Our betting expert explains everything you need to know about how to bet on NBA games online from the most popular markets to the stats sites and strategies to use when researching your wagers.
More on NBA Betting 2023
- Most common NBA Bets
- How to watch the NBA
- Researching NBA Bets
- Basketball Betting Tips & Tricks
- How to bet on the NBA FAQs
Most Common NBA Bets
NBA Moneyline
The simplest form of betting, betting the moneyline comes down to choosing which team you think will win the game. The odds will point you to which team is the favorite, and which is the underdog. A negative sign denotes the favorite, and a positive sign denotes the underdog.
| Team | Moneyline Odds |
| Brooklyn Nets | -150 |
| New York Knicks | +200 |
NBA Spread
| Team | Spread | Odds |
| Brooklyn Nets | -6.5 | -110 |
| New York Knicks | +6.5 | -110 |
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NBA Totals
| Total Points: 220 | Odds |
| Over | -110 |
| Under | -110 |
| Team | Total Points: Over 105.5 |
| Brooklyn Nets | -125 |
| New York Knicks | +210 |
How to watch the NBA
The NBA is shown all over the world, and will be broadcast on different providers for each country. If you’re in the USA, the hoops action is available on multiple cable TV channels, including ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV.
If you don’t have cable TV, streaming services are your superstars. One of the most popular ways to watch the NBA games online is, of course, with a NBA League Pass.
How to research NBA Bets
As with any sports betting, it’s important to do some research before placing any bets. There are plenty of statistics and results websites where you can research NBA teams, depth charts and current form. We’ve picked out some of the best sportsbook sites to help craft your NBA bets.
| Site | Content |
| Fivetimesfive-blog.com | An advanced NBA statistics blog for the true basketball fans |
| stats.nba.com | The official website of the NBA, a plethora of stats from current and previous seasons |
| ESPN.com/NBA | A whole section devoted to the NBA. Live scores, schedules, standings and more. |
| Basketball-Reference.com | More than just the NBA, they provide data for all the major basketball competitions across the world. |
Basketball Betting Tips & Tricks
Who wants to stake money on NBA teams they have no knowledge of? To maximize your profits, at least do a bit of research beforehand, it can go a long way.
Using some of the sites listed above, and all the other various sources of information, equip yourself with strategies that are backed with data before stepping out into the wild.
Study the past performance and records of the players and their implication on the NBA spreads and odds. Know the lineups, statistics, and matchups. Always align your bets with what you have learned.
No breaking ankles with broken ankles
You do not want to bet on a team that is not in their top condition during a game. It is a risk that is unnecessary and completely avoidable by studying injury reports before placing a wager.
Take the blowout Golden State Warriors suffered last season due to the absence of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson from hand and knee injuries. It ultimately resulted in the team’s elimination from the playoffs.
Star players sustaining injuries could drastically impact results, so it’s important to check out depth charts and injury reports.
On the Road again
While seemingly trivial, the location of games will affect the condition of the players before a game. Travel schedules can disrupt performance by sleep issues and travel fatigue.
The NBA schedule is a rigorous one, often with teams playing on back to back nights. Bear in mind this factor, as it’s something the sportsbooks may not have noticed.
In planning your bets, you must also consider home-court advantage. Between the 1990 and 2021 NBA seasons, the average NBA team has won at least 61% of their games in their home arenas. Psychologically, the players may be more comfortable and confident playing on their side of the area.
Patience is a Virtue
As mentioned before, the NBA season is long and very full. Remember to take periodic rests, and do not bet on every game. Not every game is worth wagering on, and you’ll no doubt have an opportunity later that week when the team plays next.
Head over Heart
Everyone knows sports fans are passionate, New Yorkers more than most. Don’t cloud your judgments on your bets by backing your favorite team or player all the time, it rarely works in the long run. The better play would be to wager with intellect and not get too emotional.
Stay level-headed and collected. Always go back to your strategies. Decide based on the odds, not on what you feel. Remember how much money and effort you are staking on a bet, and do not let your emotions be at the helm of your decision-making.
How to bet on Basketball FAQs
Where can I bet on the NBA online?
There are a number of online sportsbooks where you can bet on the NBA in New York. Check out the best NY sports betting sites, and read our in depth review.
Is it legal to bet on the NBA?
Yes, it is completely legal to bet on NBA games at licensed online sportsbooks. Like other sports, there are no restrictions on placing real money bets on the NBA, as long as online sports betting is legal in your state.
What are the best NBA bets?
The best NBA bets are different for each bettor. Many would consider prop and futures bets as the best, as these can generate larger odds compared to traditional betting options. Moneyline and spread betting are still strong ways to bet, but the odds are generally shorter.
Are there NBA prop bets?
Yes, there are NBA prop bets. Unlike moneyline betting, prop bets include how many points/rebounds/assists a player will score, will the game go into overtime, or first player to score. Prop bets with the NBA can often produce longer odds, meaning larger potential payouts.
How much can you make betting on basketball?
The money you make from betting on basketball depends on many factors. To give a simple answer to this question, the quality of selections and betting strategy are arguably the two most important factors.
Can I bet on College Basketball?
The rules surrounding college basketball betting are different for each state. March Madness is one of the most exciting betting events of the sports calendar, so you’ll want to get in on the action.
In the state of New York, bettors are not permitted to wager on any college basketball team from New York, or on any game taking place in New York.