NBA betting odds

NBA Odds

The NBA is one of the most loved sports leagues in the world. It has a significant impact on and off the court, resulting in massive fan bases in every country.

NBA betting is big business, so there may be a demand for excellent betting tips. This article discusses the different types of NBA bets and strategies to increase your chances of winning.

At MaximBet.com, we’re here to help you analyze the NBA betting lines and odds accordingly. We are a licensed sportsbook dedicated to giving you the best NBA odds.

Reading NBA Odds

The favorite team is always preceded by a minus sign (-), whereas the underdog is represented by a plus sign (+). Both the moneyline and the point spread use this method.

NBA Point Spread

A point spread has two main components: the line and the juice. The “line” projects the margin of victory.

Example: The Los Angeles Lakers are -6 against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers must win by at least seven points to cover the spread. If the Nuggets win or lose by five points or fewer, the bet wins.

Point spreads vary based on team quality, matchup location, player injuries, and bettor activity. For example, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing, L.A. may be -6 at home. Without them, the Lakers could be +8.

The “juice” is the sportsbook’s commission, already incorporated into the odds.

NBA Moneyline

A moneyline bet requires choosing the outright winner. Odds adjust based on team quality and injuries.

Example: Lakers -250. A $100 bet wins $250 plus your $100 original bet if L.A. wins. Nuggets +200. A $100 bet wins $200 if Denver pulls off the upset.

NBA Totals (Over/Under)

Over/under (totals) bets require choosing whether the combined points will exceed or fall below the listed total.

Example: Lakers-Nuggets total is 228.5. Betting “over” wins if the combined score is 229 or more. Betting “under” wins if the total is 228 or fewer.

NBA Bets and Betting Tips

Aside from point spreads, moneyline, and over/under bets, there are several other ways to bet on the NBA. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

Futures

Futures bets allow you to stake in advance on major NBA events throughout the season. They can focus on team achievements or individual player awards.

Examples of NBA futures bets include:

• Who will win the NBA championship?
• Which teams will make the NBA playoffs?
• Who will win MVP?
• Who will be awarded Rookie of the Year?
• Who will be hailed Sixth Man of the Year?
• Who will be Defensive Player of the Year?

Timing is crucial. The earlier you place a futures bet, the better your potential payout. Make sure to gather data and analyze carefully for a successful bet.

Prop Bets

Prop (proposition) bets are wagers on events in a game that do not directly affect the final score. Player props are particularly popular in the NBA.

Examples for Golden State Warriors player props:

• Will Steph Curry score over or under 33.5 points?
• Will Draymond Green get over or under 7.5 rebounds?

Educated picks are key for long-term success. Avoid prop bets that rely purely on luck.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

DFS contests happen over hours or days rather than an entire season. Players create teams from a pool of professional athletes and score points based on performance.

DFS is legal in the U.S., considered a game of skill rather than gambling. To succeed, use short-term strategies tailored to single-day matchups.

Betting Against the Public

Also known as “fading the public,” this strategy involves going against the side backed by the majority of bettors.

Don’t blindly take the opposite side. Check public betting percentages, watch line movements, consider timing, and review expert reports to make informed bets.

The NBA Conferences

NBA betting can be fun and potentially profitable. Before placing bets, it's helpful to know the complete list of NBA teams and their respective conferences.

Eastern Conference

The 15 teams competing in the Eastern Conference are:

• Philadelphia 76ers
• Brooklyn Nets
• Milwaukee Bucks
• New York Knicks
• Atlanta Hawks
• Miami Heat
• Boston Celtics
• Washington Wizards
• Indiana Pacers
• Charlotte Hornets
• Chicago Bulls
• Toronto Raptors
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Orlando Magic
• Detroit Pistons

Western Conference

The 15 teams competing in the Western Conference are:

• Utah Jazz
• Phoenix Suns
• Denver Nuggets
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Dallas Mavericks
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Golden State Warriors
• San Antonio Spurs
• New Orleans Pelicans
• Sacramento Kings
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Houston Rockets

Visit the official NBA page for standings, playoffs, finals, and regular-season matchups. Reviewing historical data and archives can also help you make smarter bets by analyzing top teams and championship trends.

NBA Odds FAQs

Can you place parlay bets on the NBA?

Yes. You can bet on multiple odds and win a higher payout if all your bets win. By creating an NBA parlay, you can combine different NBA picks from various markets, such as moneyline, point spread, and totals.

Are Vegas odds the same as online sportsbook odds?

Legal online sports betting has become increasingly available across the U.S. “Las Vegas odds” is a term used to describe the betting lines system in Vegas. Today, it’s often used as a catch-all phrase for the odds offered by most sportsbooks.

How do I handicap different NBA matches?

The best method to handicap NBA games is by consistently watching matchups. Observing various games helps identify trends for future matchups or live betting opportunities.

How do odds work in the NBA?

Oddsmakers set NBA odds based on each team’s implied probability of winning a match. Daily NBA game odds typically open the night before the scheduled matchup and move based on game-related news and betting actions until tip-off.

Whether you’re a first-time bettor or a seasoned pro, NBA betting can be exciting. With numerous bet types, a packed schedule, and nail-biting action, wagering on the NBA can be both thrilling and profitable. Contact us at MaximBet.com for more information on NBA odds. MaximBet also offers bets on other major sporting leagues like MLB, NFL, NHL, and UFC.