Alamy Stock Photo
2023-24 NBA Regular Season
Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers
TD Garden
Boston, Massachusetts
Friday 2 February 2024
Tip-off at 02:30
Boston Celtics will be targeting a fourth straight win over Los Angeles Lakers in the 300th regular-season meeting between the two teams at the TD Garden on the morning of Friday, February 2.
The Celtics still have the best record in the NBA this term and lead the Eastern Conference by three games ahead of Milwaukee Bucks despite suffering only their second home defeat of the campaign at the hands of Los Angeles Clippers on January 27.
The 115-96 loss to the Clippers halted a run of three consecutive wins on the road for Joe Mazzulla's team, who shot just 35 per cent from the field (36 of 101) and 25 per cent (10 of 40) from 3-point range. Jayson Tatum led the scoring for Boston with 21 points.
Image copyright: Getty Images
It came just two days after they had routed Miami Heat 143-110 and Mazzulla believes the latter result served as an important reminder for his players to stay humble.
"To me, there's no coincidence that the two extremes happened one after another," Mazzulla said. "And I think those can be gifts when you look at them properly and keep you balanced, and keep you humble, and just keep you in check.
"You're never as good as you think you are. You're never as bad as you think you are. So, I think, regardless, you just focus on the character of your team... we'll bounce back."
The Lakers are still holding out hope of securing a spot in the playoffs as they are 2.5 games back against Phoenix Suns, who occupy sixth place in the Western Conference.
Darvin Ham's team took their record to 24-23 with a thrilling 145-144 double-overtime victory against Golden State Warriors on January 28.
LeBron James and Steph Curry went head to head in a battle for the ages, with the Lakers small forward posting a triple-double 36 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists to out-duel the Warriors point guard, who scored a game-high 46 points.
Ham saluted the two former NBA MVPs for their high-level performances and praised the character of his players to come away with the epic win.
"Oh, man. Just trying to control myself first and foremost as a basketball fan," Ham said after the titanic battle. "They should be real happy in New York, this was a hell of a basketball game, a high-level basketball game.
"Two legends going back and forth, two great organisations. It was fun to be a part of. It's just one of those wins where it showed our character. Our group is really coming together."
Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers - Head-to-head, Regular Season
Games played: 299
Celtics wins: 166
Lakers wins: 133
Bet on Basketball
With the latest betting odds and the most up-to-date markets, betting on basketball has never been so easy. Sign up now and start winning with Betway!
Shoot some hoops with Basketball Star!
Discover Zambia’s most popular online casino games in between games!
This exciting 243 Way game boasts a star-studded line-up of features and brings the ever-popular Rolling Reels™ back out onto the court.
Get ready to feel the electric atmosphere of an all-star match with the Wild Shot feature. This Base Game feature, set to become a fan favourite, randomly turns up to 2 Reels Wild, awarding a guaranteed win! Play Basketball Star Online Slot for free or real money!
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.