The NBA’s greatest rivalry is set for another chapter as the Celtics face the Lakers Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. ET.
Boston enters as a 5-point favorite, but this matchup could be closer than the odds suggest.
The game will air nationally on TNT and ESPN, with local coverage on NBC Sports. Fans can also catch a free live stream on Jazz Sports.
Both teams are dealing with some pretty significant injury concerns. The Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis listed as probable, though it’s hard to imagine either superstar sitting out this marquee matchup. The last time these teams met in LA, James made history by becoming just the second 40-year-old ever to record a triple-double, while Davis poured in 29 points.
The Celtics might be in tougher shape. Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and veteran Al Horford are all questionable for Thursday’s game.
Boston’s coming off a draining overtime win against the Clippers on Wednesday night – their first game of this West Coast swing. While they got the W, they didn’t look particularly sharp against a Clippers team missing several key players.
The Lakers are trying to do something they haven’t managed since 2020: beat the Celtics twice in a row.
Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s game:
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Game odds: Celtics -5.0 (-110) | Lakers +5.0 (-110)
Lakers Injury Report:
- LeBron James (injury management) – probable
- Anthony Davis (calf) – probable
- Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) – out
- Christian Wood (knee) – out
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (hamstring) – out
Celtics Injury Report:
- Jrue Holiday (shoulder) – questionable
- Kristaps Porzingis (illness) – questionable
- Al Horford (toe) – questionable
With both teams not quite at full strength and the Celtics on the second night of a back-to-back, this classic rivalry game might end up being closer than the oddsmakers think.
