Successful sports betting brings with it certain challenges, including finding the best lines, ensuring you don’t let your heart rule your head, and sticking to wagering at a licensed, registered sportsbook. Don’t let not knowing which wagers are enjoyed by bettors or not quite knowing how the different bet types work add yet another challenge to the mix.
Futures
The odds for futures bets usually become available in the offseason and offer long-term benefits, paying out on the outcomes of the full season or the playoffs. Bookmakers will make a range of futures bets available, including options like
- Clubs to Qualify for the Playoffs
- Conference Winners
- Division Winners
- Finals Winner
- Team Win Totals for the Regular Season
The key to making a futures bet that pays off is finding the selection you’re looking for at the most competitive prices.
Money Lines
Money lines are particularly favoured by bettors interested in wagering on NBA matches post-restart, especially if the point spreads aren’t especially appealing. All you need to do when you place a moneyline bet is choose which team you think will win the game outright.
Another factor that makes moneyline bets such a crowd favourite is that bettors don’t need to worry about the margin of loss or victory in this wager.
Points Spread
Another wager beloved by bettors, NBA point spread bets can be compared to NFL spreads. In basketball games, however, point spreads start with evens and go up to 17 points in every game. They’re also determined by oddsmakers who have studied the statistics and strengths of the team in question. Knowing the current NBA picks will make your seeing a good return on your point spread wager that much more likely.
Props and NBA Features
If you’re going to make good on a props and features bet, you’ll need to have a thorough understanding of basketball. A working knowledge of player statistics will also come in handy.
In this category, consider the MVP bet. Choosing the player on a team with the finest record is not the most challenging undertaking, however, so make sure you get the best odds you can for whoever you think is most likely to receive this honour.
Totals
Another very straightforward wagers, total betting is a wonderful way to get in on the action of basketball games. Also sometimes referred to as over/under betting, you’ll be asked to wager on whether or not the teams taking part in the match will be able to meet a combined score total at full time. If you watch basketball games regularly, you should be able to determine what the final combined tally will be with a fair amount of accuracy.
Take Up the Challenge
As much as the NBA season is a grind for coaches and players, oddsmakers and bettors face their own obstacles as well. With 30 teams taking part in a season made up of 82 games, along with a postseason period lasting two months, accurately predicting outcomes is tough.
It’s great fun, however, and offers basketball fans yet another way of getting involved in this incredible sport.