Lakers vs. Celtics NBA Analysis, Odds, and Best Bet (3/8)

One of the most anticipated matchups of the regular season, Luka plays his first game against the Boston Celtics since losing to them in the NBA Finals; although it is with new name on the front of his jersey.

Tonight’s matchup between the Celtics and Lakers represents one of the most storied rivalries in all of sports. It’s the two franchises with the most NBA Championships, it’s the two franchises that have gone head to head in the finals the most and it’s two franchises that currently sit in the top-2 of their respective conferences.

Live from TD Garden, it’s the Lakers and Celtics ready to battle for the 376th time, let’s jump right into my favorite plays.

Celtics vs. Lakers| Information

Matchup Information

• Location: TD Garden; Boston, Massachusetts
• Date: Monday, March 8, 2025
• Tipoff: 8:30 PM EST

Betting Odds

Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.

Spread

• Los Angeles Lakers  +7.5 (-115)
• Boston Celtics -7.5 (-105)

Money Line

• Los Angeles Lakers  ML (+225)
• Boston Celtics -ML (-275)

Total

• Over 228 (-110)
• Under 228 (-110)

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Lakers vs. Celtics | Analysis

Luka Magic in Hollywood

The vibes surrounding this Lakers team could not be higher, they’ve won 18 of their L21 games, won 8 of the 10 games Luka’s played in and the Laker defense has been top-2 in the league during that timeframe. Lebron and Luka became the 1st duo to ever record 500+ points, 175+ rebounds, 125+ assists and 50+ 3s; over a 10-game span. Safe to say things have been working in Los Angeles.

Since getting to Hollywood, Luka’s looked fantastic. Some shooting struggles, but with him coming back from injury that was to be expected. With the Lakers, Luka’s averaging just 23.8 PPG but he’s also averaging 8.1 RPG and 8.1 APG.

Dončić looks to have found his rhythm scoring the ball, averaging 30.5 PPG over his L4 games; shooting 44% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. It was only a matter of time, but Luka’s back.

The Green Machine

Plenty of talk has surrounded the Celtics this year, both good and bad. Some seem to think this Celtics team doesn’t have the same “it” factor of last year’s team and maybe this year’s team doesn’t feel as good.

Well, if we look at the numbers we see the Celtics have the third best record in the league, the 3rd best offensive rating and 5th best defensive rating. This all in a year in which they’re coming off a championship with most of the starting line up in flux.

Boston’s played just 20 of their 63 games this year with a fully healthy starting 5, ranking them last amongst all playoff teams for games with a fully healthy starting five. Despite all of that, they’ve rattled off a 45-18 record, good enough for 2nd in the Eastern Conference. 

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Luka Dončić o7.5 Assists (-115)

The reality STILL hasn’t set in yet, even after seeing him play live in person. Luka Dončić is a Laker. The entire City of Los Angeles has been electrified and the Lakers have been rolling. Over the team’s 10-games with Luka in the lineup, they’ve averaged 115.2 PPG but it’s come against some tough defensive matchups.

Dončić struggled for his first few games with the Lakers, but over his L3 we’ve seen him really get comfortable. Luka’s averaging 14.2 potential assists per game over his L5 games, recording 9 APG in this time frame and hitting this line in 3 of the 5 games.

Boston presents a tough opponent but with the way the Lakers have played them over the last two years, I’m expecting them to put up points.

Two of the best players of their respective generations, two of the best players in the NBA TODAY; and now both guys are on the same side. Both Lebron and Luka are two of the best passers in the league, consistently finishing in the top-10 for assists per game almost every year and now they’re teammates.

It’s time for Luka Magic to take over the Lakers. 

Luka Dončić o7.5 Assists (-115)

Bonus Bet: Luka Dončić 10+ Assists (+210)|T/Double (+500)

Celtics vs. Lakers o228 (-105)

Two of the most storied franchises in NBA History. Both teams full of stars and offensively gifted players. Despite the Lakers being #1 in defensive rating over the L10 games, this Celtics team is a bit of a different beast. Boston’s averaging 118.1 PPG at home this season and the last time these two teams met they failed to score even 100 points.

Boston had a fully healthy lineup, the Lakers still had Anthony Davis and the Celtics lost 117-96; it was ugly. Tonight the Celtics get a chance at revenge, they’ve now lost 2 of 3 matchups going back to last year and last year’s loss came against an injured Lakers team, AT HOME. 

In what could be a potential finals preview, we’re rolling with points, points and more points.

Celtics vs. Lakers o228 (-105)

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To Recap, Bets for the Celtics vs. Lakers | March 8th, 2025:

We’re rolling with 2 plays; Celtics vs. Lakers o228 (-105) &  Luka Dončić o7.5 Assists (+105); both via BetOnline.

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