The Boston Celtics are fresh off a blowout win over the Washington Wizards on Thursday, and they’ll look to add another victory when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town.
Both teams are playing the second leg of back-to-back sets, and my Lakers vs. Celtics predictions target player props for the home team, as Los Angeles’ lineup is uncertain.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this storied rivalry on Friday, December 5, headlined by Derrick White.
Lakers vs Celtics prediction
Lakers vs Celtics best bet: Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115)
Derrick White is enjoying another productive campaign with averages of 17 points, four rebounds, and 5.3 assists, good for 26.3 points + rebounds + assists.
He’s gone for at least 27 PRA in 11 of 21 games overall. That includes nine of his last 12 and four of his last five appearances.
Jaylen Brown sat out Thursday’s victory over Washington due to illness, and it’s yet unknown if he’ll take the court tonight. Even if he’s available, White should have no problem hitting the Over on this line.
White has started alongside Brown all season and stuffed the stat sheet in the process. If Brown ends up sitting, this prop gets a boost.
Luka Doncic was out Thursday due to the birth of his daughter, and he may be sidelined for a second straight contest because of the short turnaround. Veteran LeBron James is a risk to get the night off, and it’s unclear whom the Los Angeles Lakers will roll with tonight.
L.A.'s potentially shorthanded defense presents a favorable matchup for White at home.
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Lakers vs Celtics same-game parlay
Payton Pritchard is averaging a career-best 17.3 points per game this season, and he's reached 17+ points in half of his appearances. Across his last 10 outings, Pritchard has averaged 20.5 points and hit the Over on this scoring line six times.
The Boston Celtics have hit the Over in two straight, and Los Angeles has gone Over in five straight. Both teams could be missing their best players, but that was the case Thursday, and neither team had trouble getting buckets.
Lakers vs Celtics SGP
- Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
- Over 223.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Life's been good for Walsh
Jordan Walsh has become a fixture with the first five, starting each of the Celtics' last 10 games. In that span, Walsh has averaged 15.2 PRA and hit the Over on this line six times.
Lakers vs Celtics SGP
- Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
- Over 223.5
- Jordan Walsh Over 13.5 points + rebounds + assists
Lakers vs Celtics odds
- Spread: Los Angeles +6.5 (-110) | Boston -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +210 | Boston -260
- Over/Under: Over 223.5 (-110) | Under 223.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Lakers have hit the Over in 15 of 21 games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Celtics.
How to watch Lakers vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Friday, December 5, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Amazon Prime Video |
Lakers vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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