NBA Betting Options

There are three possible types of bets on the NBA:

Moneyline

Although not a very popular play in the NBA, moneylines are fairly simple – bettors select which teams they believe will win the game. Predicting a comeback and betting on the underdogs is pretty much the only way to win with moneyline betting.

For example, if the moneyline bettor can choose between the Heat at +150 and the Celtics at -120, and the Celtics are the favorite to win, bettors will need to bet $120 to win $100. The Heat are considered the underdog, in which case the $100 bet will give a $150 return.

Point Spread

Just like the NFL, a large percentage of those who participate in NBA betting will place point spread bets. The point spread gives an advantage to the underdog in the match, which can range from 3 to 10 points before the game even starts.

For example, if a game has a spread of 3.5 for the Spurs and -3.5 for the Lakers, it means that the Lakers are the favorites in the match and the Spurs are the 3-point underdog. In other words, the Spurs were awarded 3 points before the game even started. For those betting on the Lakers, they will have to win by 3 points or more, and for Spurs bettors to win, their team will have to win or lose by less than 3 points.

Total Values (Over/Under)

Total values is the second most chosen bet type; betting on total values is a very popular form of betting on the NBA. Basically the odds calculator will select a total number as it thinks the game will develop. When betting on total values in the NBA the overall total values can range from 185 to 220 on average, and fluctuate greatly on each game. To bet on NBA point totals you must choose whether you think the total number of points in a game will be above or below the number selected by the odds calculator.

Types of NBA Betting Offered

If you are looking for bigger winnings or higher wagering entertainment then check out these types of NBA bets:

Parlays (Cumulative)

Although risky, parlays are a very popular form of betting in the NBA. To place parlays, bettors must select at least two totals, moneylines or point spreads and combine them into a single bet. What makes the accumulator risky is that all selections made must win for the bettor to receive a payout.

Teasers

Teasers within NBA betting are actually similar to accumulator bets in the sense that it is necessary for all bets to be correct in order to receive the payout. Teasers allow the bettor to adjust the point spread or the totals line to minimise their risk. NBA teasers are generally between 4 or 5 points, but depending on the bookmaker, can be as high as 16 points.

Live Betting

NBA live betting is not predominantly popular in the US market, but is growing exponentially as bookmakers develop their games with live betting products and websites. Bettors can place bets as the action unfolds on their computer, tablet or smartphone screen.

Props

Prop bets on the NBA allow bettors to place bets on outcomes that are not directly associated with the final result of the game. Prop bets are popular due to their creative nature, and sometimes, they can be quite lucrative. Some great examples of an NBA prop bet would be the total number of rebounds by the team and the specific number of points by a player.

Futures

Futures are bets on an outcome that will happen at a later date. A great and common example regarding NBA betting would be predicting which team will win the NBA Title or the Conference Championships.