Sport Betting

Basketball betting offers a mix of strategy, fast-moving gameplay, and diverse betting markets, making it a favourite in sports betting. Whether it’s the NBA, EuroLeague, or international FIBA tournaments, betting on basketball opens up opportunities to analyse stats, predict game trends, and place well-timed wagers.

At 7bet, you’ll find comprehensive basketball betting markets, competitive odds, and live in-play betting, giving you flexibility in how and when you bet. Whether you're backing a title-winning team or placing player-specific bets, our platform provides everything needed for an engaging experience.

Key Basketball Betting Markets

Basketball betting is more than just predicting the match winner. Various betting markets allow you to focus on different aspects of the game, from individual player performances to total team points. Here are some of the most popular basketball bets:

Match Winner

A straightforward bet where you predict which team will win the game. This is the most common form of basketball betting and is available in every professional league.

Point Spreads (Handicap Betting)

Point spreads level the playing field between teams of different strengths. If a favourite team is given a -6.5 spread, they must win by at least seven points for the bet to win. Conversely, if an underdog is given a +6.5 spread, they need to lose by six or fewer points or win outright for a bet on them to succeed.

Total Points (Over/Under Betting)

This bet focuses on the combined number of points scored by both teams in a game. If the total is set at 210.5, you can bet on whether the final score will be over or under that number.

Player Performance Bets

Rather than betting on a team, you can focus on an individual player’s stats, such as:

Total Points: Predict how many points a specific player will score.
Assists: Wager on how many assists a player will provide.
Rebounds: Bet on whether a player will secure over or under a set number of rebounds.

Half-Time & Quarter Bets

Basketball betting isn’t limited to full-time results. You can place bets on individual quarters or halves, predicting outcomes such as:

Which team will be leading at half-time
Whether the first quarter total points will be over or under a specific number
The margin of victory in specific quarters

These markets offer shorter-term betting opportunities during a game, appealing to those who prefer quick results.

Understanding Basketball Odds

Basketball odds are presented in fractional, decimal, or American formats, and understanding them is key to making informed bets.

Fractional Odds (e.g., 5/2): Common in the UK, these indicate potential profit relative to the stake. A £10 bet at 5/2 would return £25 profit plus the stake.
Decimal Odds (e.g., 3.50): Found in most international markets, these show the total payout per £1 wagered. A £10 bet at 3.50 would return £35 total (£25 profit + £10 stake).
American Odds (e.g., +200 or -150): Used in US sportsbooks, positive numbers (+200) indicate the potential profit on a £100 bet, while negative numbers (-150) indicate how much must be wagered to win £100.

If you’re new to basketball betting, decimal odds are often the easiest to understand at a glance.

Live Betting on Basketball

Basketball is an ideal sport for live betting, as games can change rapidly due to momentum shifts, player substitutions, and tactical adjustments. Live basketball betting lets you react to what’s happening in real-time, with markets such as:

Next Team to Score – Predict which team will score next.
Updated Point Spreads – Odds adjust based on current game performance.
Live Over/Under Bets – As the game progresses, new totals are set for wagering.
Live Player Prop Bets – Adjust wagers on player stats like points or rebounds mid-game. This betting option is only available for NBA live betting.

If a key player gets into foul trouble, their impact on the game may decrease, affecting team performance. Live betting allows you to adapt your strategy based on real-time events rather than just pre-match predictions.

Betting Responsibly

1. Research Team Form

Looking at recent team performances can provide valuable insights. Are they on a winning streak? Have they struggled against strong defensive teams? Stats such as field goal percentage, three-point accuracy, and turnovers can influence betting decisions.

2. Monitor Injuries & Suspensions

Basketball teams rely heavily on star players. If a leading scorer or key defender is out due to injury or suspension, the dynamics of a match can shift significantly. Always check injury reports before placing bets.

3. Understand Home & Away Performance

Some teams perform better at home due to crowd support, while others excel on the road. Understanding home and away form can help predict upsets and unexpected results.

4. Consider Pace of Play

Teams have different playing styles - some play fast-paced, high-scoring games, while others focus on defensive control. This can impact over/under bets, particularly on total points.

Get Started with Basketball Betting

At 7bet, we provide basketball betting markets for leagues worldwide, covering everything from NBA playoffs to EuroLeague regular seasons. Whether you prefer pre-match bets or live in-play markets, you’ll find competitive odds and a streamlined betting experience.

Explore our basketball betting options and start placing informed wagers with 7bet.

Basketball betting at 7bet provides access to global leagues, competitive odds, and live betting markets. Whether betting on the NBA Finals, EuroLeague playoffs, or international tournaments, understanding betting markets and odds can help you make informed decisions.

Explore 7bet’s basketball betting platform and start placing your wagers with confidence.

How do point spreads work in basketball betting?

Point spreads are designed to balance the odds between two teams, especially when one team is heavily favoured to win. A point spread assigns a handicap to the favourite and an advantage to the underdog.

For example, if a team is -6.5, they must win by at least seven points for the bet to be successful. If they win by six or fewer points, or lose, the bet doesn’t win. Conversely, if a team is +6.5, they can lose by six or fewer points or win outright for the bet to be a winner.

If the final score lands exactly on the spread, this results in a push, meaning the original stake is refunded. Many bettors prefer spread betting because it keeps wagers competitive, even in uneven matchups.

Can I place bets during a basketball game?

Yes, live betting allows you to place wagers as the game is happening, reacting to real-time developments. 7bet offers a wide range of in-play markets, including:

Next Team to Score – Predict which team will score the next basket.
Updated Point Spreads – As the game progresses, spreads adjust based on performance.
Live Over/Under Bets – Betting lines change based on scoring trends.
Player Performance Markets – Wager on updated odds for points, assists, and rebounds.

Live betting requires quick decision-making since odds fluctuate rapidly based on momentum shifts. If a team is on a scoring run, their odds to win may shorten, while the trailing team’s odds may lengthen. For those who follow game trends closely, in-play betting offers opportunities to find value odds.

What is an over/under bet in basketball?

An over/under bet (also called a total points bet) is when you bet on the total number of points scored in a game, rather than which team wins. Sportsbooks set a predetermined number, and you wager on whether the final combined score will be over or under that amount.

For example, if the total is set at 210.5 points:

A bet on the over wins if the combined points exceed 210.5.
A bet on the under wins if the final total is 210 or fewer points.

Several factors influence over/under betting, including team pace, three-point shooting accuracy, and defensive efficiency. Teams that play at a fast pace tend to score more, while defensive-minded teams often produce lower-scoring games.

Do different leagues have different betting rules?

Yes, basketball leagues have slight variations in rules and betting markets, which can affect how wagers are settled. Some key differences include:

NBA Betting – Overtime counts toward most bets, including point spreads and totals.
EuroLeague & FIBA – Some sportsbooks exclude overtime from certain bet types.
College Basketball (NCAA) – Typically lower-scoring than the NBA, which can affect over/under bets.
Asian & International Leagues – Some leagues allow bets on quarters and halves separately, with different settlement rules.

If you’re betting on international basketball or tournaments, always check how betting rules apply, particularly regarding overtime and player performance bets.

What are player prop bets in basketball?

Player prop bets (proposition bets) focus on individual player performances rather than game outcomes. These bets cover a range of statistics, including:

Total Points Scored – Predict whether a player will score over or under a set number of points.
Assists & Rebounds – Wager on the number of assists or rebounds a player will record.
Three-Pointers Made – Bet on whether a player will hit a certain number of three-pointers.
Double-Double / Triple-Double Bets – Predict whether a player will record double digits in two or three stat categories.

Player props are great for bettors who analyse individual matchups, such as a team facing a weak defence that allows a high number of points in the paint or three-pointers.

How do basketball accumulators work?

A basketball accumulator (acca) combines multiple selections into a single bet, increasing potential winnings. However, for the bet to succeed, all selections must win.

For example, an acca might include:

Lakers to win
Over 215.5 points in the Celtics vs. Bulls game
Giannis Antetokounmpo to score over 27.5 points
Denver Nuggets -4.5 on the spread

If all four bets win, the payout is calculated based on combined odds, significantly increasing returns compared to single bets. However, one incorrect selection loses the entire accumulator.

Accumulators are popular for those looking to maximise odds while taking on more risk. Some sportsbooks offer acca insurance, which refunds bets if one leg loses.

Key Considerations When Betting on Basketball

There is no guaranteed way to win in basketball betting. However, staying informed and approaching bets with care may help some people feel more in control of how they place their bets. Some key considerations before betting include:

1. Track Team & Player Form
Recent team performances provide valuable insights. Look at field goal percentages, three-point accuracy, and rebounding stats to assess strengths and weaknesses.

2. Analyse Matchups & Playing Styles
Some teams excel at fast-paced, high-scoring games, while others focus on defensive play. Understanding how teams match up helps when betting on totals and spreads.

3. Monitor Injury Reports & Roster Changes
Missing key players can drastically affect performance. If a star player is out, backup players must step up, which may impact scoring trends and defensive matchups.

4. Consider Home vs. Away Performance
Teams often perform better at home, where they’re comfortable, and struggle on the road. Checking home/away records can provide insight into betting on match winners and spreads.

5. Manage Your Bankroll
Avoid chasing losses and bet within your budget. Sticking to a structured staking plan, such as flat betting (betting the same amount each time), can help with long-term betting discipline.

6. Use Live Betting to Find Value
Basketball is a fast-paced sport, and in-play odds fluctuate based on momentum. Spotting opportunities when a team is on a scoring run or struggling defensively can help find value bets.

A mix of research, strategy, and patience is key to sensible basketball betting.

Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org