Types of NBA Bets

NBA Betting 101:
Bet Types

Basketball is an exciting sport with high-scoring games, unpredictable outcomes, and star-studded teams. NBA betting adds a new level of excitement with various bet types, from predicting the winner to wagering on individual player stats. NBA games test your knowledge, strategy, and luck.

This guide covers common NBA betting options: moneyline, point spread, over/under (totals), prop bets, futures, and parlays. With this knowledge, you can make smart bets on NBA games and enjoy them more.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are the simplest type of NBA wager and an ideal starting point for beginners. With a moneyline bet, you’re simply betting on which team will win the game—no point spreads or additional conditions to consider. This straightforward option is great for punters who prefer to focus on the basics of NBA betting.

In moneyline betting, each team has odds. The favorite has lower odds, meaning a smaller payout. The underdog has higher odds, offering a bigger payout.

  • Pros:
    • Simple and easy to understand
    • Great for new bettors or games with clear favorites
  • Cons:
    • Potentially lower payouts if betting on heavily favored teams

Point Spread Bets

Point spread betting is one of the most popular forms of NBA betting. Here, the bookmaker sets a “spread” that the favorite team must overcome to win the bet, essentially balancing the odds between the two teams. The underdog is given points to level the playing field.

Point spreads make NBA games more exciting. They add an extra challenge, especially in close games where both teams have strong chances. Bettors who like analyzing teams often prefer point spread betting.

  • Pros:
    • Adds a strategic element, as you need to consider the margin of victory
    • Often provides more balanced odds than moneyline bets
  • Cons:
    • It requires understanding the game dynamics and team performance on a deeper level

Over/Under (Totals) Bets

Over/under betting, also known as “totals” betting, you don’t bet on which team will win. Instead, you bet on the total score of both teams. Bookmakers set a total number of points they think the teams will score. You bet on whether the real total score will be higher or lower than this number.

If a game’s total score is set at 215.5, you can bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than that number. Totals bets are a good choice if you want to focus on how many points will be scored in a game without worrying about who will win. NBA games can be thrilling because the scores change fast.

When you’re betting on the total score, think about things like how well the teams score and defend, how they’ve been playing lately, and if anyone’s hurt, because that can affect how many points they score.

  • Pros:
    • Allows you to bet based on scoring predictions without choosing a winner
    • Exciting and suitable for high-scoring games
  • Cons:
    • Requires a good understanding of both teams’ scoring tendencies and recent trends

Prop Bets

Prop bets, also called “props,” let you bet on specific events within the game instead of the final result. These bets can be about a specific player, like how many points they’ll score or how many rebounds they’ll get. They can also be about a team, like which team will score first. There are even more unusual prop bets, like predicting if a particular player will make a three-pointer during the game.

Prop bets are popular for big games like NBA playoffs or Finals. They let people bet on a specific player’s performance or something unusual happening in the game. This makes NBA betting more fun, especially if you’re a big fan of a certain player.

  • Pros:
    • Variety and novelty—lets you bet on specific game events or player performances
    • Great for adding excitement beyond the game’s final result
  • Cons:
    • Can be unpredictable as they rely on individual player performance

Futures Bets

Futures bets are like long-term guesses. You bet on events that will happen in the future. Like who will win the NBA Championship or which team will be the best in the conference. Futures are a fun way to stay interested in NBA games all season. You can choose a team or player and bet on them from the beginning to the end.

Futures bets can give you more money than regular bets. But they’re also riskier because many things can change during the season, like player injuries or teams playing worse. Still, if you’re a big NBA fan who follows the season closely, futures betting can be a lot of fun and very rewarding.

  • Pros:
    • Potential for high payouts if your prediction holds
    • Keeps you engaged throughout the season
  • Cons:
    • High-risk, as a team and player performance, can change significantly over time

Parlay Bets

A parlay bet combines multiple bets into one. The potential payout is higher, but so is the risk. You could bet on three NBA games in one parlay, but all must win for the bet to pay out. If one part of the parlay loses, the whole bet is lost.

Parlay bets offer flexibility and customization, including bet types like moneylines and point spreads. They can result in big payoffs but come with higher risk due to multiple outcomes. Experienced punters often prefer parlays.

  • Pros:
    • High payout potential with relatively small wagers
    • Allows creativity in combining different types of bets
  • Cons:
    • Risky, as all outcomes must win for the bet to pay out

Tips for Choosing the Right NBA Bet

When you bet on NBA games, think about what you know, how much experience you have, and how much risk you’re willing to take. Here are some last tips to remember:

  • Assess Your Goals: If you prefer simpler bets, start with moneyline or totals. For more challenge, try point spreads or prop bets.
  • Do Your Research: Stats, recent game trends, and player match-ups can all help inform smarter bets, especially with props and futures.
  • Bankroll Management: Set a budget and stick to it, ensuring you bet responsibly to make NBA betting a fun experience.

Take Your NBA Betting to Next Level

NBA games provide many betting options. Whether you pick winners, predict scores, or explore prop bets, there’s something for everyone. Learn and adjust your strategy as you try different bets to maximize enjoyment and potential winnings. This guide will help you improve your NBA betting skills.