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In the midst of substantial industry growth, American bettors now face a challenging dilemma. Choosing between the array of premier NBA basketball betting sites in today’s dynamic sports betting arena is, without a doubt, a very intricate challenge.
A wide range of fully accredited online sportsbooks offer what seems like a limitless selection of betting possibilities for each NBA matchup, transforming the decision-making process into a rather complex task. The American bettor is now just a few clicks away from getting competitive NBA odds for an extensive catalog of betting markets that cover even the most intricate events of an NBA game.
Our team of NBA betting aficionados has meticulously assessed each NBA betting site and NBA betting app with thorough scrutiny, aiming to streamline the huge selection into a fine collection of the top NBA betting sites and help you with everything you need to know about placing bets on the NBA.
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What is the NBA?
The NBA, or National Basketball Association, is a professional basketball league in the United States. The NBA is the most elite professional basketball competition worldwide and home to some of the most valuable sports franchises.
History of the league and structure
The NBA is a league with an unbelievably rich history. From its humble beginning in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) to its evolution into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949 to becoming the current cross-cultural sports phenomenon, the league has journeyed through dynamic eras.
From the iconic battles of legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to the electrifying dunks of Julius Erving, the airtime magic of Michael Jordan, Kobe’s Mamba Mentality, the Reign of King LeBron James and the three-point revolution led by Steph Curry, the NBA never stopped being an ever-evolving masterpiece.
The league now features 30 NBA teams divided into two conferences known as the Eastern and the Western conference, with each conference being divided into three divisions. Here are all the teams currently competing in the NBA.
Eastern Conference
| Atlantic Division | Central Division | Southeast Division |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Chicago Bulls | Atlanta Hawks |
| Brooklyn Nets | Cleveland Cavaliers | Charlotte Hornets |
| New York Knicks | Detroit Pistons | Miami Heat |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Indiana Pacers | Orlando Magic |
| Toronto Raptors | Milwaukee Bucks | Washington Wizards |
Western Conference
| Northwest Division | Pacific Division | Southwest Division |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | Golden State Warriors | Dallas Mavericks |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | LA Clippers | Houston Rockets |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Los Angeles Lakers | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Phoenix Suns | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Utah Jazz | Sacramento Kings | San Antonio Spurs |
Competition format and schedule
The battle for the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy is long-lasting, and it spans from early October to mid June. This is the usual NBA yearly schedule:
- NBA Preseason – The NBA preseason is a warm-up period before the regular season starts. Teams play a few games to prepare, test strategies, and evaluate new players. It’s like a practice run before the real games begin. The NBA preseason typically occurs in early October, a few weeks before the regular season begins. Nearly all NBA preseason games are available for betting at the best online NBA sportsbooks and NBA betting apps.
- NBA Regular Season – The NBA regular season spans from October to April, during which each team plays 82 games. Teams face opponents within their own conference and division more frequently. They also play games against teams from the opposite conference.
- NBA Playoffs – The NBA playoffs are a later stage of the competition where the top eight teams from each conference, based on their regular season performance, compete in a series of elimination rounds. The format of the playoffs is best-of-seven series, culminating in the conference finals.
- NBA Finals – The NBA Finals is the grand culmination of the basketball season, pitting the Eastern and Western Conference champions against each other in a captivating best-of-seven series. The team that wins four out of the seven games takes home the prestigious Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
NBA Awards
The NBA offers numerous awards that honor outstanding individual achievements and contributions to the basketball world – which also provide extensive betting opportunities. Here are the most prominent ones.
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Given to the player considered most crucial for their team’s success in the regular season.
- NBA Finals MVP – Given to the player who demonstrates exceptional performance and influence throughout the NBA Finals series.
- Defensive Player of the Year – Presented to the player who stands out in defensive abilities and makes the highest impact on their team’s defensive performance.
- Rookie of the Year: Awarded to the best-performing first-year player.
- Sixth Man of the Year – Awarded to the best-performing player coming off the bench as a substitute.
- Most Improved Player – Awarded to the player who displays the most improvement in their performance from the previous season.
- Coach of the Year – Presented to the head coach who has made the most notable contributions to their team’s achievements.
5 Best NBA Betting Sites 2023
With the assortment of options at their fingertips in today’s expansive betting landscape, bettors can delve into a variety of fully licensed NBA online betting sites, offering an extensive selection of betting opportunities for every NBA game. Here are our top five choices when it comes to finding the best NBA online betting site.
🥇#1. DraftKings
For NBA enthusiasts in over 20 states across the US, DraftKings stands as the NBA betting haven. This NBA basketball betting site offers exceptional coverage, super-enticing NBA odds, and a cutting-edge mobile app through which NBA bettors can effortlessly craft Same-Game Parlays, place live bets, compare NBA lines, or relish NBA action in real time through impeccable live streaming.
With the New Customer match deposit bonus of up to $1,000, choosing DraftKings as your best NBA betting site is a wise decision for anyone starting their NBA betting journey now.
🥈 #2. BetMGM
With a wide range of NBA markets, competitive odds for games from both the regular season and the playoffs and numerous live betting options, BetMGM caters to both seasoned NBA betting veterans and NBA betting rookies.
Renowned for its stellar reputation, the platform provides customers a safe and enjoyable betting experience through its user-friendly interface, security methods, and reliable customer support. It also boasts a welcome offer that gets each new customer up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
Basketball bettors at BetMGM can bet on and live stream NBA games seamlessly through its web platform and mobile app and enjoy the plethora of exciting features and ongoing promotions.
🥉#3. FanDuel
With a flawlessly working mobile app, an appealing Welcome Offer granting $1,000 in Bonus Bets, and a massive catalog of NBA betting types, FanDuel is enhancing the NBA betting thrill even further.
Alongside the sweeping NBA game coverage, NBA bettors at FanDuel enjoy a wide variety of bonuses and promotions that can be used for betting on NBA games, enhanced odds during the most significant NBA playoff games, and the possibility to place live bets on every NBA game.
🎖️ #4. Caesars Sportsbook
With its rich assortment of niche NBA betting markets, highly competitive odds for the most heated NBA rivalries, and a reliable platform with a user-friendly interface, Caesars Sportsbook is a stellar choice for plenty of NBA betting enthusiasts.
Despite the spotlight being on the Caesars Rewards loyalty program, there’s also a substantial welcome offer that can get each new user a 100% match on their first bet up to $1,250. The welcome offer bonus applies to NBA games, and you can use it as a protective cushion for your first NBA wager.
🏅 #5. PointsBet
Thanks to its commitment to responsible gambling and an emphasis on unique NBA betting types and rewarding promos, PointsBet offers a refreshing and engaging platform where people can bet on the NBA.
This platform offers bettors a wide array of NBA betting options, competitive odds for plenty of advanced NBA betting types, and a user-friendly interface where bettors are one click away from some of the best NBA betting lines.
With a Welcome Offer that gets news users a $500 bonus in Bonus Bets divided into five consecutive promotions, each up to $100, bettors gain multiple opportunities to refine their NBA bets and start their NBA wagering journey with a safety net.
Key Features of an NBA Betting Site
In the quest to find the best basketball betting sites, our team of experts evaluated multiple NBA betting sites online across a spectrum of crucial categories.
Variety of Betting Types
The range of NBA betting types is vital, offering a range of options like prop bets, alternate lines, futures, and same-game parlays. This diversity fuels engagement, caters to varied strategies, and adds excitement to the betting experience, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts and enriching the appeal of the NBA sportsbook.
Range of Banking Options
Secure and dependable payment methods are crucial for NBA online sportsbooks. They provide the necessary trust and convenience, ensuring each financial transaction is safe from breaches. Reliable options enable smooth deposits and withdrawals, enhancing user satisfaction and platform credibility.
Live betting options
In the action-packed world of the NBA, where the action unfolds rapidly, having an abundance of live betting options holds immense significance for both avid fans and strategic bettors. Through live betting, premium legal NBA betting sites grant bettors the ability to react swiftly to game-changing moments and optimize their strategies.
Mobile Compatibility
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to access NBA odds and place wagers seamlessly through your mobile devices is vital. Therefore, the significance of having an online sportsbook with excellent mobile compatibility cannot be overstated.
How To Get Started with NBA Betting
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Due to technological advancements and the expansion of online betting, placing a wager on an NBA game has become exceptionally convenient. A few simple steps, taking only a matter of minutes, are all it takes to complete the process and start your NBA betting journey today. Here is how.
- Visit the official website of the NBA betting site of your choice or download the official app.
- Locate the Register or Sign Up button and click on it.
- Provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
- Choose a unique username and a strong password for your account.
- Verify your identity. Some sports betting platforms may require identity verification. This could involve uploading a photo of your ID and proof of address.
- Accept the terms and conditions and press Submit.
After successfully setting up your betting account, it’s time for you to make your first deposit. Here is how to proceed.
- Locate the Cashier section in the Account menu and select Deposit.
- Choose a payment method and enter the amount you want to be added to your account.
- Claim the Welcome Bonus if the NBA betting site offers one.
Once the money gets added to your account, it will be time to explore the plethora of NBA betting markets and place bets on your preferred NBA games. To do so, head to the Basketball section, often found on the left side of the screen, and select NBA. Select one of the offered NBA games and your preferred betting market. Finish by entering the desired wager amount, then hit confirm.
How NBA Betting Odds Work
NBA betting odds work identically as the odds for most other sports available at your favorite basketball betting apps. They are typically showcased in three familiar formats: American, Fractional, and Decimal, with the first one being the most widely embraced by American NBA betting fans.
American Odds
American odds are presented as either positive or negative numbers. The odds marked by a minus sign indicate how much each bettor needs to bet to win $100. On the other hand, the odds marked by a plus show how much each bettor can win if they bet $100. Here is an example:
- Golden State Warriors (-150)
- Los Angeles Lakers (+250)
If a bettor backs the Warriors, they would need to bet $150 to win $100, and if a bettor backs the Lakers, a $100 bet would get them a $250 profit.
Fractional Odds
In fractional odds, the first number represents the potential profit, and the second shows the amount the bettors need to bet. For example, a $1 bet on 3/1 odds would win you $3, while a $3 bet on 8/3 odds would win you $8.
Decimal Odds
The decimal odds for NBA games show the possible payout for every $1 bet, including the initial wager. For example, a $1 bet on odds of 2.50, would produce a payout of $2.50. So, if a player bets $10 on odds of 2.50, they could win $25. The fastest way to calculate your potential payout using decimal odds is to multiply your bet by the given odds.
NBA Betting Strategies
Betting on NBA games can be pure joy. However, to be successful with it, you must be ready to devote time to do your NBA betting homework and implement a wise betting strategy. If you are new to the whole NBA betting frenzy, stick with us so you can get a glimpse at some of the best NBA betting strategies.
Research and Analysis
When it comes to NBA betting, conducting thorough research and analysis is crucial. Studying the performance of the NBA teams, recent trends, player injuries, and game conditions will help you make more informed decisions. This knowledge enhances your ability to predict outcomes and make strategic bets, improving your chances of winning when engaging in NBA betting online.
Stay Current with the Latest NBA News
By being well-informed through the news, you can place an NBA bet based on the most current and relevant information, increasing your chances of making accurate predictions. Therefore, you must stay current with all the latest news about player injuries, lineup changes, team dynamics, and other developments that can provide critical insights that can shape your betting decisions.
Focus on Player Matchups
When making player prop bets, paying attention to player matchups is essential. Understanding how individual players perform against specific opponents can provide valuable insights, helping you make more accurate predictions and increase your chances of a successful NBA bet.
Utilize Live Betting
Having a live betting strategy in NBA games can provide a dynamic advantage. While watching the game as it unfolds, you can identify momentum shifts, player performances, and tactical changes in real time. This allows you to catch favorable odds and adjust your bets accordingly.
Types of NBA Bets
Luckily for the fans, the NBA isn’t just about thrilling basketball action – it also serves up a buffet of betting possibilities for the bettors. Amid a wide array of NBA bets offered by the best NBA betting sites, fans can savor an extra helping of excitement both during the game and beyond.
Moneyline Bet
This is by far one of the most simple bets you can place on an NBA game. By placing a Moneyline bet, you are betting on which team will win the game, regardless of the point spread.
Moneyline Bet (3-Way)
Unlike the conventional moneyline, which presents only two potential results, a 3-way Moneyline involves a bet encompassing three possible outcomes. By placing a 3-Way Moneyline bet, you can bet on each team to win the game in regulation time or draw.
Point Spread Bet
By placing an NBA spread bet, you are betting on the point difference between the two teams at the end of a game. The “point spread” is a margin set by the sportsbooks to even out the matchup. When placing NBA spread bets, you can pick a team to cover the spread by winning by more points than the spread or beat the spread and either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread.
Totals (Over/Under) Bets
By placing an Over/Under bet, you are trying to predict if the combined final score of both teams in an NBA game will be higher or lower than that predetermined total set by the sportsbooks.
Futures Bets
Could this be the big year for the Durant-led Phoenix Suns? Will the Joker manage an MVP three-peat? If you think so, then here is the perfect bet for you! Futures are types of bets that involve betting on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the NBA Championship, MVP, or division titles. The odds for this type of bet can change throughout the NBA season, reflecting team performance and player achievements. This provides a unique opportunity to predict and profit from the unfolding narrative.
Player Prop Bets
Player prop bets are where the NBA betting gets really interesting. When placing NBA Player Prop bets, bettors wager on individual player performances not necessarily connected to the final outcome. These bets can include predicting the number of points, rebounds, assists, or other statistical achievements a specific player will attain during a game.
Team Prop Bets
Through NBA team prop bets, bettors can wager on things like which team will score the initial points, the total three-pointers scored by each team, the quarter with the highest combined points scored, the total team free throws made, and plenty of other options.
Parlay Bets
Nothing can produce a nerve-wracking NBA betting adventure better than a Parlay. These bets allow bettors to combine multiple predictions into one ticket, aiming for a grander prize. To win the parlay bet, you must accurately predict all the individual legs from it.
Same-Game Parlays
If the NBA parlay bets were like crafting a sandwich, Same-Game parlays are more like assembling a puzzle. A puzzle with different pieces from a single game.
Imagine an NBA showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. Your hunch is that Jayson Tatum will score over 20 points, Bam Adebayo will secure 10 or more rebounds, and the Heat will emerge victorious. By placing a same-game parlay bet, these three predictions can be combined into a single wager with a higher payout. However, to win it, you must get all the predictions accurately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Due to the blend of excitement, strategy, and potential rewards it offers, NBA betting can be captivating to the point of becoming addictive. In order to avoid the pitfalls of NBA betting addiction, bettors must exercise responsible betting practices and avoid making typical sports betting mistakes. Here are the most common ones they should stay away from.
Being flexible with your bankroll
Whether on a massive winning streak or lured to chase that one jinxed Knicks loss, each bettor must remain uncompromising and stick to their bankroll. Being overly flexible with their bankroll can usher bettors to inconsistent decision-making, resulting in significant financial losses.
Placing bets driven by impulses and feelings
Making uninformed wagers based on clouded judgment is one of the most common mistakes bettors make. While supporting our favorite teams is a shared enthusiasm, relying on emotions rather than rational analysis significantly boosts the likelihood of placing uninformed wagers.
To avoid such mistakes, bettors should always embrace methodical and controlled strategies and favor a strictly rational and disciplined betting approach.
Chasing loses
Chasing losses in sports betting is a practice as old as time and is certainly not a way to bring home the bacon. The desire to recover losses quickly usually results in hasty and poorly considered betting decisions that can lead to terrible outcomes. Maintaining composure, following a clear strategy, and fighting the urge to chase your losses are the best ways to remain responsible during your NBA betting journey.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Engaging in NBA game betting within the USA is legal, provided you meet the age requirements and you’re currently located in a state where sports betting is authorized. Nonetheless, selecting licensed sportsbooks is of utmost importance.
By choosing licensed sportsbooks, bettors contribute to a responsible and protected betting ecosystem while enjoying the excitement of NBA games. These platforms operate under a US-issued license and deliver a fair and transparent betting experience while providing their clients with the utmost protection of their personal and financial information.
FAQs
Where to bet on NBA games?
DraftKings, Fanduel, BetMGM, Caesars and PointsBet are some of the best legal sports betting sites where people can bet on the NBA games online.
Can you bet on the NBA preseason?
Yes. Bettors can find NBA odds for various betting markets for NBA preseason games at every legal NBA betting site.
Are there any special bonuses for new NBA bettors?
Absolutely! Each one of the NBA betting sites listed in this article have generous welcome offers that grant bonuses that apply for NBA games. On top of that, most NBA betting sites offer various other promos during the NBA season such as boosted odds, bonus bets, parlay insurances and plenty of other NBA betting bonuses.
Can I bet on live NBA games?
Yes, NBA live betting is legal and available at most licensed basketball betting sites. To get some of the best live betting odds on the market visit one of the top online NBA betting sites listed above or download their NBA betting apps.
What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
If you believe you're dealing with a gambling issue, it's vital to prioritize your well-being and reach out for assistance. You can seek support by contacting helplines like the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) or consulting a therapist with expertise in gambling addiction for personalized guidance.