What is point spread betting in basketball?

Point spread betting is a wager on the margin of victory. Bookmakers assign a handicap to level the playing field: the favourite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread (or win outright) and still cash.

How do I read NBA betting odds in the UK?

UK bookmakers typically display decimal format, where the number represents total return including stake. Odds of 1.91 mean a ten pound bet returns nineteen pounds ten pence. American odds appear as -110 or +110. The standard -110 converts to 1.91 decimal or roughly 10/11 fractional.

What does covering the spread mean?

Covering the spread means a team's performance beats their assigned handicap. A favourite covers by winning by more than the spread. An underdog covers by winning outright or losing by less than the spread. ATS (Against The Spread) records measure this spread performance.

What happens if the spread lands exactly on the number?

When the margin equals the spread exactly, it is called a push and your stake is returned with no profit or loss. Most spreads include half-points (like -6.5) to eliminate push scenarios. In accumulators, a pushed leg is removed and the parlay continues with remaining selections.

Does overtime count in NBA spread bets?

Yes, overtime counts in standard NBA spread bets unless stated otherwise. The final score after all overtime periods determines the outcome. Always verify specific rules with your bookmaker for proposition bets.

What is the difference between spread and handicap betting?

There is no functional difference. They are the same concept with different regional terminology. UK betting uses handicap while American sports betting says spread. The mechanics are identical: one team gives points, the other receives them.

How much is home court advantage worth in NBA betting?

The consensus baseline is 3.0 points, but this masks significant variation. Denver's altitude advantage pushes their edge to 4-5 points. Oklahoma City has demonstrated roughly 7 points over recent seasons. The betting edge comes from identifying matchups where the generic adjustment over or understates reality.

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