How odds work in basketball

How To Bet On Basketball

Learn NBA moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, and more in this comprehensive NBA betting guide.

The NBA is one of the most fun leagues to bet on, with an up-and-down pace and unrivaled intensity on every shot. It's a sport where you can't look away from the TV and is enticing for bettors across the globe. 

There's no shortage of basketball betting options during the NBA schedule. 

Multiple matchups are on the board, allowing bettors to wager on their favorite teams as well as bet on the big games on TV each night.

Basketball betting lines explained

Like most major sports, there are endless ways to wager on basketball. The most popular forms of basketball betting are the moneyline, point spread, and Over/Under totals.

Moneyline

NBA moneyline odds ask bettors to pick the winner of the game. Based on the strength of the teams and other factors, oddsmakers calculate the implied probability of victory for both sides and set moneyline odds for each team.

Point spread

NBA point spreads level the competition between two teams, with oddsmakers setting a handicap in points. One team is the point spread favorite – and has to win by more than the spread – while the other will be pegged as the point spread underdog – having to win outright or lose by less than the spread.

Over/Under

NBA Over/Under totals are the estimated total number of points scored by both teams in a game. Bettors wager on whether the final score will go Over or Under that expected tally.

Moneylines: Pick the winner of an NBA game

Betting basketball moneylines is the most straightforward and basic betting market available, simply allowing you to bet on which team you think will win the game.

Sportsbooks generate moneyline odds for a game based on each team's implied probability of winning. Basketball teams are not always evenly matched, and the moneyline odds will reflect those chances of victory. You can use our odds converter and moneyline calculator to see a team's implied probability based on their odds.

Sportsbooks most often display moneyline odds in hundreds (American odds). American odds show one team set as the favorite (indicated by a negative value) and one team designated as the underdog (positive value).

For example, the Los Angeles Lakers are -130 moneyline favorites versus the Toronto Raptors, the +110 moneyline underdogs.

Because the Lakers are the stronger team (56.52 percent chance of winning), for every $10 you wish to win betting on Los Angeles, you must risk $13 ($130 bet will win $100). Since the Raptors are the weaker team (47.62 percent implied probability), you can win $11 for every $10 risked ($100 bet will win $110).

Point spread: Betting the spread with basketball

The point spread is the preferred odds market for many basketball bettors because it levels the difference in skill between the two teams. When calculating the perceived point spread between the two sides, oddsmakers analyze both teams and consider the venue, current form, and any critical injuries.

The negative value indicates a point spread favorite, and that team must win the game by more than that spread to win for bettors. The underdog has a positive value in front of its point spread. Underdogs can either win outright or lose by less than that spread to generate winning bets.

For example, the Los Angeles Lakers are -2.5 point spread favorites hosting the +2.5 underdog Toronto Raptors. For the Lakers to cover the spread, they must win the game by three points or more. For the Raptors to cover the spread, they must either win the game outright or lose by two points or less.

Point spreads always have a second set of odds with them, known as the vig or the juice. They are the cost of placing a bet. Most point spreads have a vig of -110; to win $100, you need to risk $110. However, vig can be adjusted depending on current betting action and can vary from book to book.

Over/Under: Betting on basketball point totals or season win totals

Another popular way to wager on basketball is via the Over/Under odds, also known as the total.

Oddsmakers measure the matchup between two teams, looking at both offensive and defensive production, and set an expected total number of points scored by both sides for the game. Once a sportsbook sets that total, bettors can wager if the final score will go Over or Under that number.

For example, the Over/Under total between the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors is 222.5 points.

A bet on the Over requires the game's final score to total 223 points or more to win, while a bet on the Under needs 222 or fewer points.

Like point spreads, both sides of the total – Over and Under – have attached vig, often set at -110. This value can adjust to betting action and may vary from book to book.

Parlays: Combine NBA bets for bigger payouts

Parlays allow you to risk a smaller amount to win a bigger payout but carry a higher risk. NBA parlays require you to tie two or more bets together. 

The more bets added to the parlay, the bigger the potential payout and the bigger the risk, as all bets in the parlay must win for the entire parlay to pay out.

The majority of parlays will end up with a line at plus money. Each fixture within a parlay is considered a "leg." Most books will allow anywhere from 2-12 games in an NBA parlay. 

If you're solely betting the Milwaukee Bucks, you're getting them at -120. By parlaying the Bucks with the Warriors at +140, the bet turns into plus money. Now the parlay is listed at +340 odds.

Prop bets: Betting on player performance and more

Prop bets are a rapidly growing way to bet on basketball, allowing you to wager on different aspects of the game – not just the final score.  

NBA prop bets can focus on game events as well as a team's performance and individual player performances. Examples of game and NBA player props odds include betting on the first team to 15 points, a team's total three-pointers made, or a player's combined points, rebounds, and assists.

Listed below are Kevin Durant's and James Harden's over/under for total points scored in a single game. You must pick whether or not either player scores more than or less than the designated number set by the sportsbook. In this case, the Over/Under are both listed at -120, meaning the sportsbook favors neither scenario.

There's no way this bet can be a push because of the half-point. If the game goes into overtime, the prop still counts as well.  

Futures: Win totals, MVP, and NBA Championship Odds

Futures odds are long-running betting markets focused on overall results for a team or player, such as odds to win the NBA Finals and the player to be named NBA MVP. Another popular form of futures is season win totals, in which you can bet on whether a team will go Over or Under their set total of wins for the year.

These odds often open before a season begins and will take bets throughout the schedule, adjusting to results and injuries, until the market is decided.

Below are the odds of winning the NBA Finals. Odds will come out as early as the end of the season prior, and can usually be wagered on into the final round of the postseason. In this example, you can see that Brooklyn is favored to win the Finals at +250, with the Lakers having the second-best odds at +400. These types of lines will fluctuate and change throughout the NBA season depending on team performance, injuries, and roster transactions. 

Basketball betting tips and strategies

Keep these basketball betting strategies in mind when looking to handicap NBA odds.  

Shop for the best odds

When betting, it's always good to get the best bang for your buck. Line shopping is something all the experts do and takes very little time. If you want to bet the Lakers at -140 at one book, but they're -125 elsewhere, there is a ton of value on the latter. Missing out on the best lines long-term will affect your bankroll, especially if you're betting larger sums of money. 

You can use our odds comparison tool to find the best lines for each game and a huge variety of online sportsbooks.

Count on current form

Don't get caught up looking at the standings when betting on the NBA. Pay more attention to current form, weighing the past three games more attentively.

Even the best teams can go through slumps, and losing teams can suddenly find their form. Find out what's behind those recent results and if they'll carry over into the game you want to bet.

Mind the matchups

Every team has its strengths and weaknesses. When searching for the best NBA bets, look closely at how those attributes match up against that day's opponent using our NBA scores and matchups page. 

If a team struggles to rebound and takes on a foe with a bigger, more potent frontcourt that dominates the glass, make sure you account for that and bet accordingly.

Basketball is a game of runs, and these matchups and mismatches often fuel those deciding swings.

Injuries and off nights

The NBA schedule is a grind, and injuries will play a huge role in a team's success along the way. If you're looking to bet on a side, comb through the injury report and see which key contributors are out of action. Also, try and find out which players could be resting – a recent wrinkle to betting the NBA, particularly on back-to-backs.

Big-name stars' status will carry the most impact on the NBA odds. Still, there is an edge in finding undervalued injuries and how those could impact a team's performance. A missing backup point guard or a sidelined wing defender may not move the odds but will have a say in the final score.

Follow the line movement

As with all sports wagering, NBA betting is often not about betting the best team but rather the best number.

Point spreads, moneylines, and totals will constantly adjust to action and injury news. Make sure you monitor the opening NBA odds and where they're moving to pinpoint the best time to place your bet.

Dive into derivatives

NBA betting odds can be chopped up into halves and quarters, setting sides and totals for different segments of the game. These derivative odds can hold added value not found in the full-game lines as teams present tendencies and trends that fly under the radar of oddsmakers.

Some teams are slow starters and find their form in the second half, making them an excellent bet to fade with the first-half spreads. Others come out firing quickly on offense in the first quarter, adding value to the Over in the opening frame. Dive into the analytic splits to uncover the best derivative bets on the board.  

Scout the schedule

The calendar can sometimes dictate a team's performance on the court, depending on rest spots, travel, and motivation. Situational betting – also known as spot bets – is a valuable tool to find underlying value betting on or against a team.

Chunks of the schedule could have a team playing multiple games in a short window, leaving them running on empty for the final outings of that stretch. The schedule can also allot an extended break from the action, allowing players and coaches to adjust their game plan and get injured bodies back. And as always, be mindful of "letdown" and "lookahead" spots around important matchups and big wins.

Handicapping refs

An underutilized method of handicapping basketball odds is to dissect the guys blowing the whistle. Referees significantly impact games' outcomes, specifically the Over/Under totals. Covers is one of the rare sources of unique betting data for every NBA referee assignment.

You can use this data to measure a team's recent betting results when a particular ref is part of the officiating crew. Or, you can follow referees with one-sided tendencies to the Over and Under, as some refs will call more fouls than others. Those whistles result in foul shots, which means teams are scoring points with the clock stopped – a big boost for Over backers.

How to make an NBA bet 

1

Our NBA scores and matchup page lists the day's games and upcoming days, but you can also sort by spread, total size, and line movement. 

Each game gives a snapshot of the opening odds, current odds, team records straight up and against the spread, as well as the percentage of picks calculated by our Covers Consensus. 

From there, you can dive deep into our detailed matchup pages for each game. Track line history, view the most popular spread and total picks and analyze unique betting trends for every team.

2

Making intelligent bets on NBA basketball isn't always about betting the best team, but betting the best odds.  

Find current spreads, totals, and moneylines for every NBA game from the top legal sportsbooks in your area using our odds comparison tool. Compare across the industry and shop for the best odds for your NBA bets.

3

Signing up for a new sportsbook is simply a few clicks away. Once you find a legal book in your area, sign up for an account and quickly deposit using various banking methods, such as credit cards and e-transfers. Most sportsbooks also offer great bonuses and sign-up promotions to new users.

4

After researching your best NBA picks on Covers.com, you can place those bets at the sportsbook by selecting NBA basketball from their menu and searching for the game or market you want to bet. 

From there, select the wager to add it to your bet card and enter the amount of money you wish to risk. After that, click submit, and you'll get a receipt or e-ticket for that bet, showing you the odds you bet and the amount you can win.

Today's NBA odds

Here are the current NBA odds for today's biggest games:

Best basketball sportsbooks for beginners

Covers’ team of betting experts have thoroughly researched the internet’s vast collection of online sportsbooks so you don’t have to. Here are the best basketball betting sites so you can get your NBA betting underway.

These sportsbooks are licensed and trusted sites and offer great sign-up bonuses, plenty of convenient and quick banking options, and great odds for rookie bettors.

NBA betting forum

Want to learn more about NBA betting and meet a large, knowledgeable community? Check out Covers’ NBA betting forum to get picks, ask questions, and learn from experienced sports bettors.

Smart NBA betting strategies

10 Winning Tips for Betting NBA Basketball Odds

Strategies to Help You Handicap NBA Betting Odds

Basketball betting FAQs

There are a number of online sportsbooks where you can bet on the NBA. Check our betting sites reviews for the best legal online sportsbook options in your region.

One team will be set as the point spread favorite and must win the game by more than the designated number of points. The other is the point spread underdog and must win outright or lose by less than that number of points.

All sportsbooks in Las Vegas will offer markets for NBA, college basketball, and WNBA. So simply find a sportsbook near you, head to the counter, and make your bet.

Yes. Almost all sportsbooks offer WNBA odds.

A 3x2 bet in basketball means a three-bet parlay in which at least two of the picks must be correct for you to get a payout. If you get all three correct, the amount of the winnings would be larger.

In the NBA, +/- or Plus/Minus often refers to the point differential when a player or team is on the floor. Don't confuse Plus/Minus with American odds, which use positive and negative numbers to display betting odds. Positive numbers indicate underdogs (+110). The lower the number, the bigger the betting favorite, indicating a negative number (-110).

A draw in basketball betting is an option when wagering on the three-way line. You have three choices: Home, Draw, or Away. If you're betting a draw, you're betting on a tie at the end of regulation.

You can bet on the NBA at nearly any online sportsbook across the globe. It is among the most popular sports leagues for bettors.

NBA Betting Odds Explained

Being one of the fastest-paced sports available out there, basketball continues to take the fancy of people from almost all corners of the globe, with the NBA being easily the most followed basketball league one can think of. As it turns out, the NBA has grown to become the competition which strikes a chord not only with a constantly-growing number of devotees but also with more and more gambling enthusiasts.

Perhaps, one of the main reasons why the sport is so alluring is that its rules are rather straightforward, meaning that you do not need that much expertise in order to comprehend them. Other than that, it is a high-scoring game which leaves gambling aficionados on the edge of their seat by the end of the match. Not to mention the fact that the betting markets are quite diverse, meaning that there is something for both seasoned gamblers, as well as for total greenhorns.

• Basics of NBA Betting Odds
• What is Implied Probability
• Spotting the Best Value
• What is Vigorish

As likely as not, you have already figured out that understanding the manner in which odds work is one of the cornerstones of becoming a successful NBA bettor. Therefore, gambling enthusiasts should make sure that they are fully aware of what the odds say as otherwise, they will be more likely to jump to some unfavorable conclusions. The aim of this article is to give you a correct idea of NBA betting odds, even if you do not know the first thing about this way of entertainment.

Basics of NBA Betting Odds

Needless to say, odds are an essential part of gambling, no matter which is your sport of choice for your betting session. That is the reason why figuring out all their intricacies, as well as the manner in which you should utilize them is a must, especially if you will not settle for enjoying some mediocre results.

Before we delve into the manner odds work, we should not forget to mention the fact that gamblers will stumble upon three odds formats. For beginners, virtual sportsbooks will give you the opportunity to choose between moneyline, decimal, and fractional odds. Gambling enthusiasts who have decided in favor of NBA betting need to know that for their most part, bookies will present them with moneyline or American odds as they are also popular. This should not be much of a surprise due to the fact that this format of displaying the odds is employed primarily in the United States. Still, there are web-based sportsbooks which boast the other odds formats as well which is why it will be of benefit to add to your knowledge about them as well.

If you are ready to plunge into NBA betting, the first thing you should remember about odds is that they will help you to puzzle out how much money you stand the chance of sweeping, provided that the stake you have made is a winning one. Other than that, basketball lovers should remember that the value of the odds will evince whether the stake they are intent on making will bring them good value or not.

Gambling enthusiasts should have in mind that the value of the odds will give them an idea about the chances of a certain event to come about. Thus, as long as the chances of an outcome to occur are higher, the value of the odds will be lower. Needless to say, this makes sense due to the fact that gamblers should anticipate getting a higher payout when the outcome is less on the cards, and vice versa, to get a smaller return when the chances of the outcome to occur are higher. It is vital to remember that the value of the odds will not reflect the true chances of an event to come about. As long as this was the case, bookies would not have realized a profit at all.

It also makes sense to mention the fact that during your NBA betting session, you are on the cards to encounter the term “price”. Interestingly enough, it is used when referring to the value of the odds you are presented with. That is the reason why the price of the bets you make might be either odds against or odds on. As far as odds against are concerned, basketball devotees should have in mind that the amount they will put on the line will be smaller in comparison with the amount they can potentially pocket. In other words, such stakes are slightly riskier, but what makes them alluring are the nice returns they might grant. When it comes to odds on, the amount you may potentially sweep will be smaller when compared to the size of the stake you have made. Still, in such cases, your chances to make a winning stake will be higher.

Perhaps, you have already come to the conclusion that odds will play an important role during your NBA betting session which is why we will proceed with the explanation of the different odds formats.

American Odds

When it comes to the betting sites which boast wagering on NBA, gambling enthusiasts need to know that the odds format they are most likely to encounter is moneyline. It is essential to remember that the value of the odds can be positive or negative and that their value cannot be less than 100. With this odds format, the positive sign will indicate the amount of money basketball lovers will end up sweeping as long as they have made a correct stake of $100. Hence, the negative sign will indicate the amount of money they will be required to lay on the line in order to have the chance to obtain $100.

So, as long as you are determined to make a stake of $150 at odds of +125, and eventually, it has turned out that you have made a correct prediction, the amount you will pocket will stand at $187.50. You might be slightly perplexed at the moment, but you should not get discouraged as we got these results thanks to quite a simple equation which looks like this: original stake x (odds / 100). It is important to note that this equation should be utilized when the moneyline is positive and thanks to it, you will be able to get your potential profit. So as to get the entire amount you will be paid out, you simply need to add the amount you have originally wagered.

NBA lovers are highly unlikely to encounter any troubles while calculating their payouts when the moneyline odds are negative as well. Perhaps, one of the most essential things basketball fans should remember is that the negative sign will not be included in the equation. In order to get your profit, you simply need to stick to the equation: stake / (odds / 100). Therefore, as long as we presume that you have decided to make a stake of as much as $50 at odds of -200, this will mean that the profit you may get will stand at $25. Once again, so as to get the payout you might potentially enjoy, you will be required to add up the sum you have initially staked and your potential profit. In other words, the payout you may get in the event that your bet is a winning one stands at $75.

Gambling aficionados should commit to their mind the fact that when this odds format is utilized, the equivalent of even money would be +100. Therefore, in the event that the bet is odds on, the moneyline will be negative, and vice versa, the moneyline will be positive when the wager is odds against.

Decimal Odds

Irrespective of the fact that decimal odds are, for the most part, utilized in Canada, Australia, and Europe, gambling enthusiasts are quite likely to encounter NBA betting sites which have incorporated this odds format along with American odds. One of the main reasons why punters tend to go for this odds format is that it is easily the most straightforward of the three. This time, the odds are represented via decimals, and unlike moneyline odds, decimal odds can only have a positive value. What you should commit to your mind is that with decimal odds, basketball devotees will be capable of figuring out what their return will be, according to the units they have wagered. It is important to note, however, that this time, your total return will comprise the amount you have initially laid on the line.

With decimal odds, the equation you should stick to so as to get your potential returns looks like this: stake x odds. Perhaps, you already know why such a large number of the NBA bettors prefer decimal odds to the other formats. Hence, if we assume that you want to wager as much as $200 at odds of 1.50, you should anticipate getting back as much as $300. So as to get the profit you may be able to lay your hands on, you need to make use of the following equation: stake x (odds – 1).

When it comes to this odds format, 2.00 will represent the even-money equivalent. Therefore, as long as the value of the odds is higher than this, the price will be odds against. If the value is smaller than this, the price will be odds on.

Fractional Odds

Since fractional odds are employed predominantly in the UK, it is of no surprise that this format is also popular with NBA lovers as British odds. Unfortunately, this format is laid aside to some extent as decimal odds are gradually taking its place.

One of the reasons why many basketball lovers tend to abstain from making use of this odds format is that the calculation of the profit and the returns seem overly intimidating at first. As its name hints, this odds format utilizes fractions such as 3/2 which is pronounced three to two. When you take a look at the value, it should hit you that you will have the chance to win three units for every two units you stake. The equation NBA bettors should utilize in order to puzzle out their potential profit looks like this: initial wager x (the first number in the fraction / the second number in the fraction). Therefore, if we assume that you are intent on making a stake of $20 at odds of ½, this will mean that the profit you may sweep will stand at $10, meaning that the returns a winning stake might bring you will stand at $30.

As it turns out, a problem may arise when you stumble upon values such as ⅔, 4/7, and so on due to the fact that the calculations you need to make are a little bit more complicated. Thus, as long as the odds are 4/7, for example, this would mean that basketball lovers will have the chance to win 4 units for every 7 units they punt.

Hence, in the event that the numerator is larger than the denominator, this would be an example of odds against. Thus, as long as the denominator is larger than the numerator, this will be an example of odds on.

What is Implied Probability

As long as you are determined to enhance your chances to become a successful NBA bettor, you should make sure that you have caught on the distinction between probability and odds. Despite the fact that they are interrelated, this does not necessarily indicate that the values of the odds reflect the true chances of an event to come about.

As likely as not you have heard on many occasions that the house invariably wins. The reason why this rings true is that bookmakers always add a profit margin to the value of the odds they have come up with. In other words, in the event that the stake you have made is a winning one, the payout you will be rewarded will be smaller when compared to the prizes you would have got if you were presented with true odds. Therefore, bookies will calibrate the value of the odds they offer on NBA events so that they could enjoy a guaranteed profit, regardless of the manner in which the match will pan out.

It is vital to remember that probability is subjective, meaning that more often than not, your outlook for the chances of an event to come about or not to come about and the outlook of the bookmaker will not match. That is the reason why the thing which sets seasoned NBA bettors apart from total greenhorns is that the former go out of their way to make sure that they will gauge the genuine chances of an outcome to occur so as to find out whether such a stake will be worth the efforts.

With NBA betting, the term implied probability will be used to describe the chances of a specific outcome to come to pass in accordance with the value of the odds. Hence, basketball lovers will be capable of calculating the edge the bookie has in the betting market they have decided in favor of. More precisely, the implied probability will come into use when you wish to check whether the wager you have the intention of making will bring you a positive value.

The good news is that NBA bettors can easily puzzle out what is the implied probability of a specific outcome simply by using the formula 1 / the value of the odds they are offered. It is worth noting that you need to go for decimal odds when making these calculations. Basketball devotees should remember that the values they will eventually get should range between zero and one. Still, in order to facilitate your job, it is advised to multiply the result you have got by 100, so as to convert it into percentages. Thus, as long as the actual probability of an outcome exceeds the implied probability, it should hit you that you have succeeded in finding value.

Spotting the Best Value

Perhaps, you have managed to figure out that spotting value is one of the key skills every basketball bettor should endeavor to develop. Despite the fact that this might seem slightly intimidating at the moment, you should rest easy that there are several tips which will undoubtedly be of use while you are on the lookout for value bets.

While being on a search for value bets, it is vital to make sure that you will not follow the crowd. Punters should remember that when it comes to NBA betting or sports betting in general, oftentimes, the underdogs offer value bets. The reason why this comes about is that frequently, such teams are underrated by bookmakers which is a great option for gambling aficionados. Basketball lovers should commit to their mind that bookies will invariably strive to adjust the odds in a manner which is advantageous for them.

Thus, if the bookie notices that one of the teams is enjoying overwhelming betting action, eventually, it might shorten the odds it has come up with. In other words, this would mean that the odds on the supposed underdog might become more advantageous which is exactly when you should take action. To put it in another way, you should make sure that from time to time, you will give an ear to your good hunch about the supposed underdog. Of course, this does not mean that you should disregard heavy favorites as well. Contrary to what most people believe, basketball teams which are considered heavy favorites can also bring positive value. The most essential thing you should commit to your mind is that what matters is the manner in which actual probability compares to probability.

One of the best things you can do in order to make sure that you will enhance your chances to enjoy a bountiful NBA betting session is to swot up. If you want to make sure that you will be capable of finding value bets, it is also advised to make a research on every event you have the intention of wagering. Luckily, basketball lovers can easily turn all the information which is readily available on the Internet to their best account. While doing so, NBA bettors are advised to pay special attention to the form of the team, to the injuries, an so on as this is the only way in which you can ensure that your assessments will be sound.

It is worth mentioning that it is always a good idea to make sure that you punt on what you know. By this, we mean that you should make sure that you know all the peculiarities of the sport and the competition as thus, you will stand a better chance to spot value bets.

When it comes to spotting value bets, it might also be a good idea to endeavor to make your own calculations about the probability prior to checking the odds you are offered. The aim of this is to make sure that your decisions will not be affected by the value of the odds, meaning that you will be less likely to be objective while making up your mind about the probability of an outcome.

It is safe to say that NBA bettors can easily get better value, provided that they shop around. By this, we mean that you should invariably check which bookie offers the best odds on the match you contemplate punting on. Even if you think that this is a waste of time as the difference will not be subtle, you should have in mind that it will add up down the line.

What is Vigorish

One of the most essential things basketball lovers should know is that bookies will not come up with genuinely fair odds due to the fact that otherwise, they would not make a profit. The way in which they attain the desired profit is by taking a certain cut from every stake gambling enthusiasts make. Thus, when bookmakers allow you to punt on a particular match from the NBA, they will go out of their way to create an overround. Other than that, bookies will also endeavor to make sure that their books will be balanced. When it comes to balanced books, gambling aficionados should know that in such cases, the bookmaker will end up paying approximately the same sum, no matter how the match will play out. Thus, if we assume that the odds on each of the teams are 2.00, and they have attracted betting action of $5.000 each, this will mean that the bookie will be compelled to give out a total of $10.000. In other words, the bookmaker will not enjoy a profit at all. So as to take its cut, the bookie will ensure that it will hand out a smaller amount than it has collected.

This is precisely where the vigorish comes into play. This term is used to describe the commission the bookie will take away from every stake you make. Still, we do not want to leave you under the impression that bookies take away a fee or something of that sort. Instead, what bookmakers do is to lessen the odds. Thus, if we return to the example we already gave, the odds you will be more likely to encounter will be something of the order of 1.90. Therefore, if we assume that the betting action the teams attract is once again $5.000 each, this time, the bookmaker will hand out $9.100. The difference will represent the vigorish the bookie will take, no matter which of the teams will become victorious.

strategy and system tips - how to win more often

Basketball (along with baseball and hockey) is one of the most popular sports in North America, and basketball betting takes a serious place in the total amount of sports betting. At the same time, the point here is not only (and even not so much) that it is in North America that the matches of the strongest basketball league in the world take place - the point is the number of equiprobable outcomes that the basketball line offers. Also on our site you will find bookmakers for betting on basketball.

1. Benefits of betting on basketball
2. Disadvantages of betting on basketball
3. Types of bets
   1. Main Outcomes
   2. Handicap
   3. Total
      1. Basketball total betting strategy
   4. Quarter Basketball Betting
      1. Quarterly Basketball Betting Strategy
4. Pre-match analytics
5. Where to bet on basketball?

The vast majority of professional players and cappers, of which there are many in America, play just such “half-way” outcomes in order to get the most even profit over a long distance. In any basketball game, there are at least two equally likely events that you can bet on - handicap and total. It is thanks to this property that basketball has become one of the most popular objects for large bets.

Basketball bookmakers

Benefits of betting on basketball

A large number of equally likely events . As mentioned above, basketball is one of the most suitable sports for those who like to bet on equally likely events.

High NBA betting limits. The vast majority of big cappers make bets on the NBA, including the lion's share of US players who traditionally make big bets. In pursuit of this traffic, the best bookmakers are trying to create the most comfortable conditions for basketball betters by offering generous betting limits on the main outcomes, as well as handicap and total. True, this feature is more characteristic of large Western bookmakers. Domestic gambling establishments most often offer limits for NBA matches no higher than those given for the same Euroleague and the Russian Championship.

Low NBA margins. All the same competition between bookmakers in the struggle for the biggest players has led to the fact that in almost all leading gambling establishments in the world the margin for NBA matches is less than for all other competitions and sports offered in the line.

Regularity of games. The fact that most basketball teams play between two and four games a week makes this sport the most attractive for statistics lovers in calculations - the sample of analyzed NBA matches is very solid and allows you to make fairly accurate predictions. In addition, the NBA is often the only competition that can be bet on any day, including holidays - even on December 31 and January 1, at least two or three matches are invariably played in this league.

Disadvantages of betting on basketball

Low limits and odds for European competitions. Unlike NBA matches, European Cups and European Championship matches usually offer very modest upper betting limits; the odds are also generally 3-5 points lower than the NBA odds. All this makes betting on the same Euroleague not the most profitable business.

Rating of bookmakers by odds

You can find out which Russian bookmakers offer the best basketball odds on Legalbet in the Odds Rating (“Basketball” tab). Our experts have calculated the margins of all bookmakers based on real events in their lines and based on these calculations sorted the companies into categories in order to identify the best offers for fans of basketball betting.

Weak painting. The vast majority of bookmakers offer a weak list of basketball matches. Many are completely limited to handicap, total and main outcomes. Despite the fact that such painting is enough for professionals, for many players who are used to betting on football, it may seem very meager.

Types of bets

Main outcomes

The number of main outcomes offered for a basketball match depends on which bookmaker you play at. Some gambling establishments open three main outcomes: W1, X and W2, adding a win including overtime to the list, while others offer only two outcomes - W1 and W2 (this means that in case of a draw, the winner will be determined in overtime).

Before you start betting on basketball, it is very important to clarify which positions in a given gambling establishment take into account OT and which do not, because it often happens that the handicap with the total is calculated according to one rules, and the main outcomes are calculated according to others.

Handicap

Handicap in basketball shows the final score difference in favor of one of the teams. You are required to guess if it will be more or less than the specified value. For example, if you bet on a team with a handicap of -5.5, you need it to win at least 6 points. If you bet on it with a handicap of +5.5, you would be rooting for this team to lose no more than 5 points. The handicap in basketball is not much different from the handicap in other sports, and most bookmakers allow you to buy more handicaps, while most often the coefficient drops by 8-10 points for each point bought. You can usually buy in addition from 4 to 12 points (each office determines the exact value for itself).

Total

Total is a type of bet in which you have to predict whether the final result of the game will be more or less than the proposed value. Almost always, the coefficients for "more" and "less" are the same. Totals, as well as odds, can be bought in addition, both up and down. The dynamics of odds changes in this case is most often similar to the dynamics of changes in quotes for a handicap.

Please note! Bookmakers accept bets on both the total in regular time of the match and the total with overtime in basketball, and it is important to understand that when calculating these bets, different time periods of the game will be taken into account. The calculation of the total in basketball in regular time is based on the results of 4 quarters.

Basketball total betting strategy

Basketball total betting strategy seems simple at first glance. It is enough to look at the previous results of the teams and analyze how many points they score per game. However, not everything is so simple: anything can happen in one particular match, and several factors can affect the team's game at once: from the psychological state of the players to their physical condition.

Quarter basketball betting

This type of bet is very popular among those who like to bet on basketball. A quarter in basketball is a mini-match. The head coach uses different tactics, simulated combinations, there can be constant replacements of athletes on the court. Player fatigue accumulated over the previous quarters also affects the result. Often in betting lines you can see a bet not only on the outcome, handicap and total of each quarter, but also on a comparison of the performance of the quarters: more points scored, more fouls committed, etc.

Basketball betting strategy by quarters

Basketball by quarters strategy also has its own peculiarities. Here you need to have an idea how the team plays in the first half of the game, and how in the second, what are the features and differences in the team's actions in different quarters. In the case of betting on quarters, you should keep a closer eye on what happened on the court in the previous quarter.

Other offers. In addition to the standard set of positions, the vast majority of bookmakers include an additional painting in their line. An additional list can offer a variety of betting options: on the handicap and total of each quarter, on the individual totals of the teams, on the individual totals of the leading basketball players, on the presence or absence of overtime, etc. There is also a bet under the conditional name "even-odd". Basketball is a game that scores a lot of points. And the score at the end of the meeting or quarter will definitely be even or odd. Bookmakers also offer to bet on this. This type of bet, by the way, is the purest “guessing game” and does not require any knowledge of the game from the player.

Pre-match analytics

Pre-match analytics of basketball matches is somewhat simpler than debriefing in football matches, since the lineups in basketball teams are 2-3 times smaller, and teams play twice as often, so there is always plenty of information about opponents. Some difficulty is represented only by a small number of broadcasts of basketball competitions in the post-Soviet expanses. However, the availability of high-speed Internet fully compensates for this small drawback. So, what does basketball match analytics include?

• Opponents current kit . The specificity of basketball lies in the fact that there are traditionally much fewer game recessions than, for example, in tennis and football, and therefore it becomes much easier to track the current form. It also helps that each team plays 2-3 matches a week, which means that it is possible to get the latest information about their current level and fitness.

Don't forget to check the results of the last 5-6 matches of each team. Separately, pay attention to the statistics of home and away matches: basketball is a sport in which the home court factor is extremely important, and sometimes even decisive, so when analyzing statistics, evaluate home and away matches separately.

• Head-to-head history . Let's not forget about the history of rivalry confrontation. It often happens that the indicators of the last three or four face-to-face meetings of teams can tell you much more than dozens of live matches watched with their participation. Again, do not forget that in basketball, the statistics of home and away matches differ significantly, and therefore it is worth evaluating it differently.
• Tournament position and motivation. And, of course, we could not forget about such a key factor as motivation - in such a hard and strong-willed sport as basketball, motivation is of particular importance. Be sure to evaluate who needs what from the upcoming match and, based on this information, try to adjust your forecast so that you do not bet on a team that no longer needs anything against an over-motivated opponent.
• List of injured and disqualified. With basketball's busy schedule, it's no surprise that injuries and suspensions are common in the sport. In order to be sure that your bet is considered, you should definitely monitor the press regularly to keep abreast of any personnel changes in the composition of each team.

During major basketball tournaments on the Legalbet website, you can get acquainted with the expectations of the forecasters of our website, find out which basketball bets they recommend choosing, as well as get acquainted with their arguments in favor of one or another option.

• Basketball predictions at Legalbet

Where to bet on basketball?

Modern bookmakers try to offer players the widest possible line of basketball. Bets on matches of the NBA, VTB United League, Euroleague, as well as the World and European Championships can be made at absolutely any legal bookmaker in Russia.

The bookmaker's office "1xBet" offers the most complete list. On the site of this bookmaker, in the left menu, you can click on the sport, and this will open all the championships available for betting. After selecting a specific match, the entire list for the match will appear in the center of the screen. Also, BC "1xBet" offers a wide variety of live basketball bets, in which the bettor, using various strategies, can try his luck. A good painting for basketball is also offered on the official websites of the online bookmakers Paribet and Winline.

• View basketball bets on the 1xBet website
• View Basketball Betting on Winline
• View basketball bets on Paribet website

Read also:

• NBA betting
• Basketball World Cup Betting
• Euroleague betting
• Bets on VTB United League

Subscribe to new bookmaker bonuses

Material prepared:

a. antanyuk

Legalbet Editor

Falling Odds Basketball

NVtips.com - AI football free predictions and statistics

Color map of falling odds in percentage terms	Drop 7% or more	Drop in range 3% - 7%	Fall below 3%
Color chart of increasing coefficients in percent	Growth of 7% or more	Growth in the range of 3% - 7%	Growth below 3%

0 [""] {"seconds":19,"minutes":9,"hours":11,"mday":1,"wday":4,"mon":12,"year":2022,"yday":334," weekday":"Thursday","month":"December","0":1669892959}

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