The NBA is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and it’s popularization of the three-point shot transformed the gameplay and aesthetics of the game. The league has expanded its reach to other countries, and it is well-known for its popularity in China (where the NBA boasts one of the most-streamed teams, the Houston Rockets). But while the world’s No. 1 sport may be popular, it’s still a game that can be extremely complicated to wager on. Here are a few things you need to know before you make your sports wager on the NBA.
Know The Basics
One of the most important things to know about betting on the NBA is that you need to know the basics. It would be best to familiarize yourself with sports odds, which will help you make more informed decisions when placing a wager. The more you know, the better your wagering experience will be. Here are the important facts you need to know about betting on the NBA.
- Odds: The odds are always interesting when it comes to betting on sports, and in the case of the NBA, the lines can vary from extremely steep to extremely flat. This means you’ll need to do some research before placing a wager.
- Moneyline: The money line is found at the top of the page in most sportsbooks and is often the simplest way to look at wagering on a particular sport. For example, in the 2019-20 NBA season, the money line on the Dallas Mavericks is -240, while the spread is +220.
- Over/Under: This also refers to the total number of points that will be scored by the two teams. For example, in the 2019-20 NBA season, the over/under is set at 113.5 points per game.
- Parlays: You can also find these options at the top of the page in most sportsbooks and let’s you wager on a team or player. For example, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can bet on the Los Angeles Lakers +1500 in the 2019-20 NBA season.
- Properties: This refers to the locations where the matches are being held, the type of surface the games are being played on, and the time of day the games are usually played (nightly or daytime).
- Hand: This refers to the matchup between the two teams and is often used to categorize the level of competition. For example, if you’re betting on the Boston Celtics you’re essentially wagering that they will beat the spread against the Chicago Bulls.
These are the basics and it would be wise to remember them when making a wager on the NBA. Knowing these details will assist you in making more informed decisions regarding your wagering and help you have a better overall experience.
Know The Lingo
If you’re planning on placing a wager on the NBA, it would be best to know the jargon used in the industry. If you’re not familiar with the lingo, it can be extremely difficult to make sense of what is going on when you’re not a part of the conversation. Here are a few terms you should be familiar with before placing a wager on the NBA: