Betting is fun everywhere; basketball lines are no different. Basketball is an exciting game for players off the field, and like any other sport, there are endless opportunities. But with an up and down pace and unrivaled intensity on every shot, basketball betting is more exhilarating. FIBA and NBA are the most popular leagues in the game and also the most fun to bet on. Here is our complete guide to help you understand everything about basketball betting:
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What are the various types of wagers in basketball?
Betting is always full of variety, the same goes for basketball, and there are endless opportunities. However, the most popular basketball lines are Moneyline, Point Spread, and Over/Under totals.
1. Moneylines: Basic and easy way to make a basketball wager
Betting on basketball money lines is basic, straightforward, and easy. You have to choose the right online betting odds. Doing it this way is simple; just pick the team you think is winning the game. The online betting odds here are determined by whose probability of winning is the highest. These odds prima facie depend on team strength, records, and head-to-head stats. For example, if team A has a winning streak against team B, the online betting odds will favor team A here.
Sportsbooks usually display basketball lines odds in hundreds (American odds). These odds show one team as favorites to win (by a negative value) and one team as the underdog (positive value). For example, if team A is -130, it is the money line favorite, and team B is +110, it is the underdog here. This is pure mathematics. For team A you need to risk 13$ to win 10$. In the money line, you should be only concerned with who you think will win the game. A favorite and an underdog are determined by the sportsbooks and indicated by two separate online betting odds.
2. Point Spread: the preferred odds market
Single bet options are dealt with using a point spread. Here too, we find a favorite and an underdog. The calculation of point spread is determined based on factors like form, injuries, venue, recent performance, etc. Let us suppose two teams, A that is -2.3 spread point favorite against team B’s +2.3. A negative value (like that of team A) indicates a point spread favorite. The team has to win by a bigger margin than that for the bettors. Underdogs are the ones with positive points (like team B). They have to win it outright or lose by less than the point spread. In both these cases, bettors (on either side) win.
Another noteworthy aspect is that point spreads always have a second set of online betting odds. The vig or the juice is the cost of placing the bet. Most vig value -110, i.e., to win $100, you need to risk $110. However, this can be adjusted depending on current action and can vary across different books.
3. Over/Under, Season win totals or point totals
Another popular betting tool is the Over/Under style, also known as the totals. After evaluating both offense and defense build-up, the odds-maker sets an expected total number of points scored by both sides. It is based on how many combined points the two teams score in a particular game. The bettor then wagers on and decides based on each team’s combined number of points. The points can either go over or under the total that the sportsbooks gave.
A teaser and a reverse-teaser: What are they?
A teaser allows the bettor to add/subtract 4 points from the point spread/total. Next, two separate spreads/totals must be wagered in the bet to use the 4 points. The spreads/totals can either be 2-teams, two over/under totals, or a combination of both. Add to that; both must win to collect a profit.
A reverse teaser takes away 7 points from the spread in exchange for the bigger payoff(s).
Other popular wagers: Parlay, Proposition, and Futures
Parlay is similar to the teaser in a way. The bettor has to bet on 2 different odds. But they are not awarded six points to add/subtract from the point spread/totals. Both bets must be won for the bettor to make a profit.
Prop Bets or proposition bets allow you to bet on different aspects of basketball, not merely points. They can be based on game events as well as a team’s/individual’s performances.
Futures bets made before or after the playoffs/seasons, ask players to focus on the result of a player/team. This basketball line bet occurs throughout the schedule, adjusting to results and injuries until the market is decided.
Conclusion:
Basketball is an intriguing game in itself, and players off the field make it more interesting. Here, we have covered the major basketball lines concerned with betting, and we hope you have a good experience.
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