How to Bet on NBA Basketball
Everything you need to know to place your first NBA bet with confidence
8 min read
3 Things You Need to Start Betting
1. A Sportsbook Account
Sign up with a legal sportsbook like FanDuel or DraftKings. Must be 21+ and in a legal state.
2. A Betting Budget
Set aside money you can afford to lose. The NBA has 82 games per team - pace yourself!
3. Basic Knowledge
Understand moneyline, spread, and totals. Plus NBA-specific factors like rest and pace.
Understanding NBA Betting Markets
NBA betting revolves around three main bet types. The high-scoring nature of basketball and frequent games create unique dynamics compared to other sports.
Moneyline Bets: Pick the Winner
Simply pick which team wins. NBA moneylines can have extreme prices since favorites win more often than in other sports.
Example:
Celtics -280 vs. Hornets +230
• Bet $280 on Celtics to win $100 (heavy favorite)
• Bet $100 on Hornets to win $230 (big underdog)
Note: Betting heavy favorites on moneylines can be risky - you need to win 74% of -280 bets just to break even.
Point Spread Bets: Betting the Margin
NBA spreads level the playing field. Spreads typically range from 1 to 15 points depending on the matchup.
Example:
Celtics -7.5 (-110) vs. Hornets +7.5 (-110)
• Celtics -7.5: They must win by 8+ points
• Hornets +7.5: They can lose by up to 7 points and you still win
Best for: Most NBA bettors prefer spreads since the -110 odds are more favorable than steep moneylines.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined Score
Bet on whether both teams will combine for over or under a set number of points. NBA totals are the highest in major sports.
Example:
Total: 224.5 points
• Over 224.5: Final combined score of 225+ (e.g., 118-108)
• Under 224.5: Final combined score of 224 or less
Key factor: Pace matters hugely - fast teams push totals up, defensive teams keep them down.
Key NBA Betting Factors
Unlike football with its key numbers, NBA betting success depends on understanding these situational factors:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Back-to-Backs | Teams on 2nd night typically perform worse, especially on the road. Worth 2-4 points. |
| Rest Days | 3+ days rest is a significant advantage. Look for rest mismatches. |
| Pace | Fast-paced teams (100+ possessions) push totals higher. Slow teams go under. |
| 3-Point Variance | Teams can run hot or cold from three. High variance affects spreads unpredictably. |
| Load Management | Star players often rest in certain situations. Check injury reports pre-game. |
Pro tip: Always check injury reports close to tip-off. NBA lineups change frequently.
NBA Betting Tips for Beginners
Do This
- Check rest situations before betting
Back-to-backs and rest advantages matter hugely
- Monitor injury reports until tip-off
NBA lineups change constantly
- Consider pace when betting totals
Fast vs slow matchups are predictable
- Be selective - don't bet every game
With 15 games some nights, quality over quantity
Avoid This
- Betting heavy favorites on moneyline
You need to win 75%+ just to break even at -300
- Ignoring schedule spots
Road teams on back-to-backs struggle
- Overreacting to one game
NBA has huge variance - small samples mislead
- Betting based on national TV schedule
Prime time games are heavily bet - less value
Where Can I Bet on NBA Games?
Sports betting is legal in 38+ states as of 2026. Popular legal sportsbooks for NBA betting include:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
You must be 21+ and physically located in a state where sports betting is legal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest NBA bet for beginners?
Moneyline bets are the simplest - just pick the winner. However, NBA favorites can have steep prices (-300 or higher), so many beginners prefer point spreads which offer more balanced odds around -110.
How do NBA point spreads work?
NBA spreads typically range from 1 to 12 points. If you bet Lakers -5.5, they must win by 6+ points. If you bet Celtics +5.5, they can lose by up to 5 points and you still win. The .5 eliminates ties (pushes).
Why do NBA totals seem so high?
NBA games average around 220-230 total points due to the fast pace and high-scoring nature of basketball. Totals can range from 210 (slow, defensive teams) to 240+ (fast-paced, offense-heavy matchups).
Should I bet on NBA back-to-back games?
Back-to-backs (when a team plays two nights in a row) significantly impact performance. The team on the second night of a back-to-back is typically at a disadvantage, especially on the road. This factor is often undervalued by casual bettors.
When is the best time to bet NBA games?
Lines open early morning and move throughout the day. Sharp bettors often bet early to get the best numbers. However, waiting until closer to tip-off gives you the latest injury and rest information - crucial in the NBA.