One of the most anticipated matchups of the entire NBA season is set to unfold on Saturday night on ABC, as the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers-winners of eight straight and 14 of their last 16 games-travel to TD Garden to face the defending champion Boston Celtics.
This game marks a new chapter in the most storied rivalry in the sport, with 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic meeting the Celtics for the first time since joining the Lakers.
Ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, the NBA announced historic news regarding the game. It will be the first time since 1985 that the Lakers and Celtics meet more than 50 games into the season, with both teams ranked in the top two of their respective conferences.
The @Lakers and @celtics renew their storied rivalry tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
For the first time since 1985, Los Angeles and Boston will meet 50+ games into a season when each team is top two in its conference. pic.twitter.com/TiXrXjwxlU
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 8, 2025
The NBA also highlighted "five reasons to watch" the game, noting that the Lakers and Celtics have gone head-to-head since 1948 and have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, with the two franchises combining for 35 championships.
Both teams are trending in the right direction as the season enters its final 20-game stretch. The Lakers have won 20 of their last 24 games, while the Celtics have claimed 13 of their last 16. With both teams in top form, something will have to give in Boston Saturday night.
Boston is currently a 7 1/2-point favorite, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, as both teams head into the matchup with notable names on the injury report. The Lakers will be without Rui Hachimura, Jaxon Hayes is questionable, and both LeBron James and Luka Doncic are listed as probable.
For the Celtics, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Sam Hauser all enter the game with questionable statuses.
Related: LeBron James Sends Clear Message Ahead of Lakers-Celtics Rivalry Game
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This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 8:16 AM.