The list of prop bets offered by sportsbooks for NBA games is more extensive that just about any other sport and can really take your wagering experience to a whole new level. Prop bets or ‘propositions’ are bets placed on specific milestones and moments that take place during the course of an NBA game.
NBA prop bets can focus on statistical elements of the game such as how many points, rebounds or assists an individual player will get, as well as different milestones such as the first team to score a basket or which team will lead at certain intervals in the game.
For those NBA bettors who appreciate the more intricate details of an NBA game, diving into the world of prop bets is like a slam dunk. It’s an enjoyable way to bury yourself in things such as matchups between a player who is an offensive juggernaut and a lockdown defender, as well as the different game plans and playing styles likely to be used by different teams.
With a bit of time spent on research, the plethora of options available seems like an endless stream of ways to make money. Most prop bets are over/under totals, yes/no propositions or specific events such as the first team to score a run during the game. For help reading NBA prop odds be sure to check out our Bet Basics guide to understanding NBA odds.
Once you’re clear on how to understand different types of odds, it’s time to switch you attention to understanding the different types of prop bets at your disposal.
NBA PLAYER PROP BETS
NBA player props usually relate to different individual player statistical categories and key moments during the game. Some NBA player prop bets will allow you to pick a head-to-head matchup between two players from opposing teams and select which player you think will perform better in that particular statistical category. A few of the different types of NBA player prop bets include:
- Total player points (over/under)
- Total player assists (over/under)
- Total player rebounds (over/under)
- Total player points, assists, rebounds combined (over/under)
- Most points (player vs player)
- Most assists (player vs player)
- Most rebounds (player vs player)
- Player to score first basket
As an example, a bettor might wager on the total player points, assists, rebounds combined for an individual like Milwaukee Bucks reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The sportsbook might set Antetokounmpo‘s over/under line for this particular game 44.5, meaning if you believe he will register a combined total of points, assists, rebounds of 45 or more, you’d wager over. If you believe it’ll be 44 or less, you’d wager under.
In circumstances such as this, doing some research and being across the latest news can be crucial. For example, if Antetokounmpo’s high-scoring teammate Keri’s Middleton is ruled out of the clash late due to injury, then more of the scoring responsibility is likely to fall on Antetokounmpo, which might make it wise to wager on the over 44.5 line set by the sportsbook.
The exciting thing about betting on the NBA is that wall-to-wall coverage of the league and it’s star players makes it easier to find all the statistical data and news you need to make informed decisions for your prop bets. Checking out our Bet Basics NBA lobby is a great way to make sure you’re across this.
NBA TEAM PROP BETS
NBA team props are a unique avenue for wagering on NBA games that are more dynamic in nature than regular moneyline, spread and totals bets. Some of the more popular types of NBA team prop bets include, but are not limited to:
- Team to score the first basket
- Over/under points totals for each quarter/half
- Over/under total number of three-pointers made in the game
- Will there be overtime?
- Will the first field goal be made?
- Will there be a fourth quarter comeback?
DID YOU KNOW?
The NBA record for most three-point field goals made in a game was set by the Milwaukee Bucks on December 30, 2020. The Bucks drained a whopping 29 shots from beyond the arc in a 144-97 victory over the Miami Heat.
If you’re eager to dive into the world of NBA prop betting, the team at Bet Basics recommends having accounts with multiple sportsbooks so you to maximise the options available to you. Among the top sportsbooks for NBA prop betting recommended by the team Bet Basics are BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, 888sport and Bet365. Check out our full list of Bet Basics list of 100% licensed and regulated legal sportsbooks.