There’s no doubt that legal sports betting has been a game-changer for NBA fans. It’s added a new element to games and made the action on the floor even more compelling. Even if there isn’t much at stake in certain games, they suddenly matter for fans that put wagers on them. Of course, NBA betting is so new that not everyone knows how to be good at it and do it the right way. That’s why we wanted to share some important tips and strategies for betting on NBA games.
Check Recent History
Momentum can be an important factor in the NBA. If a team gets hot, they can outperform their usual expectations. Before placing a bet, make sure you look at what each team has done in the last 7-10 days. Is one team getting hot or struggling more than usual? If possible, it’s usually a good idea to ride the hot hand by backing a team that’s played well lately and has a lot of positive momentum.
Factor in Fatigue
Another reason to check a team’s recent history is to see if fatigue could be a factor worth considering. The NBA schedule isn’t as consistent as other sports. For instance, one team might have two days off in between games while the team they’re facing might be playing its fourth game in a five-day stretch. While players are usually in great shape, they are not immune to fatigue. A team that’s fresh could have a better chance to outperform expectations than a team that’s played a lot of games in a short period and could be more tired than usual.
Consider Sub-Plots
Again, pro athletes aren’t robots. They can be impacted by fatigue, as well as the human factor. If there is a star player facing his old team, he’ll be more motivated to lead his team to a victory. The same principle applies to a team that’s playing the team that eliminated them in the playoffs the previous season. Always look for a subplot that could influence one team’s motivation.
Fade the Public
When in doubt, consider the strategy of fading the public. While this doesn’t come with any guarantees, the general public is typically flawed when it comes to sports betting. Most fans tend to bet with their heart rather than their head. Plus, sportsbooks stay in business because most bettors lose more often than they win. Therefore, if the betting public is favoring one team, don’t be afraid to go against the grain and bet on the opposing team.
Bet Early
Just to be clear, this can be a double-edged sword in the NBA if there is a last-minute injury or lineup change. However, oddsmakers aren’t perfect, which is why lines are often adjusted based on the action a certain game receives. This can allow early birds to take advantage of those mistakes by placing bets before oddsmakers can adjust. For instance, betting on a team to cover a 3.5-point spread can give you a huge edge if that team ends up being favored by 6.5 points by tip off.
Go Line Shopping
The most savvy NBA bettors will do some line shopping when they are confident in a particular bet. This means visiting different sportsbooks to find the best odds and most favorable lines. For instance, one book might have a 3.5-point spread while another might have a 4.5-point spread for the game you’re targeting. That one point can end up making a big difference. Some sports might have a different vig for different games. Experienced bettors know that it’s better to grab odds of -110 or -105 compared to -115 or -120. By line shopping, it’s possible to improve either your chances of winning or your potential payout.
