NBA Betting Guide: Tips for How To Bet on the NBA
Types of NBA Bets
Before placing your first NBA wager, it’s important to understand the foundational bet types every new bettor should know. Below, we break down the most common NBA bets with simple definitions and easy examples, giving you a clear starting point before moving on to more advanced betting strategies.
NBA Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is a straightforward wager on which team will win the game. It does not matter by how much, or whether it’s in overtime or regular play — if a team you’ve placed a moneyline bet on wins the game, you also win. It’s the simplest and most widely appealing bet for beginners.
Example: If the Los Angeles Lakers have odds of -130 against the New Orleans Pelicans at +110, a $130 bet on the Lakers would win $100. Meanwhile, a $100 bet on the Pelicans would win $110 if they triumph.
Expert Tip: Regularly check for the best odds and promotions before placing your moneyline bets.
NBA Spread Betting
Spread betting involves wagering on a team to win or lose by a specific point margin set by the sportsbook. This is done to “even the playing field” between both teams, especially in a game that is mismatched. Depending on the difference between each team’s skill and expected results, the spread will be raised/lowered to account for this gap.
Example: If the Lakers are favored to beat the Pelicans by 4.5 points, the betting line will look like this: Los Angeles Lakers: -4.5 vs New Orleans Pelicans: +4.5.
Betting on the Lakers means they must win by 5 points or more to “cover the spread.” By contrast, betting on the New Orleans Pelicans means the Pelicans can lose by less than 4 points or win outright for your bet to win.
Spreads typically include these 0.5 margins, but some games may offer flat spreads, like -4.0 and +4.0. In this case, if the Lakers win by exactly 4 points and you wagered on them, the wager is a “push” and your stake is given back to you.
Expert Tip: Consider the team’s recent performances and any player injuries when betting on the spread.
NBA Totals (Over/Under)
Totals betting is wagering on the combined score of both teams in a game and whether that score will be over or under that number. Sportsbooks change this number depending on the expected performance of each side — two teams with incredible offenses would have a higher over/under line than a matchup between two defensive juggernauts.
Example: Let’s say you’re betting on a game where the Over/Under was set at 231.5 total points, with odds of -107 for Over and odds of -113 for Under. In this case, a winning $107 wager on Over would pay $100, and a winning $113 wager on Under would pay $100.
Expert Tip: Keep track of team scoring trends and defensive capabilities when wagering on NBA totals. Because both teams will be contributing to this number, it’s important for you to understand how each team has been playing lately.
NBA Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on individual player performances or specific team outcomes, rather than the game’s final result. Common player props include total points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and three-pointers. Team props build off this idea, offering an over/under line for a team’s total # of points, assists, rebounds, etc.
Example: You might bet on whether LeBron James will score over or under 28.5 points in a game. Your bet will be paid out depending on what you selected, and what Lebron finished the game with.
Expert Tip: Consider making prop bets that align with other wagers you’ve made on a game. If you expect the total to go under in a matchup, you might feel empowered to also bet on certain players to not score their expected number of buckets (an under on player prop points).
NBA Futures Bets
NBA futures involve betting on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the NBA championship, or who will be crowned league MVP. These are typically made a number of weeks/months out from the event itself, giving fans a chance to predict the season and capitalize on a rise or drop in odds.
Example: Betting on a team, like the Lakers, to win the NBA Finals at the start of the season. Futures at the start of a season begin with high odds (ex. +1200), but if the Lakers go on a massive win-streak to start the season, their odds would go down (ex. +700).
Expert Tip: Futures odds will change massively throughout a season. Keep an eye on the risers and fallers, and see if you can work an unexpected change into your existing strategy.
NBA Parlays
Parlays are one larger bet comprised of multiple bets called “legs,” each of which must win for your parlay to win. This combination increases the potential payout on a winning wager but also increases your level of risk.
Example: Combining a Lakers moneyline bet at odds of -125 and a Pelicans Over bet at +180 increases the odds, offering a higher payout if both legs win.
Expert Tip: Parlays are enticing because of the potential payout. However, they are significantly riskier, due to a number of specific events needing to happen in order to get paid. So when you’re learning how to bet on basketball, we recommend keeping stakes modest relative to your bankroll.
Our Favorite NBA Betting Site for Beginners
BetUS is a strong choice for new NBA bettors thanks to its simple layout, wide betting options, and helpful learning tools. BetUS TV and the Locker Room provide free NBA picks and game-day insights, making it easier for beginners to understand how bets work before placing them. The sportsbook offers competitive NBA odds, a large selection of sports beyond basketball, and flexible banking options, including crypto deposits for added convenience. With a generous welcome bonus and a platform that’s easy to navigate, BetUS gives new bettors a comfortable and well-rounded starting point for NBA betting.
How To Bet on the NBA Online
If you’re new to NBA online betting, getting started is simple. Here’s a quick, step-by-step NBA betting guide for signing up to a new betting site, explicitly tailored for beginners.
#1 — Choose Your NBA Betting Site
Consider any of our recommended online sportsbooks based on your own preferences, such as ease of use, bonuses, and betting options. If you want some additional help with picking the right site, check out how we rate and review sportsbooks.
#2 — Create an Account
Sign up with your chosen sportsbook by filling out the registration form. Remember to use any available promo codes for extra bonuses to kickstart your NBA betting journey.
#3 — Make Your First Deposit
Fund your account using one of the sportsbook’s available payment methods, such as credit card, debit card, or e-wallet. Most sportsbooks offer various deposit and withdrawal options, so look for one that offers your preferred method.
#4 — Claim Your Bonus
Many sportsbooks offer welcome registration and/or deposit bonuses. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before you claim your bonus offer and before placing your first bet.
#5 — Choose Your Bet Type
Decide which bet type you’d like to place, whether it’s a moneyline, spread, or otherwise. Use the information in this NBA bet guide to help decide which type of wager is best for your betting preferences.
#6 — Place Your Bet and Monitor Results
Once you’ve chosen your bet type, place your wager and keep an eye on live odds and game outcomes to stay informed.
Beginner NBA Betting Tips
NBA basketball betting includes conducting thorough research and can make a big difference in the outcomes of your bets. Here are some great tips from our dedicated team of NBA betting experts:
- Analyze specific player stats: Tracking individual stats, like rebounds or three-pointers, helps you focus on single variables, which can simplify decision-making.
- Keep the schedule in mind: Teams that are well-rested or playing at home often perform better. Watch for home-field advantages versus back-to-back games and long travel schedules.
- Set a betting budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on NBA betting and never exceed that amount. A clear budget helps you manage losses and keeps betting fun instead of stressful.
- Avoid always betting on your favorite team: Betting with your heart instead of data can lead to poor decisions and missed value. Try to stay objective by focusing on matchups, injuries, and odds rather than team loyalty.
- Stick to one bet type at first: Focusing on one NBA bet type, like spreads or player props, makes it easier to understand odds and trends. Once you’re comfortable, you can expand into more advanced markets.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be enjoyable and within control. We encourage all players to set loss and time limits, ensuring that betting remains a fun form of entertainment rather than a source of stress. Budget and plan your bankroll carefully to avoid overspending and make sure to take breaks when needed. Responsible gambling isn’t about dampening the fun, but rather ensuring that the fun continues.
If you find yourself thinking too much about betting or exceeding your limits, it might be time to reach out for help. Here are some resources that offer support:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: (202) 547-9204 or NCPGambling.org
- AGA Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct (supported by the NBA)
- Gambler’s Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
- Responsible Gambling Council: responsiblegambling.org
Key Points for Betting the NBA
NBA betting offers an accessible and exciting way to stay engaged with the game all season long, right up to the NBA Finals. With our betting advice, you can improve your wagering skills and enjoy all the thrills and chills of the NBA season to its fullest.
You now have everything you need to start betting on the NBA. We’ve covered popular basketball bet types like moneylines, spreads, and totals. With our insightful NBA live betting tips including looking for momentum swings, and paying attention to injuries and fouls, you’re set up to bet during all of the top games long past tip-off.
BetUS is our recommended sportsbook for a stellar overall NBA betting experience and you can sign up in just a few minutes by making a deposit, claiming your bonus, and choosing your bet type. This top-tier platform offers beginners plenty of valuable resources and bonuses to help you get started.
NBA Betting FAQs
NBA betting offers many ways to bet on basketball games. The most popular bet types include moneylines (winner), spreads (handicap bets), and totals (total number of points scored).
Learning how to bet on the NBA can be made easier by studying team and player stats, trends, and injury reports. Watching games and managing your bankroll will help in making smarter bets.
Yes, most NBA betting sites offer mobile-friendly websites, or dedicated apps for iOS and Android. You can place pregame and live NBA bets directly from your phone.
NBA betting is legal in many U.S. states but laws vary by location. Check your state’s regulations to see which NBA betting options are available where you live. Offshore betting sites are a great alternative if legislation.
There is no single “best” NBA bet, as it depends on your strategy and knowledge of teams and players. Popular options include point spreads, player props, and live betting markets. The simplest bet to make for beginners would typically be the moneyline, which is a wager on the winner of a particular game.
