Basketball betting can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the three core markets—moneyline, point spread, and totals (Over/Under)—is the perfect starting point. These betting options are the foundation of basketball wagering, and mastering them will give you the tools to bet smarter and enjoy the game even more.
This guide breaks down these betting markets in simple terms and provides practical tips to help beginners get started.
Moneyline Betting: Picking a Winner
What Is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet is the simplest form of basketball betting: you’re wagering on which team will win the game outright. No point spreads, no complicated calculations—just pick a winner.
How Moneyline Odds Work
Moneyline odds are displayed as positive or negative numbers:
- Favorites: Indicated with a negative number (e.g., -200). This means you must bet $200 to win $100.
- Underdogs: Indicated with a positive number (e.g., +150). This means you win $150 for every $100 bet.
Example:
- Lakers (-150) vs. Warriors (+130)
- A $150 bet on the Lakers would win $100 if they win the game.
- A $100 bet on the Warriors would win $130 if they win the game.
Tips for Beginners:
- Start Small: Moneyline bets are great for beginners because they’re straightforward and easy to understand.
- Shop for Odds: Check multiple sportsbooks to find the best moneyline odds for your bet.
- Use Moneyline Favorites in Parlays: Combine multiple favorites to increase your potential payout, but limit the number of legs in your parlay to reduce risk.
Point Spread Betting: Leveling the Playing Field
What Is a Point Spread?
A point spread bet balances the playing field by assigning a margin of victory for the favorite and underdog. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread—or win outright—and still cover.
Example:
- Celtics (-6.5) vs. Knicks (+6.5)
- A bet on the Celtics covers if they win by 7 points or more.
- A bet on the Knicks covers if they lose by 6 points or fewer, or win the game outright.
What Happens in a Push?
If the spread is a whole number (e.g., -6) and the favorite wins by exactly 6 points, it’s called a push, and your wager is refunded.
Tips for Beginners:
- Understand Key Numbers: In basketball, common margins of victory like 3, 5, or 7 points are critical when choosing spreads.
- Research Team Trends: Look at how often teams cover the spread in recent games.
- Avoid Large Spreads at First: Double-digit spreads can be riskier, as even the best teams sometimes struggle to cover big margins.
Totals (Over/Under): Betting on Combined Scores
What Are Totals?
A totals bet, also known as an Over/Under, focuses on the combined points scored by both teams. You’re betting on whether the total points will go Over or Under a set number provided by the sportsbook.
Example:
- Bulls vs. Heat: Total Set at 220.5
- A bet on the Over wins if the combined score is 221 or more.
- A bet on the Under wins if the combined score is 220 or fewer.
Tips for Beginners:
- Look at Pace of Play: Faster-paced teams with high-scoring offenses are more likely to hit the Over.
- Consider Defensive Strengths: Strong defensive teams or games with key players injured often trend toward the Under.
- Avoid Totals with Half Points at First: Starting with whole-number totals can feel less risky since a push is possible.
How to Choose the Right Market
Moneyline: Best for Beginners
- Why Choose It?: Straightforward and low-risk. Just pick the winner.
- When to Use It: In games where you’re confident about the outcome but unsure of the margin.
Point Spread: Best for Close Games
- Why Choose It?: Adds excitement and better odds compared to moneyline favorites.
- When to Use It: When the spread reflects your prediction of the game’s margin.
Totals: Best for Scoring Enthusiasts
- Why Choose It?: Allows you to focus on the pace and scoring trends without picking a winner.
- When to Use It: In games with high-scoring teams or strong defensive matchups.
Example Betting Scenario: Understanding Your Options
Game: Warriors vs. Suns
- Moneyline: Warriors (-150), Suns (+130)
- Bet Warriors if you believe they’ll win outright but are unsure about the margin.
- Spread: Warriors -3.5, Suns +3.5
- Bet Warriors to cover if you expect them to win by at least 4 points.
- Bet Suns if you think they’ll keep it close or win outright.
- Totals: Over/Under 225.5
- Bet the Over if both teams have high-powered offenses.
- Bet the Under if either team has a strong defense or slow pace.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Betting on Favorite Teams
- Avoid betting on teams just because you like them. Analyze stats and trends objectively.
- Ignoring Line Movement
- Odds and lines often change before tip-off. Pay attention to these shifts, as they can indicate where the smart money is going.
- Chasing Losses
- Stick to your bankroll and avoid increasing your bets to recover losses.
Tools to Enhance Your Betting Experience
- Odds Comparison Websites: Find the best odds for moneyline, spread, and totals across multiple sportsbooks.
- NBA Stats Platforms: Analyze team trends, player performance, and pace of play to inform your bets.
- Betting Trackers: Use apps like Action Network to monitor your bets and improve over time.
Final Thoughts: Starting Your Basketball Betting Journey
Basketball betting doesn’t have to be intimidating. By mastering the basics of moneyline, spread, and totals betting, you’ll be well-equipped to make smarter wagers and enjoy the game in a new way. Start small, do your research, and focus on finding value in the odds. With patience and practice, you’ll build confidence and set the foundation for long-term success.