NBA Rules
A review of the basic rules of the NBA is needed to help plan your… Read more
Here’s what you need to know before you start betting on NBA
- Legal overview on Betting on NBA in NJ
- Learn about the various types of NBA Lines
- Why Comparing NBA Odds matters
- How to recognize a great NBA Bookmaker
- Bet on the go – Mobile betting on NBA
Legal overview on Betting on NBA in New Jersey
The only requirement to bet on the NBA in the state of New Jersey is to be 21 years of age or older. Other than that, the state has no restrictions.
With practice, you will be able to spot an edge in recent scoring trends. You’ll be able to perform a comparative analysis of the key scoring and rebound stats. Over the course of the long season, you will learn to spot the most reliable NBA betting chances.
Type of NBA BETTING LINES
NBA MAIN BASKETBALL BETS
NBA POINT SPREAD BETTING
Point spreads are bets that assign additional points to both teams. The number next to the favorite acts as the margin of points they must win by, while the underdog’s number serves as additional points that add on to their total.
Let’s say the Nets are -3.5 point favorites in their matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Pacers would be +3.5 point underdogs in this case. The only way Brooklyn can cover the spread is by winning the game by 4 or more points. Otherwise, the Lakers would win the spread.
NBA MONEYLINE BETTING
Sports bettors love betting the money line due to its ease and simplicity. For these bets, all you need to do is bet the team you think will win, and if they do, your bet is wins!
For instance, if the Nets were -165 favorites in a matchup against the Pacers, Indiana would be a +140 underdog. This indicates that a $165 wager on the Nets would win $100, while for the Pacers, a $100 bet would win $240 in profits.
NBA TOTAL OVER/UNDER BETTING
Another fan favorite bet is the Over/Under total. To win one of these bets, you must correctly bet on a game’s combined final score being “over” or “under” the bookmaker’s listed total.
Let’s say the total is set at 232.5 in a game between the Nets and Pacers. All bets placed on the over will win if the combined total is 233 or higher, while those who bet the under will be victorious if the score is 232 or less.
NBA FUTURE BETS
NBA CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER
NBA Championship futures have the lowest chance of winning, but they do offer the best payouts. These bets are a great option for bettors who like taking their chances and aren’t afraid of losing.
The league’s current favorites to win the NBA Championship, according to BETMGM; are the Brooklyn Nets (+225), LA Lakers (+325), LA Clippers (+600) & Bucks (+800).
DIVISIONAL OUTRIGHTS
Of all the Championship futures, Divisional winners present the most favorites, since only five teams are competing. At the start of the 2021 season, the Brooklyn Nets (-200) were favorites to win the Atlantic division with BETMGM.
Prices on divisions are usually updated every night by sportsbooks.
CONFERENCE OUTRIGHTS
Betting on the NBA Conference Champions will yield better odds compared to Super Bowl futures. This is because winning an NBA Championship requires four more victories, not to mention against a top 4 NBA team who’s also hungry for a title.
With BETMGM, the Western Conference’s current favorites are the Los Angeles Lakers (+130), and the LA Clippers (+275). Following them are the Utah Jazz (+400) & Denver Nuggets (+1300).
The Eastern Conference’s current favorites are the Brooklyn Nets (+125), & the Milwaukee Bucks (+300). Following them are the 76ers (+500) & Boston (+1100).
NBA PLAYER PROPS
OVER/UNDER PLAYER PROPS
Most player props are formatted with Over/Under totals representing the predicted total of a specific stat at the end of the game. To win one of these over/under props, you must bet the correct side of the total.
- PLAYER POINTS
Betting on player points is one of the most common ways to bet on player props. High-end players like Kevin Durant typically see point totals set between 25-30 points.
- PLAYER ASSIST
Player assists are another popular type of prop bet. Some of the game’s best playmakers, such as Kyrie Irving, can reach assist totals in the 7-10 range.
- PLAYER REBOUNDS
Big-time rebounders like Joel Embiid will also see rebound totals in the range of 10-13.
- PLAYER 3 POINTERS
Many sportsbooks also offer player props for 3 pointers made. The best perimeter shooters often fetch totals between 2-4.
- PLAYER TOTAL STEALS
Some bookies also offer prop bets on steals. The league’s best defensive players rarely see their totals set higher than 1 or 2.
- PLAYER TOTAL FOULS
Players also have props for how many fouls they will commit. For each game, players are allowed 5 fouls, with the 6th yielding an ejection.
- PLAYER TOTAL TURNOVERS
Turnovers are another betting option for player props. The totals for these bets are generally in the 2-4 range.
MONEYLINE PLAYER PROPS
For these props, bookies use money line odds instead of the over/under format used for the player props listed above. These props are less common, but you’ll see a much wider variety of odds, including favorites and underdogs of all sizes.
- Player Double-Double
The odds for double-double props will vary based on the player. Regardless, even the NBA’s best players will yield decent underdog odds.
- Player Triple-Double
Triple-Double props will payout even more than double-doubles. For game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals, bookmakers offered +215 odds for Lebron James scoring a triple-double, while Miami’s Jimmy Butler received +600 odds to complete the same feat.
BETTING ON NBA AWARDS
MVP – MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
The current favorite to win the NBA’s Regular Season MVP award in 2021 is Lakeshow LeBron James (+160).
Nuggets Nikola Jokic (+220) is closed second, following them are Philadelphia center Joel Embiid (+650) & Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (+1200). Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (+1,500) is currently priced seventh favorite.
ROTY – ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
BETMGM has 3rd overall pick LaMelo Ball (-555) as the short favorite to win this year’s Rookie of the Year award.
Following him is Sacramento Kings’ Tyrese Haliburton (+550) who is priced 2nd best, following him is shooting guard Anthony Edwards (+900).
MIP – MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Prior to the start of the 2020/21 season, bookies had Houston’s Christian Marquise Wood as the favorite to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
Right now Rockets Jerami Grant (-200) is priced as favorite to win the award with BETMGM. Following him is Julius Randle (+225), Chris Wood (+1200), & Jalen Brown (+1400).
NBA PARLAY BETTING
For betters looking for high payouts, this is an attractive type of bet. A parlay is basically wagering on a group of bets to all be successful. If any of the bets lose, so does the parlay.
Live NBA Betting – Where to bet Live on NBA
Live betting is offered for gamblers who aren’t able to place bets prior to the start of the game.
These odds are updated so rapidly that some bettors are unable to place their bets in time! However, one benefit that can be taken away from live betting is the possibility of encountering valuable odds lines.
Why comparing NBA ODDS matters
Many sportsbooks will offer different odds than others for specific games. To take full advantage of your winnings, it’s smart to compare all the odds lines bookies are offering.
For instance, -200 favorites can usually be found around -180 if you compare all your options.
NBA Favorites vs. Underdogs
When betting on the NBA, you’ll often hear terms like “Favorites” and “Underdogs.” Each game, bookies must decide which team is the favorite and which is the underdog.
For example, the Nets were +425 underdogs in game one of their 1st round playoff matchup against the Raptors, who were -550 favorites.
MARCH MADNESS 2021 BETTING ODDS
In New Jersey, gamblers are only able to bet on NCAAB teams that aren’t within the state lines. Additionally, this applies to New Jersey schools whenever they play outside the state.
Despite this, the College betting market is very popular in New Jersey. The likes of 888sport, offer promotions on MARCH MADNESS betting markets for new customers.
The promotion is valid until December 31st, 2022 • You may only participate in the Promotion once per Event. • The maximum portion of the Qualifying Bet that will receive the Odds Boost is $10; any portion of the stake placed which is greater than $10 will be paid out at the usual odds provided. • All withdrawals are subject to the terms of our Withdrawal Policy. •
How to recognize a great NBA Bookmaker
The license they hold means safety
For maximum security of your funds, the best option is to use a licensed sportsbook. Despite some bookies operating without licenses, it’s much safer to go with an authorized sportsbook.
Bonuses and promotions tailored to NBA betting
One of the ways bookies stay competitive is by offering bonuses.
These deals help acquire new customers and keep existing clients active. You never know who’s offering the best bonus, so it’s always wise to weigh your options before deciding
Margins they provide on NBA odds
Depending on the game, some bookies will have different odds than others. To take advantage of the best odds, it’s a good idea to sign up with multiple sportsbooks.
Variety of betting lines
The very best sportsbooks offer a wide selection of betting lines.
The most common lines you’ll find are money lines, over/under totals, and point spreads. Props and futures are a bit tougher to find.
Easy to use interface
Top-quality bookmakers usually have the best user interfaces.
Before you sign up, we recommend checking out a few options to see if any catch your attention.
Variety of Payment Methods accepted
The best bookmakers tend to offer the most payment methods as well. Standard methods you should expect to find are Credit/Debit Cards, Cryptocurrency, E-Wallets (Paypal, Skrill, etc.), and Bank Transfers.
Multiple Customer support channels
One of the most important traits of being a top bookmaker is customer support.
You never know when you’ll need them, so it’s nice to have a reliable team at your service. The best customer service teams should be able to resolve issues within 10-15 minutes.