Before going into the bets, it’s essential to grasp the basic structure of the NBA. Each game involves two teams of five players competing to score by shooting the ball into the opponent’s hoop. An NBA game consists of four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, but the actual game time can stretch to around two and a half hours due to timeouts and stoppages.
The NBA season is long, with 82 games per team, culminating in the playoffs, where the top teams from each conference compete for the championship. Understanding the game’s flow is crucial because it helps with in-play or live betting, where odds shift rapidly as the game progresses.
Common NBA Bets
For beginners, it’s smart to focus on just a few fundamental betting types. Concentrating on simpler markets like moneylines and point spreads can help you develop a better understanding of how NBA betting works without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of some advanced options.
Taking advantage of promotional offers like a referral code for Bet365 can give you an added cushion, helping your budget survive early losses. It allows you to stay in the game longer and refine your strategy without burning through your bankroll.
Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is one of the simplest wagers in basketball betting, where you only bet on which team will win the game. The key here is to understand the odds associated with each team, indicated by either a positive or negative figure.
A negative number (-130) denotes the favorite, and a positive number (+150) represents the underdog. For example, if you bet $100 on a +150 underdog, you stand to win $150.
Point Spread
The point spread is another popular market that accounts for the margin of victory. Bookmakers set a line, and you bet on whether the favorite will win by more points than the spread or if the underdog will lose by fewer points (or win outright). If the Lakers are favored by -5.5 points, they must win by 6 or more points for you to win the bet.
Point spreads are appealing because they level the playing field between unevenly matched teams, making it more engaging to bet on lopsided games.
Over/Under (Totals)
Another straightforward option is the over/under bet, also known as a total bet. This bet focuses on the total number of points scored in the game by both teams. If the sportsbook sets the total at 224.5 points, you can wager on whether the combined score will be over or under that figure. It is great if you aren’t sure who will win but have a feel for the game’s pace.
Player and Prop Bets
For those looking to focus on individual performances rather than team outcomes, prop bets offer an exciting alternative. These bets revolve around specific player statistics, such as the number of points, rebounds, or assists a player will achieve during a game. If you believe LeBron James will score over 25.5 points in a game, you can place an overbet on his total.
Prop bets provide more flexibility and allow you to follow your favorite players closely, especially if you're not confident in predicting team outcomes.
Live Betting
One of the most exhilarating ways to bet on the NBA is through live betting, where you can place wagers while the game progresses. It requires quick thinking, as odds change constantly based on the game’s momentum.
Whether you bet on the outcome of a quarter or a team’s performance during a particular stretch, live betting offers fast-paced action for bettors who enjoy staying engaged with the game.
Pro Tip
As you dive into the world of NBA betting, staying informed about key players and their impact on upcoming games is crucial. For instance, understanding how OG Anunoby's growing notoriety could influence the Knicks-Raptors matchup can give you an edge when placing bets. As you apply the strategies outlined in this guide, keeping an eye on players like Anunoby, who can sway the odds, will enhance your betting decisions.
Summary
NBA betting is a learning process, and it’s best to start with straightforward bets such as moneylines and point spreads. Over time, you can try more advanced options, but always manage your bankroll wisely and use available bonuses or offers to help cushion your early bets.