For the record, among traditional and prominent sports leagues globally, the NBA (National Basketball Association) is one with the most bets. There are few techniques to earn profit from NBA betting in the long run. Thus, many are drawn into this domain of betting.
You should know that betting on the NBA isn’t as simple as selecting the team that is most likely to win. There are different types of basketball bets you should know before you place your first bet. If you get familiar with these types of bets, you’ll be able to gauge the risk in every game and come up with the best with the most favorable value.
NBA Betting Options
Bettors are in different levels—there are rookies and seasoned in the field. For beginners, know that you can’t withdraw a bet you’ve already placed, so you better understand what type of bet is suitable for your level.
Moneyline Bet
Bettors regard the Moneyline bet as the most basic and most popular type of NBA bet. All you have to do is pick the team you think will win the game.
In moneyline odds, the favorite will be listed in a negative number. For example, -200. This means that you have to wager that amount to win $100.
Meanwhile, underdogs are listed in positive numbers. For example, +500 means you will earn that amount for a $100 bet. The NBA doesn’t always end with a tie, so a moneyline bet can’t be a “push.”
Point Spread
Point spread is often called “the line” or “the spread”. Basically, the favorite of the team which is expected to win places points to the underdog or the team that is expected to lose to square the difference on both sides. Moreover, the spread is termed “handicapping” because it is intended to retract wagers on both sides.
This means that the bettor who will wager on the favorite is handicapped by a smaller profit for the bet he will place. Therefore, bettors are encouraged to bet on the underdogs because the investment’s potential returns will be huge. Oddsmakers mostly choose point spread to pull money on both sides of the match.
Totals Bets
It is also known as over/under betting. This type of bet is also popular because it is uncomplicated. All you have to do is place a bet on the total points scored by both teams in the match. Of course, you can get the results by adding to the total points earned by the opposite teams in the whole game.
For example, the total is fixed at 230.5. If you wager on the over, you’re speculating that the rival teams’ total scores will be below 230. Take note that there will always be a half-point, so a push or tie can be avoided.
Parlay
An NBA parlay is simply two or more different bets coupled into a single bet. With a smaller investment, you can potentially win a large amount of profit in a parlay. This pays generously because a single bet is a lot easier than this one. You should win every bet on the slip so you can win the parlay. If you miss one, you lose the bet.
Keep in mind that parlays can comprise multiple combinations of moneyline, totals bets from single or multiple games, and point spread.
Teasers
Teaser is a type of parlay where you have to wager on the outcome of multiple events. You could settle with a minimum of two up to 15 selections, in some cases. With a teaser, all bets are set either on the total or against the spread. Also, you can make the spread or total favorable to you by fixing it. Consequently, expect a reduced payout since you’ve altered the numbers to your advantage.
Futures
After every end of an NBA season, a set of betting options for next season will be posted by sports betting sites. This is what they call the “futures bet.” In America, futures bets are pretty popular among rookies and professional bettors.
There are fun prop bets that you can try in NBA futures wagering. You can bet on FanDuel’s current futures which player will get the MVP award, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved.
How to Make Money in NBA Betting
If you’re focused on making money while you enjoy the league, here are some strategies you can use.
1. Don’t Bet Blind
Always keep track of the injury and rest updates of the player involved in the season. Know who’s in and out of the league to assess every team’s winning potential.
2. Know When to Fade the Public
Bettors pay a premium price to back a favorite. A small amount of payout is expected from this. If you support the underdogs, you will invest less, and you’ll get a handsome amount of payout if you get lucky.
You can always fade the public if you wish, but you’ll be wasting money in the long run if you always fade the public. See to it that you’re confident about going the other way.
3. Track Your Betting History
A good handicapper always keeps a record of his activities in betting. You have to know if you’re making money out of every bet you make. This way, you can see if a type of bet is exhausting your bankroll. If that’s the case, you have to shift to a different kind of bet to recover from the loss.
Final Thoughts
As already mentioned, wagerers are at different levels in NBA betting. However, the most basic tip is to equip yourself with the essential knowledge, specifically the types of bets you can select. Find something that will suit your level and use it as necessary.
