How and Where Do I Bet on NBA Games?

You can start betting on NBA games today by choosing your preferred online sportsbook, creating an account, and making your first deposit on the platform.

What Are the Most Popular Types of NBA Bets?

Moneylines, point spreads, and over/under totals are the three most common types of NBA bets. However, parlays and player props are also great options for NBA bettors and continue to grow in popularity.

What Are NBA Betting Trends?

Betting trends refer to patterns or tendencies that have emerged over a period of time that can be used to help bettors make smart, well-informed wagers.

What Are Some NBA Betting Strategies?

A few basic betting strategies include seeking out value or overreactions in the betting market, placing your bets early, properly managing your bankroll, and shopping for the best odds.

What Is a Moneyline Bet in the NBA?

A moneyline bet involves predicting the winner of an NBA matchup. Placing a moneyline wager on favorites typically offers a greater chance for success, while betting on underdogs offers the potential for a greater payout.

How Do NBA Point Spreads Work?

NBA games have point spreads assigned based on which team is projected to win and by how much. A handicap is assigned to the favorite, and an advantage is granted to the underdog to even up the odds. Bettors will need to predict if the favorite will win by the required number of points or if the underdog will cover the spread.

What Are NBA Futures Bets?

NBA futures bets involve predicting an outcome well ahead of time, such as the winner of a division, conference, NBA Finals, or MVP Award.

What are NBA Prop Bets?

NBA prop bets are wagers on outcomes that do not necessarily affect the outcome of the games. Examples include betting on a player’s statistics, who will score the first basket, or what the final score of the game will be.

What Are NBA Parlay Bets?

NBA parlay bets involve combining multiple wagers together for a chance to receive a greater payout. However, for a parlay to be a winner, all individual wagers (i.e., legs) will need to be successful.

What Are NBA Teaser Bets?

NBA teaser bets are similar to parlays in that they involve combining multiple wagers together. However, teasers allow you to move the point spread or total in your favor but offer lower payouts than parlays.

What Are the Best NBA Betting Strategies for Beginners?

Some of the best betting strategies for beginners include tracking your bets, setting a budget and sticking to it, not chasing your losses, finding your area of specialty, and conducting thorough research before placing bets.

What Are the Top NBA Betting Sites in the US?

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers are a few of the top NBA betting sites in the United States.

How Can I Understand NBA Betting Trends and Statistics?

Understanding NBA betting trends and statistics involves examining data related to team performance, player stats, situational outcomes, and head-to-head matchups to recognize patterns and gain valuable insights that you can use to make smart, calculated wagers.

What Are NBA Betting Tips for Maximizing Your Winnings?

Manage your bankroll wisely, trust your research, don’t bet emotionally, practice patience and discipline, explore different bet types, and stay informed are a few betting tips to help maximize your winnings over the long run.

How Do I Read NBA Betting Odds and Lines?

Negative moneyline odds (-150, -300, etc.) are used on favorites and refer to the amount you need to bet to win $100. Meanwhile, positive moneyline odds represent underdogs and refer to the amount you will win on a $100 wager.

NBA Picks - NBA Betting Picks and Predictions

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most-watched professional sports leagues in the world and only continues to grow in popularity. With sports betting on the rise in the United States and beyond, it only makes sense that there are plenty of NBA fans eager to get in on the action. If you fit the bill and are ready to start betting on all your favorite players and teams, then you’ve come to the right place!

NBA Betting Guide 2023

Welcome to the ultimate NBA betting guide! Whether you’re an excited newcomer or a seasoned veteran in the industry, this guide will help take your sports betting experience to the next level!

Get ready to take a deep dive into the world of NBA betting, as we’ll explore the different types of wagers available to basketball fans while also covering NBA betting trends and how to use them to your advantage.

We’ll also take a closer look at the best sportsbooks on the market, provide some tips and tricks to use to increase your chances of success, and answer any questions you may have along the way. Now, let’s get started!

NBA Betting Lines: How to Read Them and Make the Right Bet

It is important for NBA bettors to be familiar with the three major types of bets: point spreads, moneylines, and over/under totals. These are the most common types of wagers and are typically available for any matchup in the NBA regular season or postseason.

Understanding NBA Point Spreads

Point spreads reflect the projected outcome of a game, with one team being a favorite and the other an underdog. As a result, a handicap (represented by a number and a “-” sign) is assigned to the favorite, and an advantage (represented by a number and a “+” sign) is granted to the underdog to even up the odds.

For example, the Los Angeles Lakers may be 5.5-point favorites (-5.5) against the Miami Heat. If you were to bet on the Lakers to cover the spread, they would need to win by six or more points for the wager to be successful. On the other hand, if you chose to bet on the Heat to cover the spread, the wager would be a winner if they won the game outright or lost by five or fewer points.

Moneyline Wagers in NBA Betting

If you don’t want to bet on the margin of victory or defeat, you can try to predict the winner of an NBA game by placing a moneyline wager. Betting on favorites generally offers a higher probability of success but a lower payout, while betting on an underdog offers a lower chance for success but a greater payout.

Negative moneyline odds (e.g., -120, -200, or -350) are used for the favorite in a matchup and represent the amount you will need to wager to win $100. Positive moneyline odds are used for the underdog and represent the amount you will win on a $100 wager.

For instance, if you bet $100 on the Golden State Warriors with a moneyline of -200 and they win the game, you would receive a profit of $50, plus your original wager back. Alternatively, if you bet $100 on the underdog Boston Celtics with a moneyline of +150 and they win, you would earn a profit of $150, plus your original wager back.

Over/Under Wagers in NBA Betting

If you don’t feel confident about which team will win the game, you may look to over/under totals as a way to try and predict whether it’ll be a high-scoring affair or a tough defensive battle. The sportsbook will provide the projected total of points that will be scored by both teams, and bettors will have to predict whether the actual combined total is higher or lower than expected.

Let’s say the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks, two of the top offensive teams in the NBA, are facing off against one another, and the over/under total is set at 239.9 points. Bettors will want to take the over if they think 240 or more points will be scored in the matchup, and they’ll want to take the under if they predict 239 points or less will be scored. Just like point spreads, the options for an over/under bet will offer roughly the same payout.

NBA Betting Trends: Stay Ahead of the Game

NBA betting trends refer to patterns or tendencies that have emerged over a given period of time (month, season, career, etc.) that can be used to help bettors make smart, well-informed wagers. These trends analyze various factors such as team performance, player statistics, records against the spread, situational outcomes, home/road records, head-to-head matchups, and point differentials.

Although NBA betting trends shouldn’t be the sole basis for making a bet, they can be extremely beneficial and help you give a general idea of the performance you can expect from a team or player on a given night. It’s a good idea to combine relevant trends with other forms of analysis such as injury reports, coaching strategies, team dynamics, and league news.

In the 2023 NBA Playoffs, a few specific betting trends have emerged, and many bettors have used them to their advantage. This includes past playoff experience being more valuable than regular-season success, home-court advantage remaining a crucial factor, and big-market teams coming out on top.

Overall, keeping up with NBA betting trends each year during the regular season and postseason is incredibly important and can help you stay ahead of the game.

Types of NBA Bets

Some of the most popular types of wagers available to NBA bettors are listed and explained below.

Moneylines

Often considered the simplest and most straightforward type of bet, a moneyline wager involves picking the winner of a game. Odds will be set based on the projected outcome, and betting on underdogs (i.e., teams that are projected to lose) will offer the potential for greater payouts than picking the favorite.

Point Spreads

Also referred to as handicaps, point spreads are another common way to bet on a given matchup in the NBA and involve betting on a team’s margin of victory or defeat. For each game, a point spread will be set indicating the amount of points the favorite will need to win by to cover. On the other hand, the underdog can cover the spread by winning the game outright or losing by less than the projected margin of defeat.

Over/Under Totals

Over/Under bets involve predicting whether the total number of points scored by both teams will be higher or lower than what is projected by the sportsbook. Just like point spreads, over/under bets typically offer the same payout regardless of which of the two options you choose for the wager.

Futures

Futures bets offer sports fans an opportunity to predict the outcome of a future event well ahead of time. Common futures associated with NBA betting include picking the winner of a division, conference champion, NBA Finals winner, and most valuable player (MVP).

Prop Bets

Short for propositional bets, prop bets typically focus on specific events in an NBA game that do not necessarily affect the final outcome. This includes wagers on various player statistical totals (e.g., points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and three-point field goals) as well as in-game occurrences, including but not limited to which player will score the first basket, what the final score will be, or whether the game will go to overtime.

If you’re interested, you can place a bet today using our expert advice and predictions on NBA player props and other picks for wagers on upcoming games.

Parlays

Parlays are multi-leg bets that combine two or more specific wagers for the potential to receive a higher payout. To win a parlay, all individual bets included will need to be successful, meaning nine out of 10 correct picks would offer no return on the initial stake. Parlays can include any number of different bet types (point spreads, over/under totals, prop bets, etc.), and they may come from a handful of different matchups or one single game (i.e., same-game parlays).

Teasers

Teasers are similar to parlays in that they combine multiple picks into a single wager. However, teasers allow bettors to adjust the point spread or total in their favor to increase the chance of success. Although the wager is more likely to win, teasers offer lower potential payouts when compared to parlays.

NBA Betting Strategies: Tips and Tricks for a BIG WIN

While there is no foolproof strategy that is guaranteed to work 100% of the time, here are a few tips and tricks NBA bettors can use to increase their chances of success:

Do Your Research & Stay Informed: The most important (as well as the most obvious) tip for NBA bettors is to watch games. This will help you stay up-to-date on all the latest news and storylines, evaluate teams, and learn more about the league and all its players.
Identify Teams Playing Back-to-Back: If you’re an NBA fan, you understand how big of a disadvantage it is for your team to be playing on the second day of a back-to-back while the opponent is fresh and well-rested. You also shouldn’t be surprised to hear a team’s aging superstar or a key piece in their rotation will be unavailable for the game.
Look for Home & Away Performance Discrepancies: It is fairly common in the NBA for teams to play better on their own court and show signs of weakness away from home. Although home-court advantage will often be baked into the spread for any given matchup, it’s always smart to be aware of a team’s ability (or inability) to win games in unfamiliar surroundings with less crowd support and more travel fatigue.
Don’t Be Afraid To Fade the Public: Public opinion and media hype can often skew betting lines, as bettors begin to give more weight to momentum or narratives rather than actual on-court performance. This can lead to inflated odds and present valuable opportunities for contrarian wagers.
Consider Playoff Impact and Motivational Factors: This is especially important toward the end of the NBA regular season. Certain teams have more on the line, meaning they are much more motivated to go out and deliver their best performance. Meanwhile, other teams have already locked up playoff spots or are perfectly satisfied with settling for better odds in the NBA Draft Lottery.
Take Advantage of NBA Live Betting: The momentum shifts back and forth constantly in an NBA game. If you choose to take advantage of in-game betting on NBA matchups, you can find excellent opportunities to secure better odds and larger payouts when one team goes on a quick scoring run or when a player picks up their third foul early in the second quarter.
Give Less Weight to Team Records: Lastly, you do not want to make your betting decisions solely based on the record of each team in a given matchup. Injuries and strength of schedule can largely impact a team’s record at any point throughout the year, meaning it’s not uncommon for a team with the best record in their conference to be underdogs against a play-in team or non-playoff team.

If you’re looking for advice on specific NBA matchups, you can sign up to receive free picks from some of the top experts in the sports betting industry. You’ll gain access to NBA predictions, future updates, and incredible promotional offers to help improve your overall betting experience!

Best NBA Betting Sites: Where and How to Place Your Bet

There is a wide variety of sports betting sites that offer wagers on the NBA. Five of the top options to consider are discussed in detail below!

MLB Betting Site	Welcome Offer
DraftKings	Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly + all customers get a NO SWEAT SGP every day!
FanDuel	Bet $5 on any Money line, Get $150 in Bonus Bets IF YOUR TEAM WINS + All Customers Get a Profit Boost Everyday
BetMGM	$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don’t Win!
Caesars	Bet $50 Get $250 in Bonus Bets
BetRivers	Second Chance Bet Up to $500

DraftKings Sportsbook

One of the most popular betting sites among basketball fans is DraftKings Sportsbook. With a user-friendly platform and frequent bonus opportunities, DraftKings Sportsbook is a fantastic option for both new and experienced bettors. One major advantage DraftKings has over the competition is its unbelievable number of alternative lines on point spreads, over/under totals, player props, and many other popular types of bets.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook is another great choice for sports bettors across the United States. Boasting arguably the best mobile app among American sportsbooks, FanDuel is widely available and continues to enter new markets each year. Its huge prop bet market and world-class customer service are a few other reasons why FanDuel Sportsbook is the go-to option for a large number of NBA fans.

BetMGM Sportsbook

One of the biggest and most reliable names in the industry, BetMGM Sportsbook is a sports betting platform that deserves your attention. Weekly promotions and excellent teaser odds make BetMGM an amazing option for sports betting enthusiasts all over the country. BetMGM’s elite in-game betting experience, which includes a wide range of bet types and live streaming of NBA matchups, only adds to its appeal.

Caesars Sportsbook

Also deserving of your consideration is Caesars Sportsbook, another established veteran in the world of sports betting. An unmatched selection of daily odds boosts on same-game parlays, one of the best customer loyalty programs on the market, and massive first bet insurance for all first-time users are a few of the many special benefits provided to all customers and may be enough to convince you to sign up with Caesars today!

BetRivers Sportsbook

Last but not least, BetRivers Sportsbook is often considered to be the top option for those who are new to the sports betting industry. Its user-friendly mobile app, reliable customer support team, and easy-to-use live betting section are very beneficial to beginners. In addition, BetRivers offers competitive odds and incredible market depth, giving you access to a wide range of basketball leagues from all over the world.

NBA Betting Explanations: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re new to the world of sports betting, you are sure to be unfamiliar with certain phrases or terminology. In the table below, you’ll find some of the most common NBA betting terms and their definitions.

Term/Phrase	Definition
Handle	The total amount of money wagered on a particular game.
Juice/Vig	The commission or fee charged by a sportsbook when placing a bet.
Against The Spread (ATS)	A team’s record based on how many times it has covered the spread.
Even Money	A bet in which the payout is equal to the amount wagered.
Laying the Points	Betting on a favorite to win and cover the spread.
Taking the Points	Betting on an underdog to win the game outright or lose but at least cover the spread.
Push	The outcome when a team wins or loses by the exact number as the point spread, meaning all bets are refunded.
Chalk	The heavily-favored team in a matchup.
Pick'em	A matchup with no favorite or underdog, meaning the odds are equal on both sides.
The Field	An option in futures wagers to bet on all other players or teams not listed with specific odds.
Sharp	An experienced or professional sports bettor.
Square	A novice or new sports bettor.

Conclusion

Now that you’re familiar with how betting odds work, the types of wagers available, specific betting strategies to implement, and the best betting sites for basketball fans, it’s time to get started! Choose your preferred sportsbook, sign up for an account, and join in on all the fun and excitement offered by the world of NBA betting.

Be sure to use the information provided in this comprehensive guide to help make smart, well-informed decisions on all your wagers. Remember, NBA betting success will require a combination of thorough analysis, strategic planning, discipline, and a keen understanding of the game. Good luck, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

NBA Betting FAQ

How and Where Do I Bet on NBA Games?
You can start betting on NBA games today by choosing your preferred online sportsbook, creating an account, and making your first deposit on the platform.
What Are the Most Popular Types of NBA Bets?
Moneylines, point spreads, and over/under totals are the three most common types of NBA bets. However, parlays and player props are also great options for NBA bettors and continue to grow in popularity.
What Are NBA Betting Trends?
Betting trends refer to patterns or tendencies that have emerged over a period of time that can be used to help bettors make smart, well-informed wagers.
What Are Some NBA Betting Strategies?
A few basic betting strategies include seeking out value or overreactions in the betting market, placing your bets early, properly managing your bankroll, and shopping for the best odds.
What Is a Moneyline Bet in the NBA?
A moneyline bet involves predicting the winner of an NBA matchup. Placing a moneyline wager on favorites typically offers a greater chance for success, while betting on underdogs offers the potential for a greater payout.
How Do NBA Point Spreads Work?
NBA games have point spreads assigned based on which team is projected to win and by how much. A handicap is assigned to the favorite, and an advantage is granted to the underdog to even up the odds. Bettors will need to predict if the favorite will win by the required number of points or if the underdog will cover the spread.
What Are NBA Futures Bets?
NBA futures bets involve predicting an outcome well ahead of time, such as the winner of a division, conference, NBA Finals, or MVP Award.
What are NBA Prop Bets?
NBA prop bets are wagers on outcomes that do not necessarily affect the outcome of the games. Examples include betting on a player’s statistics, who will score the first basket, or what the final score of the game will be.
What Are NBA Parlay Bets?
NBA parlay bets involve combining multiple wagers together for a chance to receive a greater payout. However, for a parlay to be a winner, all individual wagers (i.e., legs) will need to be successful.
What Are NBA Teaser Bets?
NBA teaser bets are similar to parlays in that they involve combining multiple wagers together. However, teasers allow you to move the point spread or total in your favor but offer lower payouts than parlays.
What Are the Best NBA Betting Strategies for Beginners?
Some of the best betting strategies for beginners include tracking your bets, setting a budget and sticking to it, not chasing your losses, finding your area of specialty, and conducting thorough research before placing bets.
What Are the Top NBA Betting Sites in the US?
DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers are a few of the top NBA betting sites in the United States.
How Can I Understand NBA Betting Trends and Statistics?
Understanding NBA betting trends and statistics involves examining data related to team performance, player stats, situational outcomes, and head-to-head matchups to recognize patterns and gain valuable insights that you can use to make smart, calculated wagers.
What Are NBA Betting Tips for Maximizing Your Winnings?
Manage your bankroll wisely, trust your research, don’t bet emotionally, practice patience and discipline, explore different bet types, and stay informed are a few betting tips to help maximize your winnings over the long run.
How Do I Read NBA Betting Odds and Lines?
Negative moneyline odds (-150, -300, etc.) are used on favorites and refer to the amount you need to bet to win $100. Meanwhile, positive moneyline odds represent underdogs and refer to the amount you will win on a $100 wager.