Lakers and Celtics: Still the Best Show in Town
Look, when the Lakers and Celtics meet, you don't need much more to get excited. It's the history, the colors, the 17 banners each. Even in March 2026, with both teams sitting comfortably atop their respective conferences, this game means something extra. The Lakers, currently 48-18, are leading the Western Conference by three games over the Thunder, while Boston, at 50-16, has a two-game cushion on the Bucks in the East. They're both legitimate title contenders, and this matchup feels like a Finals preview.
The last time these two squared off, back in December, the Celtics took a 118-113 victory at TD Garden. Jayson Tatum dropped 35 points, including a clutch step-back three over Anthony Davis with 45 seconds left. That game was a grind, physical and intense, exactly what you'd expect. The Lakers shot just 42% from the field that night, their second-lowest mark of the season.
Lakers' Veteran Savvy vs. Celtics' Rhythmic Attack
The Lakers are still leaning heavily on their veteran core, and why wouldn't they? LeBron James, now 41, is playing fewer minutes (averaging 29.5 per game) but remains incredibly efficient, putting up 21 points and 8 assists. He's picking his spots, orchestrating the offense, and still has those bursts where he looks like he's 25. Anthony Davis, meanwhile, is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His defensive presence alone shifts entire possessions for opposing teams. He leads the league in defensive win shares at 5.7, a career high.
Their strength lies in their half-court offense and their ability to punish teams inside. They average 54 points in the paint per game, second only to the Grizzlies. D'Angelo Russell has been a revelation this season, hitting 42% from three-point range on 7 attempts per game, giving them critical spacing. The concern for Los Angeles, if there is one, is their bench scoring. They rank 22nd in the league, averaging just 28 points from their reserves. That's a spot where the Celtics could exploit them.
Boston, on the other hand, operates with a smoother, more distributed attack. Tatum is still the engine, averaging 30 points and 8 rebounds, but Jaylen Brown (24 ppg) and Kristaps Porzingis (20 ppg) provide consistent secondary and tertiary scoring. Porzingis, in particular, has been a fantastic fit, stretching the floor and protecting the rim. He's shooting 39% from deep and has recorded at least 2 blocks in 15 of his last 20 games.
Their offensive rating of 121.5 is the best in the league, a proof of their ball movement and shot selection. They also lead the NBA in three-pointers made, averaging 16.5 per game. This team doesn't just shoot threes; they shoot good threes. Their defense, though, has slipped slightly from previous seasons, ranking 7th in defensive rating compared to 2nd last year. That's something to watch against a Lakers team that hunts mismatches.
Key Matchups and the Paint Battle
The primary battle will be in the frontcourt. Davis against Porzingis is a clash of styles. Davis is a more traditional big, dominant in the post and as a rim protector, while Porzingis offers more versatility as a shooter and a mobile defender. Whoever wins that individual battle will give their team a huge advantage. And then there's the wing dynamic: LeBron versus Tatum. It's the old guard against the new, and while James won't guard Tatum for 40 minutes, those possessions when they are matched up are appointment viewing.
Here's the thing: the Lakers are going to try and pound the ball inside. They'll look for mismatches, run pick-and-rolls with Davis, and try to get to the free-throw line. They average 26 free throw attempts per game, 4th in the league. Boston's defense is stout, but they can be susceptible to strong interior play, especially if Porzingis gets into foul trouble. The Celtics will counter with their barrage of threes. They'll spread the floor, create driving lanes for Tatum and Brown, and try to force the Lakers' older roster to chase them around the perimeter.
My hot take for this one? The Lakers' defense, particularly their ability to limit second-chance points, will be the deciding factor. They give up the fewest offensive rebounds in the league at 7.8 per game. If they can keep Porzingis and Al Horford off the glass, they'll negate a key part of Boston's attack.
Tactical Prediction
This game will come down to who controls the pace and the paint. The Lakers will want to slow it down, get into their half-court sets, and feed Davis. The Celtics will look to run, push the tempo, and get open looks from beyond the arc. I expect the Lakers to try and isolate Tatum on switches, forcing him to work defensively, while Boston will try to exploit any defensive lapses from the Lakers' older role players.
The Lakers' ability to defend the three-point line (they hold opponents to 34% from deep, 5th best) will be crucial. If Boston gets hot from outside, it's going to be a long night for Los Angeles. But if the Lakers can pack the paint and force contested jumpers, they have a real shot. Given the Lakers are at home, and Davis is playing at an elite level, I think they'll find a way to grind out a victory.
Bold Prediction: The Lakers win a tight one, 110-107, with Anthony Davis recording a 30-point, 15-rebound double-double and making a critical defensive stop in the final minute.