Celtics vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

Hanshew's prediction: Lakers have no answer for Brown.

Zak Hanshew - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Zak Hanshew • Betting Analyst
Feb 22, 2026 • 10:20 ET • 4 min read

NBA

Match starts: 6 hrs
BOS
52 %
LAL
48 %
EXPERT PICK - PROP
Jaylen Brown o28.5  Points Scored (-120) Jaylen Brown o28.5 Points Scored (-120)
Read Analysis
Boston Celtics NBA Jaylen Brown
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) controls the ball.

Two of the most storied franchises in the NBA face off on Sunday as the Boston Celtics visit the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jaylen Brown has been phenomenal on offense, and my Celtics vs. Lakers predictions expect the 2024 Finals MVP to deliver a big scoring performance in a close loss on the road.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this heavyweight, cross-conference bout on February 22.

Celtics vs Lakers prediction

Celtics vs Lakers best bet: Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points (-120)

Jaylen Brown's career-best campaign is the driving force for the Boston Celtics' success, and his scoring prowess will be on full display against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.

Los Angeles is a below-average defense, and Brown torched the Lakers for 30 points in his first matchup.

Brown's 30.3 points per game on the road is the fourth-highest mark in the Association. He's scored 29+ in 30 of 50 games overall and 15 of 24 on the road.

Brown has averaged 31.5 points across his last six away games, scoring 29+ four times in that span.

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Celtics vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Celtics rank second in offensive rating, and despite recurring injuries, the Lakers rank 11th. Both rosters will be at full strength tonight, which should lead to plenty of scoring.

The trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves played just their 11th game of the season together on Friday, leading to a 125-122 win over the Clippers.

The well-rested Lakers will play their seventh straight game at home, and I expect L.A.'s Big 3 to deliver a win as the home underdogs.

Celtics vs Lakers SGP

  • Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points
  • Over 228
  • Lakers moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: LeBron shares the love

James is averaging 7.2 assists per game this season. He's recorded double-digit dimes in five straight and at 7+ in six straight.

With Doncic and Reaves available, James' elite playmaking abilities will shine as he gets his high-scoring teammates involved.

Celtics vs Lakers SGP

  • Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points
  • Over 228
  • Lakers moneyline
  • LeBron James Over 6.5 assists

Celtics vs Lakers odds

  • Spread: Boston -2 (-110) | Los Angeles +2 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Boston -130 | Los Angeles +110
  • Over/Under: Over 228 (-110) | Under 228 (-110)

Celtics vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Lakers have hit the 2Q Over in 25 of their last 35 games at home (+13.65 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Lakers.

How to watch Celtics vs Lakers

Location Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date Sunday, February 22, 2026
Tip-off 6:30 p.m. ET
TV NBC

Celtics vs Lakers latest injuries

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Zak Hanshew - Covers
Betting Analyst

Zak Hanshew has been covering fantasy sports and sports betting since 2018. In addition to Covers, he has also written for Rotoworld and has spent time at FantasyPros, RotoWire, OwnersBox and Sportsbook Review. In his spare time, he can be found spending time with his wife and four kids, playing his guitar, watching Simpsons re-runs, or getting some shots up on the court.

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