Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers NBA Picks and Predictions Nov 19

Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers Betting Preview

WagerTalk NBA handicapper Kevin Dolan offers his Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers betting preview for Friday, November 19. At the time of posting, the Celtics have opened as a 2-point home favorite over the visiting Lakers with the total sitting at 214.5 points.

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Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers Predictions

• Boston Celtics -2 vs LA Lakers
• Total: 214.5 Points
• LeBron James is on track to return to the Lakers’ lineup tonight after missing the previous eight games.

Boston’s 11-of-41 (26.8%) shooting from three point range in that game fell well short of the mark, and has been a problem area for them all season.

Boston’s three point conversion rate on the year sits at just 32.3%, 26th in the league right now. And that number dips even further over their last three starts as well, against Cleveland and Atlanta respectively, to just 29%, 2nd worst in the league overall.

That average hasn’t been helped by their star man Jayson Tatum either who, despite being tied for 21st in the league on made three pointers this season, has a three point percentage of just 32.5%, 110th in the league.

But the Celtics take on a team in Los Angeles tonight who have had struggles of their own recently.

After LeBron James suffered an abdominal injury earlier this month, the Lakers won just three of their last eight games without him and having him potentially suit up tonight to face the Celtics would be a huge boost for them in this one.

For the second straight game, Talen Horten-Tucker averaged the most points and rebounds for the Lakers in their 109-102 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Davis, Anthony and Westbrook meanwhile combined for just 47 points total in that game, as without James in the lineup, they’ve continued to look rudderless for large stretches in games, so his potential return tonight should make a huge impact for this Lakers team.

In terms of the matchup itself, while Boston may be looking forward to returning home tonight, their defensive numbers have been pretty stark this season inside TD Garden.

The Celtics rank 3rd in the league overall on defensive efficiency on the road this season. At home however they rank 29th in the league this year, with only New Orleans putting up worse defensive numbers this season inside their own home stadium.

Boston have also given up over 8 ppg more at home this season than they have on the road, so those numbers will have to improve drastically here tonight if they’re going to overcome their historical rivals on homecourt.

In summary, I believe the return of James plus the fact of Boston’s sub-par home form this season is putting me firmly on the Lakers train tonight and I’ll recommend a play on them catching points tonight in Boston.

4% NBA Slam Best Bet loaded up for Friday

74-47 long-term winning run in NBA on all plays since March for +68.35%!

Let’s keep it going into tonight! 🔥 https://t.co/SHkDwrknOj pic.twitter.com/fHbzA4Xsv1

— Kevin ‘The Irishman’ Dolan (@TheSportsWolf83) November 19, 2021

Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers Analysis from The GoldSheet

Tough call with numerous key figures injured but possibly coming back for this one. Laker star LeBron James iffy with an ab strain that’s kept him out since the Lakers beat Houston on Nov. 2 and the early line indicates he might play. Certainly, James makes a difference, as LA won the last four games LeBron played, but are only 3-5 since then. Boston has injury issues of its own, as leading scorer G Jaylen Brown (26 ppg) has missed the last six games with a hamstring strain, and C Robert Williams (10 ppg, 9.2 rpg) sat out against Atlanta Wednesday after injuring his knee Monday against Cleveland. Celtics have had the best of the Lakers in recent seasons, covering 4 straight and winning 7 of the last 11 meetings straight-up, and Boston has some momentum, sporting a 5-3 SU and 6-2 spread mark in its last 8, but hard to go that way if Brown is out.

NBA Tip-Off Show

Steph Curry and the Warriors pulled off a fantastic fourth quarter comeback (and cover) last night at Cleveland. What do they have left in the tank for Detroit tonight? Join Joe, Tony, Rob and Kevin for the NBA Tip-Off Show at 4:15pm ET / 1:15pm PT as we discuss tonight’s marquee games, including this Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers clash.

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