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This is potentially the NBA Finals preview on Saturday night.
The Los Angeles Lakers are winners of eight straight and face the reigning NBA Champions in the Boston Celtics.
Los Angeles comes in on Saturday as 4.5-point underdogs in this matchup as the Lakers are coming off a highly emotional, mentally and physically taxing victory over the Knicks on Thursday.
On top of wearing down their stars, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, to the tune of 44 minutes and 43 minutes, respectively.
It is unclear what kind of minutes limit coach JJ Redick will be willing to put on their shoulders again on Saturday.
Down by double digits, the Lakers battled back for a victory on Thursday, but don’t expect the Lakers to mortgage too much of their season on Saturday in a game that they don’t absolutely need.
Lakers vs. Celtics odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | +4.5 (-105) | +160 | Over 225.5 (-110) |
| Celtics | -4.5 (-115) | -190 | Under 225.5 (-110) |
Lakers vs. Celtics prediction
Thursday’s overtime win was an incredible show as the defensive intensity by the Lakers was on another level.
Coming back off an injury, their third-best player, Austin Reaves, who looked like a shell of himself against the Knicks.
He was 1-7 from 3-point range and 2-13 from the field with just three points.
This Lakers team will rely heavily on Reaves’ playmaking abilities on Saturday night in an attempt to get him back up speed with this highly competitive roster.
James and Doncic currently have too much burden on the offensive side of the ball.
Reaves’ point total comes in at 17.5 and I’m betting the over for tonight’s affair as Redick looks to reestablish his guard’s role in the offense.
Ultimately, I don’t expect the Lakers to win this game.
The Celtics basically sat their entire team on Thursday, so they will come in well-rested, unlike the Lakers, who will surely be exhausted.
The goal for Los Angeles isn’t just a victory, it is getting Reaves more involved.
And that’s where your money should go on Saturday night.
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Feel free to place a reverse correlation parlay here, as well.
PICK: Austin Reaves 17.5 points (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook) | Celtics -4.5 (-110, Fanatics Sportsbook)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
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