Celtics vs Lakers Predictions, Odds & Player Props on Jan 23

• The Boston Celtics are 5-point favorites on the road versus the LA Lakers tonight
• Both LeBron James (foot) and Anthony Davis (calf) are expected to play
• See the Celtics vs Lakers predictions, odds and player props, below

The NBA’s most storied rivalry writes another chapter tonight, as the Boston Celtics (31-13, 16-5 away) visit the LA Lakers (23-18, 15-6 home). The reigning champs are fresh off a hard fought, OT win against the Clippers on Wednesday, and online sportsbooks expect a Los Angeles sweep per tonight’s NBA odds. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:10 pm PT/10:10 pm ET at the Crypto.com arena, with TNT providing the broadcast coverage.

Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers Odds

Boston is currently favored by 5-points in a contest with a total of 218.5. The spread is actually down half a point from its opening line, while the total has stood pat. The early spread betting action favors the Celtics (59% bets, 65% handle) according to the NBA public betting splits, but there are plenty of reasons to like the underdog in this matchup.

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Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers Predictions

• LA Lakers +5 (-112) at Caesars

Let’s start with the injury report. On the LA side, it looks like a relatively clean bill of health. LeBron James (foot) and Anthony Davis (calf) are listed as day-to-day, but both are expected to play.

On the Boston side, it’s murky. Starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday sat out Wednesday, as did backup center Al Horford. As of Thursday morning, there’s no word on their statuses, and being shorthanded on the second leg of a back-to-back is not an enviable position. Despite some concerns, Jaylen Brown will play, but he’s in the midst of his worst shooting season as a pro.

The Celtics may be the NBA Championship odds favorite, but we shouldn’t be afraid to fade them in this spot. The uncertain injury situation and lack of rest are working against them, as is their play on the road. Yes, they’re 16-5 straight up, but just 9-11-1 against the spread. They’re 17-24 ATS as favorites overall, and have covered in only six of 30 games after an outright win.

The Lakers on the other side, are superb in their own arena. They’re tied for the third most home wins in the West, and are significantly more efficient in LA compared to on the road. Los Angeles’ offensive rating is 7 points higher in their own building, while their Net rating is nearly 10 points better.

In a rivalry game this big, we can expect a maximum effort from James, who’s revved up his production lately. After starting slow in October and November, James is averaging 25 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds in December and January.

BOS vs LAL Player Props

NBA player props from DraftKings Sportsbook on January 23.

Pick: Derrick White Over 12.5 Points (-115)

Switching over to the NBA props market, we’ll find Jayson Tatum with the highest points over/under at 26.5, followed by Davis at 24.5. AD has the highest rebound prop at 12.5, while LeBron boasts the highest assist over/under at 8.5.

As for us, we’re looking to bet the over on 12.5 points for Derrick White. Holiday is a legit question mark, and if he’s out White’s usage will go through the roof. That was the case on Wednesday, when White logged 42 minutes and put up 20 points. In the last seven games he’s played without Holiday, he’s gone over 12.5 points six times, averaging 17 points in those outings.