How to Read NBA Odds: Moneylines, Spreads and Totals
Sportsbook screens look intimidating, but every NBA line comes down to three bet types and one piece of math. The examples below use made-up numbers to show how the odds work.
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American odds in one minute
- Negative odds (e.g. -150) show how much you must stake to win $100. At -150, a $150 bet returns $100 profit plus your $150 stake.
- Positive odds (e.g. +130) show how much a $100 bet wins. At +130, a $100 bet returns $130 profit plus your stake.
- The favorite has the minus sign and the underdog has the plus sign.
Converting odds to implied probability
Implied probability is the win chance the price suggests. It is the most useful number on the screen.
- Negative odds:
odds / (odds + 100), using the number without the minus sign. -150 → 150 / 250 = 60%. - Positive odds:
100 / (odds + 100). +130 → 100 / 230 = 43.5%.
If you think a team's real chance of winning is higher than the implied probability, the price may be worth a look. If not, it isn't.
The three main NBA bets
1. Moneyline
Pick the team that wins the game outright, including overtime. Example: Knicks -150, opponent +130. A Knicks win pays at -150; an upset pays at +130.
2. Point spread
The spread levels the field. If the Knicks are -4.5, they must win by 5 or more for a Knicks spread bet to win. The opponent at +4.5 wins the bet if they win outright or lose by 4 or fewer. Spreads are usually priced near -110 on both sides. With a whole-number spread such as -4, a 4-point margin is a push and stakes are refunded.
3. Total (over/under)
Bet on the combined score of both teams. If the total is 220.5, the over wins at 221 or more combined points and the under wins at 220 or fewer. Overtime counts unless the sportsbook's rules say otherwise.
The vig: why the house wins over time
When both sides of a spread are priced at -110, each side implies 52.4%. Together they add up to about 104.8%, not 100%. That extra margin is the vig (or juice): the sportsbook's built-in edge. To break even at -110 you have to win about 52.4% of your bets, which is why most bettors lose money over the long run.
Other bets you'll see
- Player props: over/under on a player's points, rebounds, assists or threes.
- Quarter and half lines: spreads and totals for a single quarter or half.
- Live (in-game) betting: odds that update during the game. Prices move fast, and so do mistakes.
- Futures: season-long bets such as division winner, conference winner or NBA champion. Your money is tied up for months, and the margins are usually larger.
- Parlays: several bets combined into one. Every leg must win. The payout is bigger, but the sportsbook's edge compounds with each leg you add.
Line movement
Lines move when sportsbooks take uneven action or when news breaks, such as injuries or rest decisions. NBA lines can shift sharply after a team posts its injury report. Comparing prices across licensed books is the simplest way to avoid paying more than you need to.
Betting responsibly
- Set a budget before you start, and treat it as money spent on entertainment.
- Never chase losses or bet money you need for bills.
- Use the deposit limits, time limits and self-exclusion tools that licensed sportsbooks are required to offer.
- Only use sportsbooks licensed in your state. In New York, mobile sports betting has been legal since January 2022 and the minimum age is 21.
- Need help? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. New York residents can also reach the HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).