Story byZak HanshewFri, December 5, 2025 at 2:54 PM UTC·3 min readThe Boston Celtics are fresh off a blowout win over the Washington Wizards on Thursday, and they’ll look to add another victory when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town. Both teams are playing the second leg of back-to-back sets, and my Lakers vs. Celtics predictions target player props for the home team, as Los Angeles’ lineup is uncertain. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere are my best free NBA picks for this storied rivalry on Friday, December 5, headlined by Derrick White. Lakers vs Celtics predictionLakers vs Celtics best bet: Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115)Derrick White is enjoying another productive campaign with averages of 17 points, four rebounds, and 5.3 assists, good for 26.3 points + rebounds + assists. He’s gone for at least 27 PRA in 11 of 21 games overall. That includes nine of his last 12 and four of his last five appearances. Jaylen Brown sat out Thursday’s victory over Washington due to illness, and it’s yet unknown if he’ll take the court tonight.