probable
Rui Hachimura – out
LeBron James – probable
Bronny James – out
Maxi Kleber – out
Jaxson Hayes – questionable

Celtics Injury Report

Sam Hauser – questionable
Kristaps Porzingis – questionable
Jrue Holiday – questionable

Lakers vs. Celtics Best NBA Prop Bets

Note this story was written before prop odds were released. The props below are suggested based on recent player performance.

Los Angeles Lakers Best NBA Prop Bet

Luka Doncic OVER Rebounds and Assists

This bet may depend on the number oddsmakers end up giving, but Doncic has stuffed the stat sheet since his minutes limit was lifted by J.J. Redick.

Luka has 19, 17. 27, 18, 7, 15, 23 and 19 rebounds and assists over his last eight games, averaging 9.1 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game.

Even though he’s shot the ball at a lower percentage than he did in Dallas earlier this season, Doncic has been able to impact the game in other ways, and he’s really found a groove as a passer, registering 36 assists over his last three games.

Boston Celtics Best NBA Prop Bet

Derrick White OVER 3-Pointers Made

Derrick White had a bit of a down game – partially due to his tooth getting knocked out – in the win over Philadelphia on Thursday night.

However, he’s been red hot from 3 over his last several games, averaging 4.4 made 3-pointers on 9.6 attempts per game since the start of February. Over that stretch, White is shooting an impressive 45.2 percent from deep and has made at least four shots from 3 in nine of 14 games.

Lakers vs. Celtics Prediction and Pick

Over their last 10 games, the Lakers and Celtics are both in the top 10 in the NBA in net rating, so this should be a fantastic game.

Los Angeles has been rejuvenated since adding Doncic, and it has the best defensive rating in the NBA over its last 10 games. Will that hold up against an elite Boston offense? I’m not totally sold, but the C’s have been banged up a little with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis recently missing time.

The C’s have struggled a bit as home favorites, covering the spread in just 14 of their 32 games in that spot, and the Lakers come into this matchup on a huge winning streak.

Los Angeles has also thrived as a road underdog, going 9-7 against the spread. With Doncic now in the fold, don’t be shocked if the Lakers keep this game close.

Pick: Lakers +5.5 (-110 at DraftKings)

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.

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