Basketball is the easiest sport to make predictions for, and it helps that it’s one of the four major professional sports with hundreds of events. But if you have little knowledge about basketball predictions, you probably want to learn the essentials. In this basketball betting guide, we’re covering the basics and the best latest basketball betting tips.
Those who want to bet on basketball events can enjoy great profit potential on Parimatch. After reading this in-depth article, head over to live and upcoming events featured on the website. We’re fully dedicated to providing a smooth experience for all bettors and are happy to offer the best terms and NBA picks for winning your bets so that you can make reasonable bets and not be based on just your gut feeling.
Table of Contents
Popular Basketball Leagues to Bet On
Basketball is popular all around the world, which means the international talent pool is ever-improving. That, of course, lends itself to more competitive leagues and more opportunities for NBA predictions.
There are many categories of basketball championships. But as an introduction, we want to highlight the major ones that are regularly presented by betting agencies.
NBA Betting
Dates:
- October 19, 2021 – April 10, 2022
- April 12–15, 2022 (Play-in tournament)
- April 16, 2022 – May 30, 2022 (Playoffs)
- June 2–19, 2022 (Finals)
Teams: 30
Locations: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; San Francisco, CA, among others.
Latest champions: Milwaukee Bucks (2nd title), Season 2020–21
The NBA was formed by the rivals Basketball Association of America (BAA) and National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949. Today there are more than 450 million total NBA fans, and this championship is undoubtedly one of the biggest events in global sports.
The best players from around the world come to North America to participate in one of the 30 NBA franchises. Although basketball is a team sport, NBA games are a superstar’s league. This means that to gauge each team’s potential, you need to look closely at major contributors in the frontcourt.
29 competing teams are from the USA, and one is from Canada. The NBA is divided into two conferences and three divisions under each: Eastern (Pacific, Northwest, and Southwest) and Western (Atlantic, Central, and Southeast). The NBA tournament is structured according to these divisions into the first conference games, playoffs, and finals.
Euroleague Betting
Dates: 30 September 2021 – 8 April 2022 (Regular season)
Teams: 18
Locations: Berlin, Istanbul, Milan, Barcelona, Munich, Belgrade, Moscow, Villeurbanne, Tel Aviv, Piraeus, Marousi, Madrid, Valencia, Kaunas, Saint Petersburg
Latest champions: Anadolu Efes (1st title), Season 2020–21
Next, you can learn how to make basketball predictions on the European Cups, the top European competitions sponsored by Turkish Airlines. In 2000, this league replaced the FIBA European Champions Cup, established in 1958. It is the second-highest of any professional basketball tournament in the world after the NBA.
The EB events bring together the basketball elite from twelve different countries. Each team meets twice, once at home and once away. The top eight teams advance to the playoffs and then to the Final Four.
NCAA Basketball Betting
Dates: November 9, 2021 – March 13, 2022
Teams: 68
Locations:
- First Four – Dayton, Ohio;
- First and Second Rounds – Providence, Rhode Island; Boise, Idaho; Detroit, Michigan; Dallas, Texas;
- Regional Semifinals and Finals – Minneapolis, Minnesota; Denver, Colorado; Memphis, Tennessee; Brooklyn, New York;
- National Semifinals and Championship – Indianapolis, Indiana.
Latest champions: Baylor Bears, Season 2020-21
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) consists of 1,098 colleges and universities and 102 athletic conferences established in 1906. Participating institutions are divided into Division I, Division II, or Division III based on their size, athletic program budget, and scholarship programs.
The NCAA welcomed more than 460,000 college athletes, 47.5 million attending fans attending, and 145 million spectators in 2019. So you can place bets on college basketball and get big money!
How to Read Basketball Odds
Before you bet on basketball matches, it’s crucial to understand what all these unfamiliar digits mean. We have shared a bit about this topic in our guide, Betting Odds Explained. Here, we’ll tell you more using specific basketball examples.
On various betting sites, odds can be displayed in American, decimal, or fractional formats, indicating:
- The implied probability of the outcome;
- How much money you could win.
American basketball odds
The American betting format features a number with a +/- sign. A negative number indicates the favorite on the betting line. A positive number is for an underdog.
When calculating your payout when you bet on a favorite, you need to use the following formula: payout = (100/odds) x stake
If you bet on the underdog, the formula will be different: payout = (stake/100) x odds
Fractional basketball odds
Another type of basketball betting odds is fractional odds. Their format is something like 9/5 or 1/2 (nine to five or one to two). The first number indicates the expected probability of failing, and the second one – the probability of succeeding. To get the implied probability of winning the bet, you need to calculate the percentage of the team winning to the total number of trials.
Decimal basketball odds
Decimal odds are displayed in the following format:
- Brooklyn Nets – 1.97
- Indiana Pacers – 1.87
To figure out the potential payout, you need to multiply the wager by the odds associated with the team you are betting on.
This type of betting odds is the simplest one, so we use it by default on Parimatch. However, in our betting app, you can choose the format you’re most comfortable with.
How to Bet on Basketball Games: Basketball Betting Explained
There’s no shortage of basketball betting options throughout any season. At any time, you can find multiple matchups on the board, from college basketball to NBA schedules. In this section, we’ll use NBA games as examples because it’s the most popular league in the world.
As you learn how to make basketball predictions, you’ll be more equipped to make wise decisions. And the best place to exercise this newly gained knowledge is Parimatch. Sign up today so that you don’t miss a winning opportunity and make the most out of basketball betting.
3-Way Betting
A three-way bet type is the most basic and popular moneyline wager. You’ll have no problem finding it as it appears first in basketball games.
It involves three possibilities: Team A winning, Team B winning, or a tie. Bettors can choose any of them but with different odds.
In the example above, Atlanta Hawks is the underdog, paying 2.7x the wager, while Dallas Mavericks is set at 1.63. But the highest-paying bet is the draw with the odds of 13.00. If a match ends in a tie (within the scheduled game time), it will be the only winning bet.
Match Winner
This one is another simple bet type and has two possible outcomes only. This option is also known as a 2-way bet. Basketball games are an ideal candidate since, after overtime, there is always one winner and one loser.
Let’s say you want to place a match-winner bet on Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers. You can choose between a 1.21 bet and a 4.70 bet with no possibility of a tie.
Handicap in Basketball Betting or Point Spread
One of the NBA teams is classified as stronger by the bookmaker (-), and the other one is given an advantage (+). Therefore, the favorite of the bet faces a greater challenge, and both teams become theoretically equal.
In a +3.5 handicap, Phoenix Suns, three and a half points are subtracted from the result of Milwaukee Bucks, the favorite. The bet wins if Phoenix Suns wins by less than 3.5 points. However, if they lose by 4 points or more, then the bettor loses the bet.
Over/Under Betting
Over/under betting is also known as the total. Here, you can place basketball predictions by wagering whether the game’s combined score will be over or under a certain amount of points. So, you’re not betting on the game’s outcome but the totals by the end of it.
Obviously, the score in a basketball game cannot be exactly 218.5. This is just for the sake of the bet. You can place an over bet if you believe that the two teams will combine for 219 or more points. Under betting means you think the teams will score 218 points or less.
Individual Team Totals
The concept is similar to over/under betting. This wager has different odds attached to each participating team.
Imagine betting on over/under of 117.5 points for the amount Brooklyn Nets will score in a given game. If they score 118 or more, the over bet wins, and if they score 117 or less, the under bet wins.
Live Betting
Live bets are placed after the basketball game has already begun. Odds will be constantly adjusted depending on how the game is progressing.
Some may think that people who are late to placing pregame wagers bet on NBA games live. In reality, it’s a legit betting strategy based on witnessing the flow of a game before making a decision. However, the success of this bet heavily relies on timing.
Parlay and System Betting
Parlay (multiple) betting is a specialty wager based on a series of basketball games, with a minimum of two. These have bigger payouts, but the difficulty is that the whole parlay needs to be successful. For example, if you are betting on a four-team parlay, all four bets need to win. Even if one of them doesn’t play out as planned, the entire bet loses.
If you feel confident in your betting predictions, this can be very profitable. Alternatively, you can go for system betting, which is also a combination of several bets but with lesser risk. For your information, the ability to place system bets is not provided by the Parimatch platform.
What Else Can You Bet On in Basketball?
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics and focusing on game-winners. However, you might want to step beyond the familiar and try out something new. Browse through basketball matches featured on Parimatch and see what wagering options are available.
Here are the basketball bets we haven’t mentioned yet:
- Even/odd – You need to guess whether the total score will be divisible by two or not. This bet has a 50/50 probability.
- Totals by players – Rather than betting on a team, this betting option is attached to specific players from both teams. The odds are based on the number of points, assists, or rebounds and you bet on “over” or “under”.
- Bets by quarters – You can place 3-way bets, handicap or total bets for any quarter instead of the whole game.
- Overtime – Some games necessitate one (or more) five-minute overtime period(s) until one team wins. So, this one is simple: whether there will be overtime for the match or not.
How to Win at Basketball Betting
You might not feel ready to bet on NBA or Euroleague games just yet. But that’s okay because we’re going to explain how to develop the right strategy to win sustainably. To know more about betting strategies, make sure to browse our basketball betting tips to make it a successful venture.
Here are free betting tips from where to start:
- Do your homework. Learn all the rules, including the game itself to the specifics of betting on your service of choice.
- Keep an eye on the whole industry, not just one team you’re interested in. Research the trends and try to look for hard data to support your predictions.
- Identify the variables. Some things tend to be overlooked, such as the fatigue of playing and traveling for a certain team. These factors also affect the outcome of the game.
- Test and modify. Just a quick reminder: start with small bets. Even if you don’t win right away, it will be an affordable way to learn more about the betting activity. You’ll be able to test new strategies and understand the nitty-gritty details of betting.
Now, let’s talk about the main sports betting tips in more detail.
Find Value Bets
As you already know from this article, you can easily detect a favorite and an underdog by looking at basketball betting odds. The bigger the discrepancy between the odds, the more significant is the difference between the opponents’ strengths. Now, whenever you see a team that is likely to win AND has rather high odds, you face a value bet.
Learn Teams and Players Statistics
Basketball stats can be classified as:
- Offensive stats
- Defensive stats
- Player stats
- Team stats
Analyze each of those categories to find information about performances, how a certain player affects the entire lineup, favorable/unfavorable matchups for a team, etc. Al the data must be up-to-date.
Develop a Personal Basketball Betting System
It’s not only about how to bet on basketball but also about implementing your own custom approach. Start with questions like, “How does the venue affect points?” or “Do teams play worse on the second night?”
There is an incredible amount of data that exists in basketball – individual player performance, coaching, in-game events, etc. You can’t possibly analyze everything, so you need to extract the information you deem important and place basketball match predictions.
Know Teams Game Schedule
Statistically, peak performance occurs with 3 days between the games. This is because workload and stress have a negative impact unless the team has time to recover. Look at the schedule and intervals to determine how overworked the team might be for a certain match.
Look Out for Injury Reports
Just knowing what players are in and who is out can lead to more accurate betting predictions. This will help you determine if a team has been hit hard at one spot.
Look at the trends. If a superstar player has been struggling over a 5-6 game stretch, more than likely, the team will not be as heavily favored. Also, figure out whether the team will be able to pick up the slack of that one player missing.
Consider Team’s Home Court Advantage
Home court advantage implies that the team playing in their home court is positively affected by certain factors. The road team, on the other hand, is at a disadvantage.
Here are the possible sources of the home-court advantage:
- Psychological connections with their fans;
- The comfort of being at home (not on the road);
- Referees tend to favor home teams;
- Teams know the specifics of the court.
Know How Much a Team Travels
Traveling for NBA or international games can be detrimental to rest days and the length of a home stand/road trip. Consecutive nights of reduced sleep increase players’ fatigue. This tends to subsequently impair overall team productivity and increase the risk of injury. This might be reflected in the betting odds, but you also need to research it to adjust your strategy.
Keep an Eye on Your Favorite Teams
In the NBA alone, there are 30 teams every season. If you take other leagues, the number of teams for betting increases manyfold.
So, pinpoint which teams are worth extra attention from you. We already covered that there are many stats and variables for each team, so you need to make an effort to eliminate excessive information.
Track Your Results in a Spreadsheet
Sportsbooks keep track of your betting, at least for a certain period. However, this doesn’t give you much insight into how successfully your betting activity currently is.
Spreadsheets are a great way to calculate your wins and losses. Moreover, you can keep track of the team’s performance during a match and use this data for the next bet.
Always Manage Your Bankroll
Along with keeping tabs on your results, you need to have a simple financial strategy. There isn’t an exact amount you need to dedicate to prediction – everyone has a different notion of what their bankroll will be. Set aside the amount of money that you’re comfortable with and stick with it.
In the beginning, don’t make huge bets. Select a unit size somewhere between 1-5% of your bankroll for every single bet and see where it’ll go.
Consider Basketball Live Betting
If you don’t feel confident in your wager pregame, there is always an option to wait for the game and bet on basketball in-play. Live betting odds have significant fluctuations – basketball is a high-scoring game, and the possession changes several times per minute. Not only will it make for a more dynamic experience, but it can also help you snatch a bigger payout.
How Can YOU Bet on Basketball Online With Parimatch?
So, you already know how to place basketball predictions; it’s time for the fun part – making real bets on Parimatch. The process is straightforward and quick, only requiring you to take five steps.
If you’re ready to make real betting profits on the NBA or anything else, you first need to deposit real money. Don’t hesitate to do so with Parimatch – you’ll find multiple payment methods on the best terms. Pick one and get one step closer to your next big win!
1. Sign Up for a New Account
Go to Parimatch and click on the “Sign up” button on the left side of the top menu bar.
You’ll be transferred to a different page, where you need to enter your phone number and password as well as confirm your age and accept the terms and conditions. Further, you’ll need to verify your phone number by entering the code sent by SMS.
2. Deposit Funds
Click “Deposit” to see all available options. Under each payment option, you’ll see the minimum and maximum deposit amounts, fees, and processing time. Pick the one you prefer and follow the instructions.
3. Find the Matches You Want to Bet On
On the main page, you’ll see a sidebar on the right with different sports. Click on “Basketball”, and you’ll see a list of ongoing (live) matches for betting.
Alternatively, you can go to upcoming events. With Parimatch, as shown in the screenshot below, you can even bet on cyberbasketball NBA matches. Of course, real NBA games and events taking place in different countries are also available.
4. Find the Best Bet Options for the Match
Browse through different NBA predictions options that are displayed below the game’s title. You already know the types of available odds to bet on, so pick the ones that fit your strategy.
5. Place a Bet!
After choosing your bets, head to the betslip. Once you’re happy with all the betting details, finalize the process by clicking “Place bet”.
Summary
Basketball betting is one of the most dynamic and thrilling sports to wager on. However, wagers can get complicated, which is why we hope you’ll refer back to this guide for actionable advice.
Keep in mind the following takeaways:
- Research the sport and the teams before betting.
- Understand the differences between betting options and their value.
- Follow a solid strategy and manage your bankroll.
- Keep track of your results and review them.
- Sign up with a reliable bookmaker, such as Parimatch, to place your first wagers.
There are so many collegiates, NBA, and international basketball betting opportunities throughout the year. Now that you know how to bet on basketball, you’re ready for the action. And you can place your wagers on the right basketball prediction app – Parimatch. Remember that professional sports bettors don’t wager with their hearts but their heads!
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Where Can I Bet on Basketball Games Online?
One of the easiest and most profitable ways to wager on the basketball games (and a lot more) is through Parimatch. Here, you will find a superior live betting experience and lots of features for beginner and experienced bettors.
How Do You Read Basketball Betting Lines?
Reading basketball betting lines means understanding betting odds written in American format (with “+” and “-“). The minus indicates the favorite and the plus points at the underdog. The negative number means a sum you need to bet to win $100. Odds with a plus indicate the sum you will win if you bet $100.
What Is the Winning Margin in Basketball?
The winning margin is the number of points that a team needs to win by. If you don’t select the winning team or the exact winning margin correctly, the bet will lose.
Is Basketball Betting Profitable?
Basketball betting isn’t about making bets on one or two games, hoping to strike it lucky. The better approach is to focus on sustainable strategies that will work in the long term. By following the tips and strategies given above, you increase your winning potential.
What Does a 0-Point Spread Mean?
A 0-point betting spread means that both teams have an equal chance of winning, with no advantage or disadvantage. You only select the winning team of the game without any spread.