How to bet on the NBA
NBA betting runs on the spread and the total, and late news about who plays moves prices more than in any other sport.
Key points
- A -6.5 favorite has to win by 7 or more; like any half-point spread, it can't push.
- One star sitting out can move a spread by several points in minutes.
- Overtime counts for spreads, moneylines and totals.
On this page
The main NBA bets
NBA games carry a moneyline, a point spread and a total, like football. Spreads are usually priced near -110 on both sides.
| Bet | Boston Celtics | Orlando Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -238 (BetUS) | +215 (Bovada) |
| Spread | -6.5 -110 (MyBookie) | +6.5 -110 (MyBookie) |
| Total | Over 223.5 -105 (BetOnline) | Under 223.5 -110 (MyBookie) |
Sun, Nov 1. Best price across MyBookie, Bovada, BetOnline and BetUS (spreads and totals: the best line first, then the price), updated Oct 31, 11:33 PM ET.
A spread of -6.5 at -110
- Wins by 10
- Favorite covers
- Wins by 6
- Underdog covers
- $110 wins
- $100
- Break-even
- 52.4%
The rules are the same as in football; our point spread guide has the details.
What's different about the NBA
- Only weak key numbers. Points come in 1s, 2s and 3s all game, so final margins spread out more evenly than in football. Half points matter less than on NFL spreads.
- Stars matter more. With five players on the floor, one star's absence changes a team's chances more than one player in most sports.
- Rest. Teams rest players on the second night of back-to-back games and late in the season, and those decisions often come close to tip-off.
- High totals. Totals are in the 200s, and pace (how many possessions a game has) moves them as much as scoring talent.
When NBA lines are posted and move
Lines usually go up the day before or the morning of the game, and the biggest moves come in the last few hours, as teams confirm who plays. A price posted in the morning can be several points different at tip-off.
That's why our NBA pick cards show the price we posted next to the best price now. Our closing line value guide explains why the price you get, compared with the close, matters.
The NBA season and betting calendar
- Preseason games come first and don't get picks on our site.
- The regular season runs 82 games per team, with most nights carrying several games.
- Before the season, books post futures on the champion and awards; our futures guide explains their margin.
NBA picks and odds on BettingPicks
Once lines are posted, every game gets a pick on our NBA picks page: the market favorite at the best price among MyBookie, Bovada, BetOnline and BetUS. The NBA hub has the schedule and every team, and the NBA odds page shows each book's lines side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular NBA bet?
The point spread, followed by the total. Both are usually priced near -110 on each side.
Why do NBA lines move so late?
Teams confirm who plays close to tip-off. A star sitting out can move the spread by several points.
Does overtime count in NBA betting?
Yes. Spreads, moneylines and totals include overtime.
Are there key numbers in the NBA?
Only weak ones. Points come in 1s, 2s and 3s, so margins spread out more evenly than in football.
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