David Hess has locked onto an NBA total for tonight after digging into how these teams are playing right now. The matchup flow, the recent trends, and the way this game is likely to take shape all pushed him toward one number he trusts. It’s a spot he’s ready to fire on.
Member Notes
Today’s Free Picks
| Sport | Game Selection | Game Time |
|---|---|---|
| NBA | (563) Boston Celtics at (564) Los Angeles Lakers: Spread | 6:40pm EST - Feb 22/2026 |
The PLAY: Boston Celtics -1.5 (-110)
Boston has been the far more trustworthy side, and the matchup leans their way again because their defensive consistency travels and the Lakers simply haven’t shown they can score efficiently against elite defenses. The Celtics have won seven of their last eight, and they already handled L.A. by 21 points earlier in the season with their physicality, depth, and perimeter shooting overwhelming the Lakers’ shaky defensive rotations. Boston brings a top‑three defense into this one—just 108.4 ppg allowed, 44.4% opponent FG%, and top‑seven rebounding—which is a major problem for a Lakers team that relies heavily on interior scoring and ranks just 17th in three‑point percentage. Los Angeles shoots 50% from the field overall, but that efficiency dips sharply against teams that defend without fouling and control the glass, and Boston checks every one of those boxes. With the Celtics’ balance, their ability to dictate matchups, and a defense that consistently takes away what the Lakers do best, Boston –1.5 is the stronger, more reliable side.