NBA Point Spreads are one of the most popular types of bets in basketball, allowing you to bet on the margin of victory rather than simply choosing a winning team, as you would with Moneylines. With Point Spreads, sportsbooks set a “spread” or handicap to level the playing field between the favorite and the underdog, making each game more interesting and strategic. This type of bet can be especially rewarding for fans who closely follow team performance, player stats, and game matchups.
Understanding NBA Point Spreads
In Point Spread betting, the favorite must win by a certain number of points, known as “covering the spread,” while the underdog must either win the game outright or lose by less than the spread to cover it. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Favorite: Marked with a minus (-) sign, the favorite must win by more than the spread to cover the bet.
- Underdog: Marked with a plus (+) sign, the underdog can either win the game or lose within the spread for the bet to pay out.
For example, if the Los Angeles Lakers are -5.5 favorites against the Miami Heat, the Lakers must win by at least 6 points to cover the spread. If the Heat lose by 5 points or less (or win the game), they cover the spread.
Point Spreads add a strategic element to betting, as you’re considering not just the winner, but the margin of victory or defeat. This contrasts with Player Props, where you can bet on specific player achievements, like how many points LeBron James will score or how many rebounds Anthony Davis will collect. While Point Spreads focus on the team’s performance relative to the spread, Player Props zero in on individual stats, giving fans additional ways to engage with the game by betting on player-specific outcomes.
Expert NBA Point Spread Bets
Our latest NBA Point Spread picks are designed to help you make smarter, more informed bets on upcoming games. Our team of analysts reviews team stats, recent form, injury reports, and head-to-head matchups to provide reliable Point Spread picks.
Latest NBA Point Spread Picks:
Check back regularly for our updated Point Spread picks as we track each team’s performance, player news, and any developments that might affect the outcome.
FAQs: First-Time NBA Point Spreads Betting
If you’re new to Point Spread betting, here are some commonly asked questions to help you get started:
By following our Point Spread picks and understanding how to assess the spread, you can make informed and strategic bets that add excitement to every NBA game. Enjoy the thrill of Point Spread betting with each matchup!