Basketball Picks From the Best Handicappers
From opening tipoff to the final whistle, basketball offers an unlimited supply of wagering opportunities. Did you know that March Madness is second only to the Super Bowl as the most betted event? No matter what level of bettor you are, Sports Hub offers the best picks for everyone looking to increase their basketball betting winning percentage.
How to Bet on Basketball
With the number of basketball betting markets on the boards during a season, bettors have the opportunity to capitalize on any given night. With events like the NBA Finals and March Madness, bettors can make their entire season. The NCAA tournament has the second-highest betting handle among U.S. sports after the Super Bowl.
So, how do you bet on basketball?
Here at Sports Hub, we provide you with all the tools you need for success. First, you have to understand the various bets. The most popular basketball bets are the money line, point spread, and total bets. In basketball betting, there are also team and player props, as well as live betting, which are becoming extremely popular.
Basketball Betting Markets
Whether betting on the NBA, WNBA, or college basketball, bettors can also wager in future markets. They can bet on the next NBA or NCAA champion. There are also futures bets on individual awards like the NBA MVP or the Naismith Player of the Year Award winner, which goes to the best college player in the country.
No matter which league you bet on, remember that research is key. You need to stay up to date with all of the latest statistics, injuries, trades, and more. You can do that right here by joining Sports Hub. Quality information is key when basketball betting.
Also, remember that basketball betting is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient. The seasons are long. Don’t get discouraged if you have a losing streak; keep grinding away. Stick to your plan and adjust when necessary, and you can have success betting on basketball. Last but certainly not least, be sure to manage your bankroll closely.
Basketball Betting Odds
It is a must when betting on basketball to understand the odds. Betting odds are attached to every single bet you ever make. Whether you are placing a basketball futures bet, a wager on player props, or an individual game’s point spread, there are odds. You have to know how they work.
Take this example below. The Lakers are playing the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Los Angeles Lakers +200 +9 (-110) O 230.5 (-110)
- Memphis Grizzlies -275 -9 (-110) U 230.5 (-110)
In your sportsbook, you may see the money line, point spread, and game totals markets all listed together. Let’s say you bet on the money line. Memphis is a heavy favorite, as identified by the -275 odds.
A bettor who likes the Grizzlies to win would have to wager $275 to win $100. Conversely, if a bettor likes the Lakers to pull the upset, a wager of $100 would pay out $200.
In the point spread market, notice that the odds (-110) are the same on both sides of the bet. This is common. Bettors would wager $110 to win $100 on the Lakers or the Grizzlies. Memphis has to win by 10 points or more to cover the spread. The Lakers must lose by eight points or fewer or win the game outright to cover.
It’s the same in the totals market. If you like the Over, the two teams must combine to score 231 points or more. A $110 bet pays out $100 if the game’s final score goes Over 230.5.
Pick Your Spots
Another thing to keep in mind is this. There are over 350 NCAA Division I basketball teams. There are only 30 NBA teams, and the WNBA has just 12. It’s much easier to stay on top of 30 teams than it is 350. Plus, the difference in talent and skill between the best teams and worst teams is more significant in the college game.
There is, however, value in betting on college basketball. You have to know where to look. Think about concentrating on one team or a particular division.
One of the easiest tips you can follow when betting on basketball is to bet against the public. The betting public is made up of recreational and casual bettors who frequently bet on popular teams…just because they are popular! The public is wrong way more often than they are right. That’s why sportsbooks stay in business.
Basketball Betting FAQ
What are the different types of basketball bets I can make?
There are several types of basketball bets that you can make, including:
– Money Line: Predict who will win the game. Represented as a 3-digit number, like -130 vs. +115. -130 means you need to wager $130 to win $100, while +115 signifies that every $100 wagered wins you $115.
– Point Spread: Maybe the most popular form of betting on basketball. The spread is represented as the favorite (-) and the underdog (+). The favorite has to win by the number of points, and the underdog simply needs to avoid losing by that many.
– Over/Under (Totals): A number based on how the total points will be scored in the game. You decide if the combined final score will be over or under that number. NBA games commonly have a total over 200 while college games are around 150.
– Live/In-Game Betting: Allows you to wager on a game as it is happening. The odds are dynamic and will update throughout the entire game.
– Props & Futures: Limited to the options your sportsbook offers. Bet on who will be the MVP or if Jimmy Butler will go over or under 22 points.
What does a -3 spread mean in basketball?
-3 would be the point spread, and is one of the most popular betting markets for anyone betting basketball. Point spreads are created to encourage equal betting on both teams. -3 means a team is a 3-point favorite. Let’s say the Boston Celtics are a -3-point favorite against the Los Angeles Lakers. This means the Celtics have to win by more than 3 points in order to “cover the spread”. On the other hand, if the Lakers win or lose by 3 or less, a wager on them at +3 will cash (a 3-point win would be a push).
How can I be successful in basketball betting?
With so many games on the schedule, it can be a difficult task to find value when betting on basketball. Be sure you understand the basics and then learn how to spot value. Understand that you might find value in different areas. For example, an NBA team might be the worst team against the spread on the road. You might find value in fading them when away from home.
Is wagering on basketball totals profitable?
There will always be weak lines posted in basketball. But most recreational bettors have trouble finding these lines are weak. Consider focusing on mid-major NCAAB conferences, because sportsbooks do not spend as much time setting these lines. Also, concentrate on a few teams or division. By doing this, you can know more about a smaller number of teams and not be bombarded with endless stats & data.
What are some important factors to consider when betting on basketball?
There are several factors to consider when betting on basketball, including:
– Team form and recent performance.
– Head-to-head history between the teams.
– Shop for the best available betting line.
– Consider tracking specific teams.
– Follow basketball handicappers at Sports Hub.