For the uninitiated, a betting market is where you wager on a specific outcome or scenario in a game. Think of these markets as different flavors of bets—each market is unique, so you can ballpark odds based on player stats, game winners, or even how many total points are scored.
Moneyline Bets
The moneyline is a straight-up “who’s going to win?” NBA prediction. This starter pack of NBA betting is perfect for newbies and veterans.
Here’s how it works:
- The favorite will have minus odds (e.g., -150), meaning you need to bet $150 to win $100.
- The underdog has plus odds (e.g., +200), meaning a $100 bet scores you $200 if they pull off the upset.
Example: Say the Warriors are playing the Knicks. If the Warriors have -250 odds and the Knicks are at +300, betting on the Warriors would net you fewer winnings since they’re the favorite.
Who’s Moneyline Good For?
People who enjoy low stress! No number-crunching or overthinking here—just bet on the winner.
Point Spread Betting
Think of point spread betting as the NFL of NBA bets—it’s all about leveling the playing field. Oddsmakers give the underdog an imaginary points advantage—or the favorite a points handicap—to make things more even.
Example: Celtics -7.5 vs. Heat +7.5.
- If you wager on the Celtics, they must win by more than 7 points for your bet to cash.
- If the Heat lose by less than 8 points or outright win, you’re in the money.
Why Spread Betting Rocks
Spread betting is where things get spicy. Even if a team technically loses, you can still walk away a winner.
Over/Under (Totals)
Here, you’re not betting on who wins but on whether the combined score of both teams will go over or under a number set by the sportsbook.
Example: Lakers vs. Clippers Over/Under 225.5.
- Bet the Over if you think the teams will collectively score 226 points or more.
- Bet Under if you’re expecting a scrappy defensive game with less than 226 total points.
Ideal for Fans Who…
Can’t be trusted to pick a winner, but love analyzing stats. Plus, rooting for a high-scoring game is never boring—unless it’s Game 7 and everyone forgets how to shoot.
Player Prop Bets
Props (short for “proposition bets”) are wagers placed on a smaller aspect of the game rather than the actual outcome. For NBA props, you’re betting on how individual players perform.
Here are some examples:
- Will Giannis score over 28.5 points?
- Will Jokic record a triple-double?
- How many three-pointers will Damian Lillard make?
Why You’ll Love Player Props
Props give you something to root for, even if the game is a bust. If you’re a stats nerd or fantasy basketball fanatic, this one’s for you!
Futures Bets
Futures are long-term bets—you’re wagering on stuff like “Who’ll win the championship?” or “Will Embiid snag MVP?”. These bets usually involve higher payouts because, well, the future’s unpredictable.
Example: FanDuel NBA odds have the Nuggets at +1300 to win the NBA Finals. A $100 bet on Denver would get you a sweet $1300 payout if they were to bring home the trophy.
Best for Fans Who…
Possess endless patience. Futures bets can tie up your money for months, but when your long shot hits? Chef’s kiss.
Live/In-Game Betting
This one’s for the adrenaline junkies. During live betting, you can place wagers as the game is happening. The odds shift in real time based on what’s happening in the game.
Example bets:
- Betting on which team wins the next quarter
- Predicting whether the next basket is a three-pointer
Why It’s a Thrill
The NBA is fast-paced, and live betting takes it up a notch. If you’re good at reading momentum swings, this is your playground.
What to Watch Out For
Not every betting market is a slam dunk. Here are some tips to stay ahead of the game (and the oddsmakers):
- Know the Matchups – Star players out due to injury? Defense slacking? Always check game conditions before you lock in a bet.
- Set a Budget – Seriously, folks. Only bet what you can afford to lose (anything beyond that, and even LeBron can’t save you).
- Stay Away from Parlays – They may look tempting, but their odds are low—even if you’re a pro handicapper. Stick to single bets or combos of two or three.
