Celtics at Lakers NBA Predictions – February 18, 2010: The second of Thursday's TNT NBA lineup has the Boston Celtics hosting the fading Boston Celtics (10:30 Eastern) in a inter-conference matchup. Boston is just 9-10 since the turn of the year and 19-30 ATS this seasn. Los Angeles on the other hand, gets Kobe Bryant back after he missed the week leading into and including the All-Star Game resting a sprained ankle.
NBA oddsmakers at online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com list the Lakers as 3 1/2-chalk favorites versus the Celtics with a 189 1/2 total. Boston backers are getting +140 odds on the SPORTSBETTING moneyline while LA is giving -160.Bryant's absence has not slowed down the defending champion Lakers (42-13), who are undefeated without the 12-time All-Star. Starting for Bryant on Tuesday, Shannon Brown had career highs with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Ron Artest, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom led Los Angeles in scoring the previous three games.
The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics (33-18) lost five of eight prior to the All-Star break but started the second half of their season on a positive note, winning 95-92 at Sacramento on Tuesday night.
Paul Pierce and Rasheed Wallace each had 17 points for Boston, which is in the midst of playing five straight on the road. The Celtics had dropped eight of their previous 12 away from home after losing once in their first 14 road games.
NBA Predictions: We like the Lakers giving the 3 1/2 chalk at Staples Center.
