Los Angeles faces the Boston Celtics after Austin Reaves scored 44 points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory against the Toronto Raptors.

Jaylen Brown will indeed miss a game for the first time this season as the Celtics play the Wizards at 7 p.m. Thursday. Brown was downgraded from doubtful to out due to an illness. Jayson Tatum also remains out due to his Achilles rehab.

The Boston Celtics saw a season-high performance from Derrick White as they picked up their third consecutive win by blowing out the Wizards.

Jaylen Brown (low back spasms) and Neemias Queta (left ankle sprain) are both available to play after previously being listed as questionable.

The Los Angeles Lakers (16-5) take on the Boston Celtics (13-9) Friday at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Celtics, at 61-21, won the Atlantic Division last season and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they lost to the New York Knicks, four games to two. Seven-footer Neemias Queta likely will be Boston's starting center this season, while newcomers Luka Garza and Amari Williams provide depth at that position.

Ahead of a matchup with the Washington Wizards, the Boston Celtics have given a poor injury update for Jaylen Brown.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum told NBA vets Marcus and Markieff Morris that he's feeling a lot stronger since his Achilles injury.

"I think I’m way more calm, way more focused, and obviously slowed down a lot since my rookie year," he said. "I was a mess."

Trade speculation is growing around Ivica Zubac, and the Celtics are now viewed as a leading contender to land the Clippers’ standout center.