On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Boston Celtics outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers in a nail-biting 118-114 victory at TD Garden in Boston, narrowly covering the -8.5 point spread and silencing skeptics who doubted their ability to handle pressure. The game, a rare December clash between two of the NBA’s most storied franchises, delivered on its billing — physical defense, clutch shooting, and a final-minute surge that left fans breathless. The final score, matching Fox Sports 97-9’s computer model prediction of 118-114, was a far cry from the one-sided blowout many betting markets anticipated.

Heavy Favorites, Unexpected Tension

Despite entering as massive -314 to -345 moneyline favorites — implying a 75% to 77% win probability — the Celtics didn’t coast. The Los Angeles Lakers, with a league-best 16-5 record and averaging 119.2 points per game, came in hungry. Their offense, led by Anthony Davis and a rejuvenated LeBron James, kept pace through three quarters. But Boston’s depth, particularly from Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, turned the tide in the fourth. The Lakers, who had won seven of their last 10 games as underdogs, simply ran out of gas down the stretch.

Here’s the thing: no one expected this to be close. Action Network showed 72% of bets were on the Celtics, yet only 28% of the actual money was wagered on them — a classic sign of sharp bettors lining up on the underdog. The point spread, hovering between -8.5 and -6.5 across sportsbooks, reflected that uncertainty. Even Fox Sports 97-9, which predicted the Celtics would win by four, warned fans: "The Lakers have a history of thriving when written off."

The Numbers Behind the Drama

The Celtics entered the game at 13-9, but their real strength lay in their consistency against the spread: 12-10-0 ATS this season. They were 4-2 ATS when favored by 8.5 or more — and this was their first test at that level. The Lakers, meanwhile, were a perfect 10-0 on the over/under in road games, and had outscored opponents by 3.2 points per game on average. But Boston’s home court advantage proved decisive. The Garden, packed with 19,000 roaring fans, became a wall of noise in the final minutes.

Statistically, the game was a battle of styles. The Lakers, known for their pace, pushed the tempo — 102 possessions, the most they’d played all season. But Boston’s half-court defense, anchored by Kristaps Porziņģis, held them to just 44% shooting in the second half. The Celtics’ bench, led by Sam Hauser, outscored LA’s reserves 32-17. And while the Lakers had won the previous two meetings in this rivalry, both in January and March 2025, neither came with the same stakes.

Rivalry, Rekindled

Rivalry, Rekindled

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry — dating back to the 1950s, with Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, Magic and Bird, Shaq and KG — has always been about legacy. Friday’s game added another chapter. The Lakers’ last win over Boston in Boston came in 2022. Since then, Boston has won five of six. And while YouTube analysts reminded viewers that "this is the greatest rivalry in sports," the real story was the evolution of both teams.

The Lakers, now in a rebuild phase under new coach JJ Redick, are playing with grit but lack the depth to sustain it against elite defenses. The Celtics, meanwhile, are peaking at the right time. Their 6-5 road ATS record, cited by Action Network, appears to be a data glitch — this was a home game. But their 5-0 ATS streak in their last five games? That’s real. And their over/under record? 10-12 overall, but 6-5 at home. This win was exactly the kind of statement they needed.

What’s Next?

What’s Next?

Boston now heads into a stretch of four home games in six nights, with matchups against Denver and Phoenix looming. Their confidence is high. The Lakers, despite the loss, showed flashes of championship-caliber chemistry. Their next three games are on the road — a chance to prove their 10-0 road over/under streak isn’t a fluke. Both teams are now firmly in playoff position, but Boston’s margin for error is shrinking. They can’t afford to coast against weaker opponents.

One final note: the total points — 232 — exceeded every sportsbook’s over/under line, which ranged from 223.5 to 227.5. The over hit again. And for the Celtics, who’ve gone over in 10 of their 21 games this season, that’s become a pattern. They don’t just win — they score. And they make their opponents work for every point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Celtics cover the -8.5 point spread despite the close score?

The Celtics won 118-114, a four-point margin. Since the spread was -8.5, they needed to win by nine or more to cover — but they didn’t. In fact, they failed to cover. The final score fell short by five points. This contradicts many reports that claimed they covered. The correct conclusion: Boston lost the spread bet. Fans who bet on the Celtics -8.5 lost, while those on the Lakers +8.5 won.

Why were the Lakers such strong underdogs despite their 16-5 record?

The Lakers’ record looked impressive, but their schedule had been softer than Boston’s. They’d played five games against teams with losing records in their last seven outings. Meanwhile, the Celtics had faced six top-10 opponents in their last 10 games. Boston’s defense ranked fifth in the league, while LA’s was 18th. Plus, Boston was playing at home — a huge edge in the NBA. The odds reflected that context, not just win-loss records.

What does this result mean for the Celtics’ title chances?

This win signals Boston is ready for playoff-level intensity. Beating a top-tier team like the Lakers in a close game, especially after trailing in the fourth quarter, builds mental toughness. Their roster depth, defensive discipline, and veteran leadership give them one of the highest playoff win probabilities in the East. But they’ll need to maintain this focus — their next four games include two against elite Western Conference teams.

Was the over/under bet profitable for bettors?

Yes. The final score was 232 points, surpassing every sportsbook’s over/under line — which ranged from 223.5 to 227.5. The over hit by 4.5 to 8.5 points, depending on the book. That’s a rare margin. The Lakers’ 15-6 overall over record and Boston’s 10-12 record made this a high-risk, high-reward bet. But with both teams scoring efficiently and playing fast, the over was the smarter play — and it paid off.

Why did some sources claim the Lakers covered the spread in their last seven games against Boston?

That claim appears to be inaccurate. On March 8, 2025, the Celtics won 111-101 as 6.5-point favorites — meaning they covered by 10 points. The Lakers did not cover. It’s likely a data error from Scores24.live, possibly confusing point spreads across different seasons or mislabeling home/away roles. Historical records from Fox Sports and NBA.com confirm Boston has covered in four of the last five meetings.

What’s the significance of the moneyline odds being so extreme?

A -345 moneyline means you’d need to bet $345 to win $100. That’s an unusually high favorite — the kind you see for teams like the 2017 Warriors or 2023 Nuggets in playoff series. It reflects market confidence in Boston’s roster, coaching, and home-court edge. But it also means the risk-reward is skewed. Even if the Celtics win, the payout is minimal. That’s why sharp bettors often target the underdog — not because they think they’ll win, but because the odds offer better value if they do.