Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers (40-21) are in Boston, ready to take on the Celtics (45-18). The Lakers are rolling as they are looking to extend their season-long win streak of eight games. Los Angeles is coming off a comeback win against the Knicks.
A NEW ERA OF THE LAKERS-CELTICS RIVALRY BEGINS TONIGHT 😈
WHO’S READY TO SMOKE THAT CELTICS PACK TONIGHT? 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Jy0aOPWupz
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 8, 2025
The last time these teams went head to head, the Lakers got a commanding win led by former Lakers star Anthony Davis. Tonight, a new chapter will begin in this illustrious rivalry as Luka Doncic and LeBron James look to sweep the season series.
Doncic will be playing in his first game in this storied rivalry and has been on a roll as of late. In the Lakers three games in March, Doncic is averaging 30 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. He will look to continue that trend tonight.
The Lakers will continue to be without Rui Hachimura as he is nursing a left patella injury, but they will get back Jordan Goodwin, who has been a key bench rotation player since the All-Star break.
Tonight should be a great game, so let’s go over the Lakers’ keys to victory.
Defensive prowess
Many people around the league thought the Lakers would take a huge hit on the defensive end by trading away Davis. It has been the complete opposite. The Lakers may not have a defensive big as they did with Davis, but collectively, as a unit, the team has been excellent.
Great half court defense by the Lakers on the Knicks
LeBron is up guarding KAT making them rotate the ball, everyone was engaged and created the turn over, JJ Redick will be very happy about that pic.twitter.com/Xu875jUvA2
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) March 7, 2025
Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, and Jordan Goodwin provide the Lakers with great wing depth and the ability to switch and defend different positions.
Jaxson Hayes has been a difference-maker for the team as well. He was thrown into the starting lineup and hasn’t looked back since then. He has made huge strides in his game and credits what he had learned from Davis when they were both teammates.
However, Hayes will be out for tonight’s game. Trey Jemison and Alex Len could see some minutes as well as small-ball lineups.
Austin Reaves Impact
Austin Reaves returned to action against the Knicks after missing two games due to a calf injury. He finished with eight points in 32 minutes of play. He was very rusty but still came in clutch and knocked down a three-pointer in overtime.
WILL BOSTON THREEVES STRIKE AGAIN? 😈 https://t.co/VIft7xvU9O pic.twitter.com/nQBeTBL9cV
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 8, 2025
Reaves has been a key contributor this season for the Lakers. He is averaging a career-high 19 points and 6 assists. He has also had a ton of success in his last two contests against the Celtics, so look for Reaves to get back in his groove and pick up right where he left off before the injury.
Three-point shooting
The Boston Celtics attempt the most three-point field goals in the league per game. They shoot 37% from three-point range as a team. The Lakers need to defend well from behind the arch, as Boston has the ability to shoot lights out and have their opponents trail early in games.
🍀 TRIPLE THREAT 🍀
The @celtics are on pace for the MOST THREES in a season in NBA history!
They’re averaging 17.9 3PM a game, the next-highest would be 16.6 (2022-23 Warriors) 🤯 pic.twitter.com/lqlp6go8cC
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
Along with playing defense from behind the arch, Los Angeles has to knock down their three-point shots to keep up with Boston’s high-powered offense.
Buckle up, tonight is going to be a good one!
