If you want to bet on NBA basketball, you should be familiar with the basics. You’ll need to understand the players, the schedule, and the injuries that may affect a game. In addition, you’ll also need to know what betting markets are available.
The most common pregame bets are moneylines and over/unders. The over/unders allow you to bet on the combined score of a game, while moneylines give you a chance to bet on the team’s win total.
Betting on the point spread is another popular way to bet on NBA odds. This method rewards underdogs while penalizing favorites. Point spreads are generally set between 0.5 and 12.5 points, and they’re calculated based on injuries, competition, and other factors.
For example, the San Antonio Spurs are known for resting star players for large stretches of games. When they do play, they’ll sit their players for about a half of the game. However, the team’s performance will still be a factor in the game, as they will need to win by more than 5.5 points.
Some sportsbooks will refund your bet if they are incorrectly posted. But, if you lose, your whole bet will be lost. Many sites will also provide live wagering, which lets you place bets after the game has started.
You can bet on a player’s leading scorer, defensive player of the year, or MVP. Also, you can bet on divisional and finals markets. There are even specialized offers for NBA bettors.
