NBA Betting Guide: Tips for How To Bet on the NBA
Learning how to bet on basketball is a thrilling way to test your instincts and drive your excitement while trying to win NBA bets. Whether you want to wager on a match winner or bet on season-long futures, this NBA betting guide has you covered.
Read on to discover our top tips, from understanding basic odds to advanced strategies. With our expert advice, NBA betting is not only fun, but also a great way to stay invested in the game all the way through to the playoffs and championship.
Types of NBA Bets
Understanding the various types of NBA bets is a crucial first step for new and seasoned bettors. This section breaks down the most common bet types, helping you choose wisely based on your betting strategy.
NBA Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is a straightforward wager on which team will win the game. Everygame is highly recommended for its competitive NBA moneyline odds.
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.
NBA Spread Betting
Spread betting involves wagering on a team to win or lose by a specific point margin set by the sportsbook, making each game more dynamic. BetNow stands out for its competitive spreads, frequent early lines, and consistent updates for NBA games.
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 Pels can lose by less than 4 points or win outright for your bet to win.
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. BetOnline is our top pick for NBA totals betting due to its sharp and highly competitive odds.
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.
NBA Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on individual player performances or specific game outcomes, rather than the game’s final result. We recommend MyBookie for a wide range of exciting NBA props with competitive odds.
Example: You might bet on whether LeBron James will score over or under 28.5 points in a game, or whether the Lakers make their first shot attempt.
NBA Futures Bets
How does NBA betting work when it comes to futures? NBA futures involve betting on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the NBA championship or who will be crowned league MVP. BetUS is well-known for its comprehensive futures betting options.
Example: Betting on a team, like the Lakers, to win the NBA Finals at the start of the season.
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. SportsBetting.ag is an industry leader in parlay betting and same-game betting options.
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.
Guide To Live Betting on the NBA
Are you wondering how to bet on NBA games live? Unlike pre-game wagers, NBA live betting lets you bet on games as the action unfolds. Betting in real time adds a thrilling, interactive element to your NBA betting experience. Our NBA bet guide to live betting dives deeper into our live betting tips.
Watch for Shifts in Momentum
In the NBA, teams frequently go on runs that change the game’s direction. If you see a team heating up, consider betting on quarter or half spreads or over/under outcomes based on their momentum shift.
Second-Half Pushes from Underdogs
Underdog teams in basketball often rally in the second half, presenting valuable live betting opportunities. Look for improved odds on the moneyline or team total bets, as underdogs close the gap.
Find Advantageous NBA Props
Basketball prop bets become advantageous when a player starts off cold or unexpectedly hot. For instance, let’s say a star player struggles early. In this case, consider betting on underperformance props while the odds remain favorable.
Pay Attention to Injuries and Fouls
NBA online betting can be affected by player injuries and foul trouble which can dramatically affect the game flow and betting odds. Stay updated on each player’s status. If a key player is fouled out or injured, it could impact team performance and betting outcomes.
Our Favorite NBA Betting Site for Beginners
BetUS checks off all the key elements of what an NBA betting expert is looking for in a basketball sportsbook. With BetUS TV and their Locker Room program delivering free NBA picks and predictions every game day, it’s instant access to valuable insights that you can directly apply to your bets. Their betting odds also have great value, and their category of sports goes far beyond the NBA or basketball as a whole. BetUS offers incredible flexibility on their banking options, including crypto deposits, and they start you off with a very hefty welcome bonus. For new and experienced NBA bettors alike, BetUS is our top pick for your NBA betting portfolio.
How To Bet on the NBA
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.
Step One — Select an Operator
Consider any of our recommended online sportsbooks based on your own preferences, such as ease of use, bonuses, and betting options.
Step Two — 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.
Step Three — 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.
Step Four — 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.
Step Five — 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.
Step Six — 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.
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.
- Research the NBA referee: Some referees call more fouls, which can impact the game flow. Knowing who’s officiating may help predict higher scoring or more free throws.
- 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.
- Place futures early: Odds often change and become less favorable over time. Lock in favorable odds by betting on season-long outcomes early.
- Don’t underestimate live betting: Discover dynamic odds with lucrative payouts as the game unfolds when enjoying NBA online betting.
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)
- Gamble Responsibly America App: Downloadable resource
- 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.
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.
Betting on the over/under in basketball is done by wagering on if you believe the final number of points in a game will go over or under a specific total set by oddsmakers. For example, if the total in a game between the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks is 195.5 and the final score is 100-99 (199 total points), then bets on the ‘over’ will be cashed as winners.
You can bet on the NBA online by using one of many industry-leading offshore basketball betting sites.
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