NBA betting typically uses American odds, which indicate how much money you can win from a bet. Understanding these odds helps you know your potential payout and risk:
Knowing how to read these odds helps you quickly calculate your potential returns when wagering on the NBA, making your betting decisions clearer and easier.
Basketball player props allow you to focus on specific aspects of a player’s performance instead of who wins a game straight up. The following sections break down the best NBA player props available for games throughout the year:
Points scored props let you wager on how many points an NBA player will score in a specific game. Sportsbooks set an over/under line and you decide if the player will get more (over) or fewer (under) points than that total.
For example, in an NBA Championship matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls, a sportsbook might offer the following:
If you wager $115 on Curry to get over 27.5 and he scores 28 or more, you win $100 in profit, totaling $215 returned. If Curry scores 27 or fewer against Chicago, the wager fails.
These NBA player props focus on betting how many rebounds a player will grab during a game. Sportsbooks set a line and sports fans wager on whether the player’s actual count will be over or under that number.
For example, in a game featuring the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, a player prop betting option might look like this:
If you place a $120 bet on Davis to grab over 11.5 rebounds and he secures 12 or more, you’ll earn a profit of $100, totaling a $220 return. If he finishes with 11 or fewer rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs, your bet would lose.
Assist props allow you to wager on how many assists a player will record in a game. Sportsbooks provide an over/under line and you choose if the player’s assists will be above or below that number.
For example, in a matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns, a sportsbook may list:
If you bet $110 on Dončić to get over 8.5 assists, you’d earn a $100 profit ($210 total) if he records 9 or more. If he finishes with 8 or fewer, the wager would not hit.
These NBA player props involve wagering on how many three-pointer shots a player will make in a game. The sportsbook sets an over/under total and bettors decide whether the player’s actual made three-pointers will exceed or fall short of this line.
For example, in a match between the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards, a sportsbook could list:
Betting $100 on Herro to hit more than 3.5 threes would win $120 profit ($220 total return) if he makes at least four. If he makes three or fewer against the opponent, the bet loses.
Combined statistics props allow you to wager on a player’s total performance across multiple categories, usually points, rebounds and assists (often labeled PRA). For these player props, online sportsbooks set a combined over/under line and you bet whether the player’s cumulative stats will exceed or fall short of that number.
For instance, during a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers, you might see:
If you wager $115 on Williams to surpass 45.5 total PRA combined, you’d win $100 profit ($215 total return) if his combined stats reach 46 or more. If his total is 45 or fewer, then the bet won’t hit.
Full-season props focus on a player’s cumulative performance over an entire season, offering long-term wagering opportunities. These bets cover statistical achievements and milestone projections leading up to the NBA Championship game
Full-season player props are ideal for sports fans who want to invest in player outcomes over the long haul, tying their wagers to consistent performance across the entire year of NBA action.
Parlay props combine multiple props into a single wager, increasing the potential payout while also raising the risk. All selections within the parlay must win for the bet to cash. These bets are popular among NBA fans looking to tie several player or game outcomes together in one ticket.
A common version of this is the same-game parlay, where you stack multiple props from a single NBA matchup. For example, in a matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, you might combine the following into an NBA same-game parlay:
If all three game options happen, the parlay pays out at significantly boosted odds compared to betting each prop individually. However, if just one leg misses, then the entire bet is void. Same-game parlays offer a high-reward format for fans confident in their analysis and player projections.
Beyond player-focused props, prop betting includes options tied to team and game performance. These markets allow fans to explore broader outcomes and strategic angles. The following sections outline these additional betting markets, highlighting their unique features and appeal:
Game props are bets on specific events or outcomes during an NBA game, separate from individual player stats. These wagers cover situations like total points in a quarter, the team to reach a certain point total first or whether overtime will occur. Odds vary based on team styles, head-to-head matchups and historical data.
For example, in a matchup between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, you may find the following odds for whether or not the game will go into overtime:
If you place an initial stake of $100 on “Yes,” you’d win $900 profit ($1,000 total return) if the game goes into overtime. If it ends in regulation, the bet fails.
Team props involve wagers on specific team-based outcomes independent of the game’s final result. These props include total points scored by one team, total rebounds, 3PMs or margin of victory. Odds vary based on recent team performance, playing style and matchups.
For example, in a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, a sportsbook might offer:
A $110 wager on the Clippers scoring more than 114.5 returns a $100 profit ($210 total) if they get at least 115. If they get 114 or fewer against their opponent, then the bet won’t hit.
Placing prop wagers involves a few simple steps. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth betting experience for this popular league:
By following these steps, you can efficiently place NBA wagers and enhance your overall sports betting experience.
Maximize your success with basketball props by using these tips and strategies:
By applying these strategies, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success when betting on props.
Props offer an exciting and dynamic way to engage with the National Basketball League, focusing on individual player performances and unique game outcomes. By combining research, strategy and the right betting tools and resources, sports fans can maximize their potential success.
Prop bets in the NBA include overtime unless otherwise specified. The final results after any overtime periods will typically be used by most major sportsbooks to settle all bets, including player performance and team-specific outcomes.
The best sportsbook for NBA player props is DraftKings Sportsbook. It offers a wide variety of NBA player prop options and customizable bet features, making it a top choice for NBA bettors looking for diverse wagering opportunities. Other top options include FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook.
If you place an NBA player prop and the player does not play, the bet is typically voided and your wager is refunded. The specifics can depend on the specific online sportsbook’s rules, so it is important to review their policies.
“Over/under” in NBA game props refers to a bet where you predict whether a specific statistic (e.g., total points scored by a player or team) will be over or under an amount set by the sportsbook oddsmakers. It is a wager on the performance relative to the bookmaker’s prediction.
Most NBA games go under, as sharper bettors tend to back the under more often than not. The majority of the betting public usually prefers to take the over, inflating the number. The over just about edges it by the smallest of margins.