Best NBA Betting Sites & Apps in 2025

Top 5 Best NBA Sportsbooks 

1. BetMGM - Best for overall NBA betting experience.

2. FanDuel - Best for the wealth of NBA betting options available.

3. Caesars - Best for NBA specials and boosts.

4. Fanatics- Best for a rewards scheme that’s ideal for NBA fans.

5. DraftKings - Best for NBA odds and alternate lines.

Best NBA & Basketball Sportsbooks Reviewed

Whether you’re looking for the best NBA odds, the most comprehensive basketball coverage, or the biggest promos, the biggest US sportsbooks have them all and then some. Read on to find out which sportsbooks we rate as being the very best for betting on the NBA right now.

1. BetMGM

Why BetMGM is the Best NBA Sportsbook

The overall top dog in a congested market, BetMGM should be your top pick for NBA betting. Placing bets on the NBA can sometimes seem bewildering with so many markets and options available, but BetMGM is top of the standings for making pro league basketball wagering easy.

With a stylish and responsive app, well-ordered NBA menus, generous welcome bonus, and a host of basketball betting promos throughout the season, BetMGM offers a premium experience. You’ll find competitive NBA odds at BetMGM and when their regular price and profit boosts appear, they can edge out pricing found elsewhere.

All the NBA betting options you’d expect to find are available at BetMGM with more on top. Notably, totals figures can be a point or so lower than its rivals. When you’re sweating on a final basket to land for a bet to come in, that can make all the difference.

An attack-oriented basketball betting risk-taker or a defensive guard? If you enjoy customizing and controlling NBA spreads and over/unders, BetMGM has slider functionality to set your own number and instantly see what impact that has on the odds.

Live NBA betting is also bright, slick, and friction-free with BetMGM. In-play odds refresh without lag. You’ll be able to access live NBA streaming in many jurisdictions with a broadcast player that doesn’t intrude, so you can keep an eye on in-play odds below.

BetMGM’s options for pre-game prop bets are easy to access and extend into the live environment, with  easy-to-understand special combos available for every NBA game. On top of its daily Lions Boosts that swell pricing, BetMGM’s other NBA promos include free-to-play contests and first field goal wager insurance.

2. FanDuel

NBA Betting at FanDuel

FanDuel almost beats all the rest for NBA betting options. With basketball a big deal at the blue-themed behemoth, it has a sophisticated, high-powered, yet simple-to-use app. It’s one that equally allows NBA betting on the go or browsing the extensive pre-contest options.

All the main NBA bet types are easy to find at FanDuel, with clearly structured sub-menus revealing a multitude of options when you click on a game. There’s everything here; from player points to player threes, player rebounds to player assists, and special player combos that take the sweat out of blending props into parlays.

But it is NBA parlays that FanDuel truly excels at. Choose from same game parlay options or build your own with ease with FanDuel’s Parlay Builder. You’ll find ‘most popular’ pre-packaged multi-leg combos are displayed in the dedicated Parlay Hub.

FanDuel tends to pip its rivals when it comes to NBA odds too. Typically posting NBA markets with a lower overall edge than the other top books, it’s worth stepping into the blue zone when shopping the lines. FanDuel’s NBA promos are also plentiful during the season and easy to find.

3. Caesars

NBA Betting at Caesars

Enter the palace and check out Caesars for some of the best NBA betting. The iconic green and gold entertainment conglomerate has delivered one of North America’s leading sportsbooks. Caesars has one of the cleanest betting interfaces, regardless of whether you bet on app or desktop.

The sportsbook is renowned for its across-the-board podium-placed pricing and that holds true for the NBA. What stands Caesars out for NBA odds though are its odds boosts to enhance that standing. On any given regular season gameday, you’ll find half a dozen boosts to apply. That extends into the playoffs and finals too. Other bonuses include parlay offers for primetime matchups.

NBA futures are also a standout strength for Caesars, with sharp lines up earlier than most. It’s easy to find any NBA prop bet options that you have a mind to pick with the clearly structured submenus on the Caesars app. Game and player event options abound, along with half and quarter markets plus race-to-x-points odds.

4. Fanatics

NBA Betting at Fanatics

Fanatics Sportsbook delivers a strong product for NBA betting, scoring highly in the most important categories. Fanatics is rapidly growing in popularity and is proving it can challenge the biggest sportsbooks in the nation.

The highlight though is its FanCash rewards scheme. Whereas most other sportsbooks give you points for making bets, Fanatics keeps it simple with its cashback-style scheme. For every wager you make, you get a certain percentage back in FanCash. You get 1% of your stake in FanCash on all straight bets, 3% on parlays, and 5% on same-game parlays.

FanCash can then be used in the Fanatics store to exchange for apparel, merchandise and more. That really ought to appeal to NBA fans. Fanatics stocks official products for all 30 NBA teams, including licensed jerseys. Fanatics also runs the official NBA store online, which means FanCash probably rewards fans of the NBA above all of the other top American leagues.

As for its sportsbook product, the Fanatics app is a modern and vibrant platform. The Fanatics Sportsbook app will suit newcomers to NBA betting well, plus those who enjoy a casual bet. It’s an app only experience though, so won’t be suited to those wanting to bet via desktop. 

There is enough depth in Fanatics’ NBA betting markets to lure in experienced basketball bettors too. Fanatics’ NBA odds boosts should be enough to do just that. Take for example its Power Hour Surges from which users can choose a selection to apply.

5. DraftKings

NBA Betting at DraftKings

Among the biggest selection of NBA bet options, DraftKings has phenomenal depth in its basketball markets. Admittedly that might be confusing for some at first glance, but if you’re a massive NBA fan, DraftKings could be the sportsbook for you. It’s also a good sportsbook to check out for those who enjoy watching a wager unfold throughout an NBA season thanks to its strong futures markets.

The DraftKings mobile betting app is clear once you get used to it. Built on its DFS product, there are NBA bet types displayed prominently, some of which you might not find elsewhere. The actual list of NBA bet markets on any given day is too extensive to list. However, take season milestones, player awards, championship highest point scorers, first possession type props, and many more as examples.

Where we think DraftKings comes out trumps for regular NBA bettors though is its selection of alternate lines. As you’d expect, they’re extensive but also customizable. Alternate spreads and totals are displayed in increments of 0.5, so the options are entirely within your gift and odds for each are clearly displayed.

There are simpler options available at DraftKings too though such as its Quick SGP and Quick Hits menus. The nice thing about those is that the pre-picked options are straightforward and not as obscure as they might be at other sportsbooks. That is, you’re likely to have already considered them. DraftKings also has some cool NBA promos such as its option to opt in and instantly get a parlay odds boost on a game.

6. BetRivers

NBA Betting at BetRivers

BetRivers is a favorite betting app for many. It’s differentiated enough from other sportsbooks to be a preferred option for its loyal users, and that applies to those using it for NBA betting. The app’s theming and display is relatively simple and that makes BetRivers an accessible platform.

You’ll notice the app’s fonts are bigger than standard and stand out on a white background with blue highlighting. Even the menu icons are simple and denote exactly where you’ll be going. For NBA betting, BetRivers runs with just three main menu bars: Games, Futures, and Player Props.

BetRivers is also a good option to have for comparing NBA odds. It uses Kambi for its odds - a provider not utilized by any other top sportsbook in the US. BetRivers also tweaks Kambi odds so there is value to be found. For example, it’s not uncommon to find a moneyline with -108 and +113 odds for NBA games. That’s as opposed to the standard -110/+110. Check them out for closely contested NBA matchups and potentially make a few more dollars than you would elsewhere.

7. ESPN BET

NBA Betting at ESPN BET

For NBA fans, ESPN BET shines as the premier sportsbook for expert-driven betting insights. With its close ties to ESPN’s wider NBA broadcast and online coverage, users benefit from real-time updates, in-depth analysis from top basketball commentators, and exclusive betting promotions tailored to key games and matchups.

The ESPN Bet app might not be the finest you’ll come across but it has sufficient good points to download, test out, and maybe decide it is the one for you after all. It is an intuitive app that’s neatly presented, easy to navigate, and enables you to make wagers quickly. You’ll steam through the menus to find what you want.

Other NBA betting highlights at ESPN Bet include featured parlays and daily specials during the regular season and into the playoffs. Of particular value are ESPN Bet’s regular NBA odds boosts. Of even more interest are its boosts on live markets. That’s not something you’ll find almost anywhere else.

8. Resorts World Bet

NBA Betting at Resorts World Bet

Resorts World Bet doesn’t do anything too flashy but it is a solid, stable betting app for anyone who doesn’t require anything showy. It’s a stripped-back option that has yet to venture beyond New York. That gives Resorts World Bet a slight edge for NBA bettors in the Empire State.

Aside from state loyalty, there are promos available at Resorts World Bet geared towards the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. When those teams are playing, Resorts World Bet often runs odds boosts for their games.

Also, if you miss the simplicity of Points Bet, Resorts World Bet is worth a look as it was built on the now departed betting brand’s platform. The Resorts World Bet app lends itself to rapid-fire prop bets on live games. You’ll find them for player points, assists, rebounds, and other as-it-happens action events.

9. Bally Bet

NBA Betting at Bally Bet

Bally Bet is a good, but not outstanding, betting app to have in your NBA box. It does the most popular basketball bet types well. If straights and parlays are all you’ll be betting on, then BallyBet brings them to the fore without the clutter that can confuse at the bigger sportsbooks.

You’ll like the simple navigable layout at BallyBet too. On its NBA menu, you’ll not be able to miss the live, parlay, boosts, and other main sports options for ease of navigation. Bally Bet doesn’t even bother you with extensive sidebars and other options to scroll down, which makes it all a breeze.

Live NBA betting is really easy too at Bally Bet, with relatively simple graphics that refresh quickly enough to see what’s happening on the court. The aforementioned straights - moneyline, point spread, and over/unders can easily be built into parlays at Bally Bet. 

The brand also presents you with parceled-up parlays to get one on in just a click. Some are from one game and some from several with odds that aren’t bad value.

How We Rate & Review NBA Sportsbooks

Betting on the NBA is not the same as betting on the NFL, MLB, or NHL. You know that and so do we. That’s why all the sportsbooks featured have been used extensively by our panel specifically for NBA betting. You could call it ‘testing’ but that sounds like they’ve been subject to laboratory conditions.

That’s not how bettors make wagers on the NBA in the real world. You likely browse NBA odds on the fly during a work break, on the couch ahead of a big game, watching live, or seeing what’s on offer for the week ahead, the season ahead, or the championship finale.

We do as you would do when betting on the NBA and present what we find. All sportsbooks are then assessed against weighted criteria. Those criteria have been devised based on what’s important to NBA bettors, but also with consideration to what industry experts consider crucial. Each sportsbook is scored, rated, and ranked to devise an honest assessment; one that’s based on that all-important framework so you can be sure of an objective view.

As we value transparency as much as you do, you can read more about our sportsbook review and rating methodology to understand this process before you make your own judgments on the best NBA sportsbooks.

What To Expect From a Great NBA Betting App

The betting app(s) you settle on to make NBA wagers will largely be based on personal preference, your enjoyment of using them, and whether you found them easy to use and encountered no problems. 

All that is the end of the journey of course though, so consider applying your own criteria from those below to start on deciding how to choose the best NBA betting app for your individual preferences.

💵 NBA Betting Bonuses & Promotions

Betting companies offer an assortment of bonuses and promotions. They aim to get you signed up, make some bets, and then keep on coming back. It’s hardly a one-sided deal though, and you can make the best sportsbook promos work for you to bump up your bankroll and bag an assortment of extras.

Welcome Bonus:

• This is your reward for opening an account with a sportsbook and starting to bet. 
• Welcome promos will likely be the biggest you’ll ever get from an NBA betting site, so make the most of them. 
• New signup deals usually give you bonus bets or wager insurance to go again. 
• You must read the terms and conditions that apply as they usually work in different ways. 
• Not taking advantage of the best welcome bonuses means missing out - and you won’t get a second chance!

NBA Customer Promos:

• The best sportsbooks run promos specifically for NBA betting throughout the regular season, playoffs, and NBA Finals. 
• The very best have them for every game week and to make the most of them, consider ways to make NBA promos work for your favored bet type.
• The types of NBA promos you will see include bonus bets, odds and profit boosts as standard, while some sportsbooks are more creative in their promos. 
• Top NBA betting sites also have competitions where you could win site credit, boosts, and other non-betting-related prizes.

Referral Bonus:

• Sportsbook refer-a-friend schemes can be a valuable way to gain bonus funds. 
• Almost all NBA betting sites run referral programs, though some are more generous than others. 
• Usually, you and a friend will get virtual funds when they sign up via a link you send them and they deposit and wager.

Loyalty Schemes & Rewards:

• Designed to reward ‘loyalty’, such programs are customer retention initiatives. 
• Most NBA sportsbook loyalty schemes award points (that can be traded for rewards) related to betting activity, while some will work like a cashback scheme.
• If you bet regularly, you get a little extra from your wagers and you should check out which sportsbook will reward you the most for doing so. 
• Sportsbook loyalty schemes offer a range of rewards, depending on which one you pick. These can be anything from bonus bets through to merchandise or credit to use at the brand’s physical hotels and casinos.

📱 Good Usability & Interface For Placing NBA Bets

The functionality and usability of a sportsbook interface can make or break your experience with a betting app. A well-presented, visually appealing UI with fast load times, smooth navigation, clear menus, and organized, responsive controls is essential.

You’ll only really get to know how usable and to your liking a betting app is by trying it out, though reviews can also tell you a lot. If basketball betting will be your main wagering activity, there are some specifics to look out for.

A good NBA betting app should clearly display the main basketball bet types and those specific to the game itself. Every app will display moneylines, point spreads and totals clearly, but you may want to consider how easy it is to find other popular basketball bet options. This might include ‘player threes’, ‘rebounds’, ‘field goals’, and defense props for example.

The best apps for basketball betting should be able to handle the highest-traffic events of the year, notably the NBA Playoffs and Finals. If you’re going to be betting on live NBA games, it’s important that a betting app can handle the pace of what is typically a very fast moving sport. 

That means near-instant odds refreshes without suspended markets while recalculations take place. Linked to that is the absence of delays to an early cashout option. As the NBA in particular is lightning fast, just a few seconds not being able to cut your losses or jump on a profit is frustrating.

📈 Competitive NBA Betting Odds

It’s obvious that you want to bet with a sportsbook that offers the best odds for the wager you are considering making. The higher the odds, the more you potentially stand to make.

Firstly though, being able to read odds is essential for a successful NBA betting strategy. Though they’re influenced by a high number of factors, ultimately, NBA odds reflect the implied probability of an outcome.

American odds aren’t always the easiest to understand at first glance either, so presenting them as an implied probability will inform your wagers.

Take a typical contest that a sportsbook considers has a favorite and an underdog. Odds of -110 represent an implied probability of 52.4%. Odds of +110 indicate an implied probability of 47.6%.

Once you see that the sportsbook considers this will be a close contest, you instantly have a better understanding of the value of placing your dollars on either side of the bet. You can also start to see the value of comparing odds.

Odds at different sportsbooks are often different. Sometimes you might be shopping the lines and notice a small difference though and not think much of it. Take this actual moneyline example seen recently at two of the biggest sportsbooks in the US:

• Sportsbook A: Team 1 -135, Team 2 +114

• Sportsbook B: Team 1 -140, Team 2 +118

You would need to wager $135 at Sportsbook A and $140 at Sportsbook B on Team 1 to potentially win $100. If you wagered $100 at Sportsbook A on Team 2 you could win $114, but you’d win $118 at Sportsbook B by wagering the same amount.

You might consider those differences to be nominal, but a profitable NBA strategy relies on eking out every dollar you can. You will of course lose wagers over time; everyone does, so maximizing profitability when a bet hits is important.

Also, sometimes sportsbooks set their odds all wrong, so comparing odds between different ones will enable you to spot such opportunities.

🏀 Wide Range of NBA Markets & Betting Options

You might choose to stick to one or two bet types when wagering on the NBA, but a wider range available at a sportsbook opens up your options and potential for winnings. 

A good NBA betting strategy balances potential risk and reward, and diversifying your bet types helps to do this. This is where an NBA sportsbook that has a host of wager options can come in particularly useful. It might also raise your enjoyment levels by enabling you to bet on different aspects of a game or season that you can’t find elsewhere.

🔒 Safety & Security

Sadly, every year some sports bettors experience cyber fraud. The most common is an attacker gaining access to your account and your personal and financial details. The best way to avoid such risks is to only use a reputable and legal sportsbook. The best sportsbooks for NBA betting will implement encryption software and only accept secure payment methods.

You should also only use a betting operator licensed by your state gaming commission for safety reasons. For example, all of the legal sportsbooks in New York are licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission, and the same applies to operators in every other state. 

Regulated sportsbooks have to adhere to stringent rules and they’re monitored for compliance. Such regulations include those related to account security, transparency, fairness, and responsible gambling.

💳 Fast Deposits & Withdrawals

Enjoying a positive payment experience (or not) is a deal breaker for most sports bettors. A sportsbook that offers a range of payment methods gives you choice and control over how you fund an account and withdraw winnings. Of equal importance is the speed with which payments are processed, providing you with the ability to make instant deposits and fast withdrawals.

❓ Responsive & Easy to Access Support

A sports betting operator’s customer support options are also crucial. If something goes wrong or you simply have a query, you’ll want your sportsbook to respond quickly and professionally while receiving a speedy resolution. Look for betting providers that have a range of customer service options and the availability of 24/7 support.

Best NBA Betting Sites & Apps By Category

The sportsbooks that we review and rank are assessed against the criteria that sports bettors consider to be the most important.

Here are the sports betting apps that we rate most highly in those essential key areas that will elevate your experience and enjoyment in using them for NBA betting.

Best NBA Odds: 🥇 DraftKings

DraftKings probably has the best NBA odds across the board. You’ll often find DK’s lines are a point or two better than many of its rivals. However, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM are often comparable a lot of the time.

Best Bonuses & Promotions: 🥇 BetMGM

BetMGM usually has the best welcome bonus (in most states) and often has great NBA odds boosts. BetMGM’s refer-a-friend scheme also tops the charts.

For ongoing NBA promos, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars frequently top the rankings. Fanatics Sportsbook’s FanCash program may be the best sportsbook loyalty program for NBA fans.

Best NBA Sportsbook Interface & Experience: 🥇 BetMGM

BetMGM’s user interface and all-around experience is top-notch. FanDuel is not far behind and you might like the Fanatics mobile app as a clean and fresh take on sportsbook platforms.

Best Range of NBA Betting Options: 🥇 FanDuel

FanDuel has the most impressive range of NBA bet types and markets. If you find that a bit much, BetMGM and DraftKings also rate very highly for NBA betting options.

Best Sportsbook For NBA Parlays: 🥇 FanDuel

FanDuel has the most comprehensive suite of NBA parlay and same game options that are also straightforward to use. If parlay building blows your mind a bit too far, give BetRivers a try as it has some of the best pre-packaged parlays for ease of placing with competitive odds.

Best Sportsbook For NBA Live Betting: 🥇 BetMGM

BetMGM is an ace for live NBA betting. A clear, well-ordered in-play interface displays the available live markets in an easy-to-access manner. Live odds update without glitching and there’s NBA streaming in most areas in which BetMGM Is legal.

Best Sportsbook For NBA Prop Bets: 🥇 DraftKings

DraftKings has a crazy amount of NBA prop bet options for every game and if player, team, game, and everything else are your thing then you’ll love DraftKings.

For a still comprehensive but slightly less insane selection of NBA prop bet markets, Caesars is a great choice. FanDuel and BetMGM are not far behind.

Best Customer Support: 🥇 BetMGM

All of the top-ranked NBA sportsbooks featured here have the full range of customer support options available. That’s a help section, FAQs, email support and 24/7 live chat but some are much better than others.

Caesars and BetMGM also have good response times. Notably, BetMGM has state-specific email addresses and telephone numbers to help direct your query quickly relevant to where you’re based. FanDuel’s live chat option is particularly responsive and rarely has much of a wait time with an agent usually available within seconds. 

Best For Banking & Cashiering: 🥇 DraftKings

All of the sportsbooks featured as being the best for NBA betting have the full range of the most popular banking methods in the US. DraftKings is noted as leading the way in this category currently though for its withdrawal speeds, processing almost all within 24 hours and usually less. BetMGM and FanDuel are speedier than the rest too.

How To Bet on the NBA: Types of Basketball Wager

There are as many ways to bet on the NBA as there are moves on the court and ways to shoot hoops. Some are the bulwarks of betting that cross many types of sport, while others are refined to the game of basketball itself. Let’s take a look at the most popular types of NBA wagers.

NBA Moneyline Bets

Taking the moneyline bet for NBA games means picking which team will win and placing a bet on them. In almost every fixture, you’ll see a favorite at short odds and an underdog at a higher price - that is unless the two sides are incredibly closely matched. 

Depending on the caliber of the team, you might see NBA moneyline odds ranging from +100 right up to +1,000. As the moneyline is one of the most simple types of bet to place, if you’re looking for the best NBA sportsbooks to use then it makes sense to go with the one that offers the highest odds on the outcome you want to pick.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for value in underdog bets, especially in back-to-back games or when favorites are resting key players. Always check NBA injury reports and team schedules, as fatigue and lineup changes can greatly impact the outcome.

NBA Live Betting

NBA live betting is a thrill and the rapid-fire nature of basketball makes it one of the most exciting sports for this type of wager. Live betting markets are offered as games are in play while the action unfolds. 

Odds can change quickly and significantly based on how the match is playing out, making for big opportunities to make a profit or for a wager to crash out within minutes of making it. The best NBA betting apps for live betting are highly responsive, offer a range of in-game betting options, and in some cases enable you to watch the game from within the app.

💡 Pro Tip: Take advantage of momentum swings: NBA teams often go on scoring runs, which can lead to better odds if you time your bet right. Watching the game live helps you spot key moments before the odds adjust.

NBA Futures Bets

Betting on a team within a futures market involves making a wager with an eye on the season's end. This might be which club will win their division or the team that will be crowned NBA Finals champion. 

A futures bet could also be on a player; examples include who will be the highest scorer, or who will be the NBA MVP. NBA futures markets are usually available before the season starts right up to the final set of fixtures.

💡 Pro Tip: Place futures bets early for the best value, but consider hedging later in the NBA season if your pick is in contention. Keep an eye on injuries, trades, and team performance trends, as they can drastically shift the odds.

NBA Totals Betting

Also commonly referred to as over/under betting, wagering on the total in NBA games usually refers to the final points score. You’ll see an NBA totals market displayed as, for example, over/under 220.5 with the odds for each option alongside. Though not possible to score half a basket, totals markets usually have a 0.5 added to ensure the outcome is over or under and not a draw/push.

A lot of the top NBA sportsbooks also offer totals bets on the quarters and halves of a game. You might also see player totals whereby the book has a market for whether an individual will score more or less than the line they set.

💡 Pro Tip: Analyze recent team trends, including scoring averages and defensive performance, before betting on totals. Factor in pace of play and matchups; slower NBA teams with strong defenses often lead to lower-scoring games, while fast-paced, high-scoring teams push games over the total.

NBA Spread Betting

An NBA point spread bet is one on the margin of victory. A sportsbook will set a line based on how many points they think the favorite will win by and the underdog lose by. The points spread will be shown as, for example, +5.5 for the less favored team and -5.5 for the team thought most likely to win. That means the favorite must win by 6 points to ‘cover the spread’. 

You can tell by how much a team is a favorite or underdog by the size of the spread. Usually, an oddsmaker will set a standard points spread but lately, the best NBA sportsbooks have offered alternate lines with some allowing you to largely set any line want with the odds adjusted as a result.

💡 Pro Tip: Pay attention to key numbers like 5, 7, and 10, as many NBA games are decided by these common margins. If the spread is close to these numbers, consider buying a half-point for better value, and always check for injury updates before placing your bet.

NBA Parlay Betting

A parlay is a wager that combines more than one outcome with each needing to be successful for the bet to win. The ‘traditional’ parlay in NBA terms consists of several teams to win, or several points spreads with the odds for each ‘leg’ multiplied. 

There are some restrictions on what you can add to a parlay, most notably that legs can’t be correlated - or dependent on each other. For NBA parlays, an example that wouldn’t be accepted is that you can’t parlay the points spread and the over/under.

As the popularity of parlay betting has increased, so too have the options available. A one game NBA parlay combines more than one outcome from a single game. The top NBA sportsbooks now allow you to build a parlay from any number of options. This could be a combination of NBA games, as well as team and player props for example. Some betting sites now also let you combine legs from different sports.

💡 Pro Tip: To maximize the potential for wins, keep your NBA parlays small. Limiting them to two or possibly three well-researched legs increases your chances of winning. Also avoid heavily correlated bets and look for value in underdogs or player props to include in your parlay to maximize potential payouts.

NBA Prop Bets

A prop bet is one on a game event or team and player performance. A prop bet isn’t directly linked to the final outcome of a game; the ‘proposition’ a sportsbook gives you is to bet on the outcome of a question, usually with a yes/no answer. The best NBA sportsbooks for prop bets will typically have a wide range of options covering different things you can wager on.

 For example, which player will score 10+ points, or will the away team score over/under a certain number? Prop bets can be placed ahead of a game or live as it plays out.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on NBA player props where you can find an edge, such as favorable matchups or recent performance trends. Research factors like player minutes, usage rate, and defensive matchups to make smarter prop picks.

What Can You Bet on in the NBA?

There are countless potential outcomes in every NBA season and perhaps thousands in every game. If an event will have a definite result that is measurable then you can probably bet on it. There are some particularly popular things to bet on in the NBA though. Here are just a few.

NBA Champions

The most popular futures bet year on year is always who will win the NBA Finals and be crowned champions. Odds can be particularly healthy early in the season before tightening as the likeliest winners emerge.

Game Winner

There are some 1,230 individual NBA games to bet on every season, which is a stupendous selection of fixtures to bet on who will win each match. Some bettors devote every year to wagering on NBA matches each week, while others await the end-of-term finales or the annual All-Star game.

Winner of Each Quarter

Each NBA game consists of four quarters lasting 12 minutes each. All of the best sportsbooks for NBA betting will offer bets on each quarter including which team will be leading, what the score will be after every 12 minutes of play, and how many total points the sides will achieve. Betting on NBA quarters is one of the most popular forms of live betting due to the fast rate at which baskets are made.

Total Points Scored in a Game

Betting on the total points scored in an NBA game involves predicting whether the combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than a number set by the sportsbook. 

Number of Points A Player Will Score

Sports betting sites advertise a huge number of bets on how individual players will perform. One of the most common is how many points a power forward and guards will get as well as the number of assists a player will achieve and how many rebounds each center will nab.

MVP

Like football, baseball, and hockey, every NBA season will conclude with the ‘best’ individual being handed the MVP (Most Valuable Player). The most popular player prop bet of the year, some stars are in the running for a place in the NBA Hall of Fame from the get-go while others emerge midway with a hot streak of form.

Rookie of the Year

First-year players are always a big deal in the NBA. Right from the draft, fresh-faced individuals will be identified who could be awarded the Rookie of the Year gong. The race to be basketball’s best newcomer sees odds posted before the season and then refreshed game on game.

The NBA Draft

Whether you can bet on the NBA draft depends on where you’re located because NBA draft betting rules vary on a state-by-state basis. However, if you can, popular NBA draft bets include the first player to be picked for each position, a specific spot for when a player will be taken, or whether they’ll be drafted over/under a certain number of rounds.

Getting Started With NBA Betting

If you’re new to NBA betting, there are a few steps to follow to get going:

Step 1: Choose a Sportsbook

Which is best for you will depend on what you value, whether its the largest new player promo, the best odds, or the clickest app experience.

Step 2: Download the App

Mobile apps are typically the most popular way to place bets on the NBA. If you prefer, you can visit the website of your chosen sportsbook on your laptop or tablet, although a small number are app only.

Step 3: Register an account

Complete your account setup by entering information when prompted. You’ll be asked for some personal details that must match your government-issued ID (you will be asked to upload a copy of at some point).

Step 4: Enter Your Promo Code

If your chosen NBA sportsbook has a welcome bonus that requires a promo code, remember to enter your code when prompted to make sure your bonus is activated.

Step 5: Add A Payment Method

Whether you want to use a credit/debit card, Paypal, bank transfer or other method, adding it to your account enables you to deposit and withdraw funds when needed.

Step 6: Deposit Funds

You’ll need to add some funds to your account before you place any bets. All sportsbooks have a minimum deposit amount, which is usually $10.

Step 7: Find & Place Your Bet

Browse the NBA odds, which you’ll usually be able to access from the app's main navigation. When you’ve found the game or event you want to bet on, click the bet you want to place and select the amount you want to wager to add the bet to your slip. When you’re ready, confirm to place the bets.

How To Read NBA Betting Lines & Odds

The first number you’ll typically come across when browsing NBA betting markets is the spread. Alongside that will be the over/under odds for a given game. Both of these figures are often referred to as the ‘lines’.

On the spread, the favorite will have a negative number and the underdog a positive one. These are points handed to or taken away from either side. For example, if the Brooklyn Nets are listed as -4.5 favorites, then they must win by 5 points or more to ‘cover the spread’.

On the over/under line, the number is simply the combined points total that an oddsmaker believes will be scored in a game. For NBA fixtures, the total will often be between 200 and 240 points.

To read NBA betting lines, you need to understand how they are set. Some sportsbooks make their own lines and are often known as ‘line originators’ while some bookmakers take a look at the wider market and tend to follow the leaders. The originators use complex mathematical formulas plus a raft of game data and soft information to determine their lines and associated odds.

Do NBA Odds Change?

NBA betting markets, like those in all sports, are dynamic with lines and odds subject to frequent review and change. Oddsmakers always try to balance how much money is being taken on each side of a bet. For this reason, they will move lines and alter odds in a bid to encourage more money on one side or the other.

For example, if a sportsbook opens an NBA betting market on a NY Knicks game with the points spread advertised at -3 which attracts lots of wagers, it might drop the line to -2.5, then -2, and repeat the process until it is satisfied that the number has settled and bettors are staking relatively evenly on both sides of the bet.

It’s also important to understand that the main bet types offered - the moneyline, points spread, and totals - influence the markets and odds offered for other forms of NBA wagers. These derivative bet types include first-half and first-quarter spreads and totals.

NBA Teams to Bet On in New York

New York sports fans are a passionate crowd and have an intimate knowledge of the Nets’ and Nicks’ fortunes. Neither team has set the NBA alight in recent editions though, with injuries and a rotating line-up hindering the Knicks and the Nets from living up to preseason hopes.

NBA Venues in New York

As well as a ton of smaller venues in which to watch amateur basketball teams, street courts for hanging out with fellow ballers, and parks where families throng to shoot hoops, New York has two main stadiums for watching the pro games in the NBA.

Madison Square Garden

New York’s most famous venue, Madison Square Garden hosts a multitude of sporting, musical, and cultural shows every year. MSG is where the New York Knicks play their home games in front of nearly 20,000 fans. The thronged spectators bundled into the tight stands of the legendary space make for an intimate and electric atmosphere with a wall of sound that’s unique in the NBA.

Barclays Center

Home to the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA and New York Liberty of the WNBA, the Barclays Center is a marquee venue at which to watch basketball. With impressive sightlines, first-class facilities, a spectacular sound system, and giant video boards, the Barclays Center houses nearly 18,000 fans on game days who raise its famous green slanted roof.

Betting Responsibly on the NBA

Betting on the NBA can (and should) be an enjoyable pastime. However, some people develop problems with their gambling habits. Being aware of, and always following, the principles of responsible gambling will help avoid this.

There is a wealth of resources available for more information on responsible gambling but some of the main principles, plus hints, and tips to keep control of your betting are:

• Set a budget and only gamble what you can comfortably afford to lose. Monitoring your betting spend will help and all legal sportsbooks allow you to set deposit and wagering limits.

• Don’t chase losses. If you lose your budget then stop. 

• Be aware of how much time you spend gambling. Legal sportsbooks have tools to limit how much time you spend on their apps.

• Gambling is entertainment and don’t view it as a way to get rich. 

• Gambling can be emotional, but don’t use it as a way to overcome stress or depression. 

• Gambling can easily become a habit but there are ways to self-exclude if gambling is becoming a problem. Do this as soon as you recognize a problem.

• Don’t be afraid to speak to someone if gambling is becoming problematic. A good place to start is The National Problem Gambling Helpline which you can contact by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), by texting 800GAM, or by chat at 1800gamblerchat.org.

NBA Betting Apps & Wagering: Final Tips

1. Delve into and build on your own NBA betting resources

If you follow the NBA already, you probably already have a wealth of knowledge. As you follow a favorite NBA team or take in the season as a whole, build up a picture of how it’s all panning out. Supplement your knowledge bank with online resources.

2. Know the nuances of the NBA

Like all top sports, with basketball and the NBA, the season and postseason are chock full of trends, patterns, and certain elements that can be predicted or forecast to some extent.

For example, every year the NBA schedule is filled with back-to-back fixtures between teams meaning the previous game will give a good indication of how the one following shortly will take shape. Also, long road trips are common which can drain a team’s energy and morale, yet underdogs typically triumph in 30 to 40% of games.

There are many more NBA-specific tendencies and trends that you can identify and learn from. You can research more of these on NBA-focused websites, podcasts, and social media channels.

3. Go early or go late

Though each sportsbook that runs NBA markets operates its own timelines, there are certain cycles to take note of.

For example, you can identify undervalued underdogs and favorites early in the week before a game when the sportsbooks first set its odds. Lines will shift as public money pours in nearer tip-off time. If you’re betting the favorite you might want to go early as more people will get on them nearer gameday and that can squeeze the odds.

Be aware that injury news can emerge through the week though so you might want to limit your early wagers and save a budget for as and when new information comes to light. Track NBA line movements as a shift in the point spread gives you an indication of how the betting public but more importantly, oddsmakers and pro gamblers are consuming information and see a game going.

4. Look to the future

If you’re perusing the futures markets for who will win the championship, top-seeded sides consistently reign supreme come the season's end. Look out for player narratives too. 

The NBA is a star-laden league with big-name players attracting masses of column inches. The end-of-term player awards are voted for by industry insiders who will often make their choice based on the journey an individual has taken during a campaign and favor the most chaptered story.

5. Price Comparison is important

A starting point for NBA betting strategies should always be to shop the lines. That is to browse the odds on different markets at a sportsbook to identify value, and also compare prices at a variety of the top NBA betting sites.