NBA Preview: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics

On Thursday evening, the reeling Los Angeles Lakers continue a very tough road trip with a high-profile nationally televised contest versus the rival Boston Celtics.

These two squads are trending completely in opposite directions. Boston is sitting atop the Eastern Conference with an overall record of 37-11. The Celtics have a sparkling 22-2 home record at TD Garden. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the rest of the Celts are looking further to cement themselves as the favorite to win an NBA Championship.

On the other side of the equation sit the struggling Lakers. At 24-25, Los Angeles is clinging onto the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Head Coach Darvin Ham has been constantly questioned by those on social media for strange lineup choices and even stranger in-game decision-making (which includes rotations).

The frustrations are mounting for both LeBron James and Anthony Davis at this point. Los Angeles is underachieving relative to the preseason expectations, and things don’t appear to be getting better anytime soon. Boston is playing as well as anyone right now. If the Lakers don’t figure out things in short order, things could get ugly very quickly in this ballgame.

James and Davis have both been listed as ‘OUT’ via the Lakers’ latest injury report. Davis is dealing with hip and Achilles issues, whereas James has a left ankle ailment.

The contest between Boston and Los Angeles is slated to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. It can be watched on TNT.