Hanshew’s prediction: Jaylen Brown fills the stat sheet vs. Los Angeles.
Feb 22, 2026 • 15:39 ET
• 4 min read
EXPERT PICK – PROP
Jaylen Brown o28.5 Points Scored (-120)
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) .
One of the most iconic rivalries in NBA history gets renewed tonight when the Boston Celtics visit the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jaylen Brown has been unreal with the ball, and my Celtics vs. Lakers predictions expect the 2024 Finals MVP to deliver another huge scoring performance in Hollywood.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this high-profile tilt on Sunday, February 22.
Celtics vs Lakers prediction
Celtics vs Lakers best bet: Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points (-120)
Jaylen Brown‘s career-best campaign is the driving force for the Boston Celtics‘ success, and his scoring prowess will be on full display against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.
Los Angeles is a below-average defense, and Brown torched the Lakers for 30 points in his first matchup.
Brown’s 30.3 points per game on the road is the fourth-highest mark in the Association. He’s scored 29+ in 30 of 50 games overall and 15 of 24 on the road.
Brown has averaged 31.5 points across his last six away games, scoring 29+ four times in that span.
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Celtics vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Celtics rank second in offensive rating, and despite recurring injuries, the Lakers rank 11th. Both rosters will be at full strength tonight, which should lead to plenty of scoring.
The trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves played just their 11th game of the season together on Friday, leading to a 125-122 win over the Clippers.
The well-rested Lakers will play their seventh straight game at home, and I expect L.A.’s Big 3 to deliver a win as the home underdogs.
Celtics vs Lakers SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points
Over 228
Lakers moneyline
Our “from downtown” SGP: LeBron shares the love
James is averaging 7.2 assists per game this season. He’s recorded double-digit dimes in five straight and at 7+ in six straight.
With Doncic and Reaves available, James’ elite playmaking abilities will shine as he gets his high-scoring teammates involved.
Celtics vs Lakers SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points
Over 228
Lakers moneyline
LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
Celtics vs Lakers odds
Spread: Boston -2 (-110) | Los Angeles +2 (-110)
Moneyline: Boston -130 | Los Angeles +110
Over/Under: Over 228 (-110) | Under 228 (-110)
Celtics vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Lakers have hit the 2Q Over in 25 of their last 35 games at home (+13.65 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Lakers.
How to watch Celtics vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Tip-off
6:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Celtics vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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Zak Hanshew has been covering fantasy sports and sports betting since 2018. In addition to Covers, he has also written for Rotoworld and has spent time at FantasyPros, RotoWire, OwnersBox and Sportsbook Review. In his spare time, he can be found spending time with his wife and four kids, playing his guitar, watching Simpsons re-runs, or getting some shots up on the court.
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