Best Online Basketball Betting Sites 2021

Top 10 basketball betting tips

If you want to place winning bets, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the game and knowledge of the teams and players. There are many different factors that can also influence the outcome of a basketball game or tournament. To get you started, here are our four top tips for placing a basketball bet.

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  1. Follow the “four factors”

  Basketball experts believe that careful study of four factors – shooting, turnovers, rebounds and free throws – can enable you to construct a reliable betting model. This involves some time and application, but it will also help you to predict the point spread of games and bet accordingly.

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  2. Check the schedule

  Look out for teams who are slated to play back-to-back games. If the team is in good form, their momentum could make them a good bet to win their next game. If they are on a losing streak, the quick turnaround could mean they are going to struggle again.

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  3. Don’t dismiss slower games

  When it comes to total points bets, most basketball fans want to see exciting, high-scoring matches and are likely to wager accordingly. That means the notional points total set by the sportsbook could be too high. If you foresee a closely-fought, low-scoring game, there will be some value in going under.

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  4. Know your distances

  If a team have to travel a long way for a match – especially with NBA matches if they have played very recently on the other side of the United States - fatigue may be a factor. Even if teams fly first-class, the physical strain of travelling such a long way may count against them when they take to the court.

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  5. Look out for injuries

  Injuries are key to keep track of. If a team doesn’t have their star players, then that could alter your predicted outcome. It’s also good to keep an eye on resting players. Some players will be ruled out well in advance, but other will be left as a ‘game-time decision’.

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  6. Watch for big line moves

  Public participation can often sway betting lines. If one team has a lot of hype and press around them, then the public might bet more in the team’s favor. A betting site’s odds will quickly adjust to reflect this, potentially creating value for the underdog. Perfect timing to jump on moving lines has been known to help maximize profits!

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  7. Know referee tendencies

  The official enforces the rules of a basketball game. Though they shouldn’t influence the outcome of your wager, sometimes it can help to understand their style. Certain officials call lots of fouls while others are more inclined to let the team play. Knowing the referee’s tendencies can help shape your decision.

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  8. Shop around for the best odds

  Shopping for lines is the process of checking multiple sportsbooks for the best odds. The better the odds, the bigger the overall profit will be. It’s a simple tip but one that can really maximize your payout. The easiest way to do this is to simply hold an account with multiple sports betting sites.

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  9. Don’t bet with your heart

  Everybody has their favorite team. When it comes to basketball betting, be sure to bet with your head and not your heart. Look past emotions and try to make an informed betting decision based solely on research.

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  10. Know your numbers

  It goes without saying, the most important rule of basketball betting is managing your bankroll. The NBA is a long season, so it’s not wise to try and bet on every single game. Budget how much you want to spend and highlight the key games you’re interested in.