Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Prediction, Team News, Form Guide
The two most iconic franchises in NBA history are set to clash at TD Garden on Sunday as the Boston Celtics host the Los Angeles Lakers.
The home team enters the game on a three-game winning streak, while the visitors aim to extend their own impressive run to nine consecutive victories.
Match Preview
Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Prediction, Team News, Form Guide
After suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time since Christmas, the Celtics bounced back with a victory over the Denver Nuggets in a battle of recent champions. They followed that up with wins against the Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers.
Joe Mazzulla’s squad dominated from the outset against Philadelphia, storming to an 18-point halftime lead that proved insurmountable in what was a largely one-sided contest.
Jayson Tatum, returning after missing the Blazers game, made an immediate impact by scoring a game-high 35 points on 14-23 shooting, including five three-pointers, while adding seven rebounds and two assists—all without playing in the fourth quarter.
Now holding a five-game lead over the New York Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics appear secure in that spot. However, surpassing the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top seed remains unlikely.
This matchup marks the fifth game of a seven-game homestand for the Celtics, who will aim to continue their strong form against their biggest rivals before facing the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder.
While blockbuster trades don’t always yield immediate success, Luka Dončić’s early tenure with the Lakers suggests that Los Angeles made the right move in acquiring the Slovenian star.
Following their 113-109 overtime victory against the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, JJ Redick’s squad has now won eight straight games and holds an 8-2 record when Dončić starts.
Dončić (32 points, eight assists) and LeBron James (31 points, 12 rebounds) have formed a strong partnership, each delivering consecutive 30-point performances.
The Lakers’ winning streak has propelled them to second place in the Western Conference, though they have played one more game than the Denver Nuggets, who sit just below them in the standings as the season’s final stretch approaches.
Sunday’s showdown in Boston kicks off a challenging four-game road trip for the Lakers, with upcoming stops against the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets.
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Los Angeles Lakers NBA Form:
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Team News
Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser are major doubts for Sunday’s matchup, having both missed the Celtics’ win over Philadelphia due to knee and ankle injuries, respectively.
Kristaps Porzingis was also sidelined for that game due to illness, and his availability remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Al Horford (toe sprain) and Jrue Holiday (finger) could also be unavailable.
Jayson Tatum continues to shine, standing as one of just two players (alongside reigning MVP Nikola Jokić) to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists this season.
For the Lakers, Maxi Kleber and Rui Hachimura are ruled out, with Kleber recovering from right foot surgery and Hachimura nursing a left knee injury.
Markieff Morris missed the Knicks game due to illness, and it is unclear whether he will be fit for Sunday’s contest.
Boston Celtics Possible Starting Five:
White, Tatum; Peterson, Kornet; Porzingis
Los Angeles Lakers Possible Starting Five:
Dončić, Reaves; James, Finney-Smith; Hayes
Prediction: Lakers to Win by 5+ Points
With the Celtics facing significant injury concerns, the Lakers should feel confident about securing another victory in Boston. We expect them to do just enough to come away with the win.
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