Betting on basketball can be one of the most exciting and profitable sports wagering activities, mainly when focused on the NBA. With fast-paced games, deep stats, and nightly action, it’s a sport made for bettors. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about basketball betting: from odds and bet types to winning strategies and advanced tips.
Basketball Betting Basics: What Is Basketball Betting?
Basketball betting involves placing wagers on different aspects of a game. You can bet on the overall winner, point spreads, total points scored, and even specific player performances. With its 82-game season, the NBA offers more than 1,200 betting opportunities per year, not including the postseason.
Where to Bet on the NBA
Locate a licensed sportsbook like FanDuel, DraftKings, or BetMGM to get started.
- Make a deposit using a debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Navigate to the NBA section to browse current matchups.
- Pick your market, set your stake, and place your bet.
Many sportsbooks also offer bonuses or risk-free bets for new NBA bettors.
Basketball Odds Explained
Odds show both the likelihood of an outcome and your potential return.
- Favorites: Displayed with a minus (-). This is how much you need to bet to win $100.
- Underdogs: Displayed with a plus (+). This is how much you win from a $100 bet.
Example: Los Angeles Lakers -130 vs. Toronto Raptors +110
- A $130 bet on the Lakers wins $100.
- A $100 bet on the Raptors wins $110.
Odds can shift based on injuries, betting volume, and team news. Use line movement to your advantage.
Where to Get NBA Predictions and Picks
If you’re looking for expert insight, betting previews, or up-to-date NBA odds, Sporting Post is a top destination for bettors. Their NBA section includes:
- Daily betting predictions
- Analysis of key matchups
- Sharp picks backed by data
- The latest NBA odds and line movement updates
Sporting Post helps bettors make more intelligent decisions through expert breakdowns and real-time info. Whether betting on the Lakers to win outright or looking for value in the prop markets, their insights can guide you toward more informed wagers.
How to Bet on NBA Games: Key Bet Types
1. Moneyline
The easiest type of bet. You pick the team to win the game.
- Lakers -130 = Favored to win
- Raptors +110 = Underdog
This is a good option for beginners, especially in tight matchups.
2. Point Spread
Adds a handicap to balance the matchup.
- Lakers -5.5 = Must win by six or more
- Raptors +5.5 = Can win outright or lose by five or fewer
This is the most popular NBA bet type due to its balanced odds.
3. Over/Under (Totals)
Bet on whether the combined score goes over or under a set number.
Lakers vs. Raptors O/U 222.5
- Bet “Over” if you expect a high-scoring game
- Bet “Under” if you expect a defensive battle
These bets are less dependent on who wins.
4. Parlays
Link multiple bets together. Higher payout, but all legs must win.
- Lakers ML + Over 222.5 = Larger payout if both win
Parlays are risky but can offer great value in low-odds matchups.
5. Prop Bets
Wager on specific outcomes within a game:
- LeBron James over 28.5 points
- Lakers to score the first basket
- Team to hit the most 3-pointers
Props are ideal for advanced fans and fantasy sports players.
6. Futures
Long-term bets on events that settle over time:
- Lakers to win the NBA Championship
- LeBron James for Defensive Player of the Year
- Lakers to win over 47.5 games in a season
You can often find value early in the season or during injury stretches.
7. Live Betting
Place bets while the game is happening. Markets include:
- 2nd Half Total Points
- Next team to score
- Live Moneyline or Spread
Live betting rewards speed, game awareness, and sharp decision-making.
How to Bet Basketball Over and Under
Totals betting (over/under) focuses on game tempo and efficiency.
What to Analyze:
- Pace: Fast-paced teams like the Lakers often go over.
- Defensive Ratings: Poor defenses = more points.
- Injuries: Missing key defenders? Consider the Over.
- Game Context: Blowouts might lead to bench players and lower scoring.
Example: Lakers vs. Suns Total 228.5
Both rank in the top 10 in pace? Lean Over. Key scorers out or on back-to-backs? Consider Under. Totals fluctuate more than spreads and reward pre-game research.
NBA Betting Strategy: How to Bet on Basketball and Win
- Track Injury Reports: NBA stars often rest, especially in back-to-back games. A missing starter shifts team efficiency and betting lines.
- Check the Schedule
- Three games in four nights?
- End of a road trip?
- Look-ahead or letdown spots?
- Understand Matchups
- Weak perimeter D vs. strong shooting teams = Over and player props
- Big frontcourt vs. poor rebounding team = Team total Over or Spread
- Matchups determine style and score.
- Shop for Odds
- Lakers -3.5 at one book
- Lakers -2.5 at another
- Take the better line. It adds up long-term.
- Monitor Line Movement: Early sharp money often reveals real value. Late movement can hint at injury news.
- Use Advanced Metrics: Look beyond win-loss as these reveal more about how teams perform.
- Offensive/Defensive Rating
- Turnover %
- True Shooting %
- Rebounding Rates
Betting on Basketball Tips for Beginners
- Stick to one or two markets: Start with spreads and moneylines.
- Avoid emotional bets: Don’t bet the Lakers every night just because you’re a fan.
- Use betting tools: Odds trackers, injury reports, and pace stats.
- Track every bet: Use a spreadsheet or app.
- Set a bankroll and stick to it
- Advanced NBA Betting Strategies
Derivative Markets
Wager on quarters or halves for more precision.
- Lakers 1Q Over 29.5 points
- 2H Total: Over/Under 111.5
Use team-specific trends and splits.
Prop Betting Angles
- Bet overs when usage rates spike due to injury
- Bet under on back-to-backs or against elite defenders
- Referee Impact
Some referees call more fouls, which leads to more free throws and overs. Use ref stats when available.
Spot Betting Situations
- Revenge games
- Letdown spots after big wins
- Trap games before a prominent opponent
Schedule context matters.
Final Thoughts
To succeed at basketball betting, combine stats, context, and discipline. Don’t just bet the Lakers because they’re hot. Dig into matchups, pace, and line movement. Avoid chasing losses and always look for value. Whether betting moneylines or deep into player props, intelligent NBA betting is about preparation and patience.
