Point Spread In Basketball

broken image


Point Spread Florida State (W) - 1H -1.5 (-120) North Carolina (W) - 1H 1.5 (-110) Florida State (W) @ North Carolina W Total Over - 1H 68.5 (-125) Under - 1H 68.5 (EVEN) Iowa (W) @ Ohio State (W) Moneyline Iowa (W) - 1H -275 Ohio State (W) - 1H +200. Iowa (W) @ Ohio State (W) Point Spread Iowa (W) - 1H -3.5 (-125) Ohio State (W) - 1H 3.5 (-105). What Are The Odds For a Point Spread? The most common betting line for a point spread is -110. A -110 line on either side is like paying a tax or commission to the sportsbook. Bettors would pay 10 percent (aka juice) to the sportsbook, which is essentially a fee for brokering the wager. So, the -110 indicates that a bettor must risk $110 to win $100.

  1. College Basketball Point Spreads
  2. Point Spread Ncaa Basketball Picks
  3. Ncaa Basketball Spreads For Today
  4. Point Spread Basketball Olg
  5. Ncaa Women's Basketball Point Spread

If you place wagers on US sports, then chances are high that you've heard of point spreads. Here's how they work; if a game has Patriots -9.0 and Vikings +9.0, the Patriots are 9.0 point favorites and the Vikings are 9.0 point underdogs. Unless otherwise stated, no matter which team you bet on, you'll be required to risk $1.10 for each $1.00 you want to win. For Patriots bettors to prevail, they need their team to win by 10 or more points. A 9-point Patriot victory would be a push (a tie). For Vikings bettors to take home the victory, they need to either win the game or lose by less than 9 points.

Point spreads are used since most recreational bettors prefer to wager even money propositions. In the above example, if there was no point spread, only moneyline betting would exist. So, if odds makers are giving the New England Patriots a 73% chance of winning a game, then in order to take bets and still have a small profit margin, the bookmaker would have no choice but to require Patriot bettors to stake $3.00 or more for each $1.00 they want to win.

With a point spread, the odds are balanced, so you usually have to risk just $1.10 to win $1.00. This makes the point spreads appealing to recreational bettors, who often think it's easy to make money from them. We have to be honest with you; it's NOT easy, but it IS possible. The strategy we cover in this article should help!

Recommended Reading

We've provided a brief explanation of point spreads in our introduction here, but if you'd like to know more about this type of wager then please read our beginner's guide to betting point spreads.

Simple Tips for Point Spread Betting

Strategy for betting point spreads is obviously different for each sport and league, but these four tips are general enough to apply to them all.

  • Take Advantage of Bonus Offers
  • Use Multiple Betting Sites
  • Be Careful of Road Favorites
  • Understand Key Numbers

Let's go over each of these tips in a little more detail.

Take Advantage of Bonus Offers

One way to make money from sports betting is to open an account at an online betting site and take advantage of their sign up bonus. This gives you extra money to wager with, and since point spreads are so straightforward, it can be relatively easy to meet the associated wagering requirements and still come out ahead. Repeating this process at multiple betting sites will maximize your potential returns! We just ask that you please stick with reputable sites, like any of the ones that we recommend.

Use Multiple Betting Sites

We already mentioned how using multiple betting sites allows you to take advantage of multiple bonus offers. That's not the only benefit either. Since point spreads vary between sites, one of the best ways to beat these wagers is to compare the different spreads in order to find which one is the most favorable. This doesn't take nearly as long as you might think, and it will make a huge difference to your bottom line over time.

Let's take a hypothetical game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots as an example. One site might have the spread as follows.

Point Spread
+7
-7

Another site might offer a slightly different spread.

Point Spread
+7.5
-7.5

If you're betting in favor of the Patriots, then you should be betting with Bookmaker A. If the Patriots win by more than seven points, then you'll win with either bookmaker. However, if they win by exactly seven points, you'll lose with Bookmaker B. With Bookmaker A, you'll push and get your stake returned.

On the other hand, if you're betting on the Bills, then Bookmaker B will be your best option. A Bills loss of exactly seven points would be a push at Bookmaker A, but it would be a win for you at Bookmaker B.

It's only a half-point difference, and that might not seem like a lot. The bookmakers tend to be very accurate with their spreads though, and an extra half-point in your favor can easily add up to extra profits over time.

Be Careful of Road Favorites

Many novice bettors fail to understand the impact of home advantage when wagering on sport events. When looking at the board for potential wagers, these bettors tend to get excited and bet on lots of superior teams favored on the road against weaker opponents. The betting market is so much more advanced than this, and for the most part point spreads are always going to be 50/50 propositions.

Please Note

We're not saying that you should never bet on road favorites. Just make sure that you have good reasons to do so. Keep in mind; they don't just need to win, they need to win by a greater margin than the spread suggests they will.

Understand Key Numbers

While understanding key numbers is beneficial for betting point spreads on any sport, key numbers are known for having the most significance in football. In NFL football, most games are decided by three or seven points. Therefore, when shopping the odds, the difference between -7.0 and -6.5 is far greater than the difference between -5.5 and -5.0.

With some betting sites odds, certain games are priced differently than risking $1.10 to win $1.00 (which is called -110 odds). For example, you might see the Giants priced at -105 and +7 in a game against the Jets. Now, you only have to risk $1.05 to win $1.00. This is obviously better odds, but it's very likely that they will lose by exactly seven to give you a push. Taking -110 and +7.5 with an alternative bookmaker is actually the better bet.

Getting your head around these kind of intricacies, as well as knowing the relevant key numbers, is vital if you want to bet on the point spreads successfully.

Now that we've got the basic tips covered, we want to provide you with some point spread betting tips specific to two of the most popular US sports: football and basketball.

Point Spread Betting in Football

One of the best ways to beat football point spread betting is to use teasers. A teaser is a form of a parlay bet using modified point spreads. Each point spread you select is moved 6 points in your favor. For example, let's say you're interested in betting on the following.

-7
-3.5
+7

A teaser would give you a single wager with the following spreads.

+1
+3.5
+13

Each selection is obviously easier to get right with the spread moved in your favor, but you do have to get all three correct in order for your wager to win.

Basketball
Recommended Reading

If you want to learn how to beat this form of wagering, you'll definitely want to read our article on betting football teasers.

Another way to beat football point spreads is to shop for off market prices. For example, let's say you're shopping online betting sites and see every site is offering Vikings +7.0. Then, you stumble upon one site that's offering +7.5. There's a good chance that this is a +EV wager, simply because it is out of sync with every other site. Please note that this strategy isn't quite the same as simply shopping for the best lines. Here, you're specifically looking for wagers that are +EV because they're against the market.

It's also important to consider whether or not there's any correlation between the point spread and the betting total. If they are, a parlay wager is a good way to get maximum value. For example, a college football point spread +24.5 parlayed with under 48 points in the same game might be a great parlay bet. If the +24.5 team covers the point spread, then there's an increased chance that the game also goes under the posted total of 48.

Finally, you might want to think about learning the correct strategies for buying half-points in football. While many people are against this method, we're here to tell you that there are some circumstances where buying points can be profitable.

Point Spread Betting in Basketball

Buying half points is a strategy that can work for basketball too. Most online betting sites offer bettors the ability to purchase half-points at 10 cents each. Let's say the Lakers are -6.5 at odds of -110 for example. Here of some of the options you can expect to see.

-120
-130
-140

A great strategy for betting basketball point spreads is to shop dozens of betting sites for the best line, and then purchase as many half points as possible (provided they are priced 10 cents each).

When using this strategy, it's helpful to know the most common margins of victory in NBA basketball and how often they occur.

This information shows us that nearly half the games finish with one of the eight point margins listed, and this isn't the result of variance. Some margins of victory occur more frequently than others because of end game strategy. The winning team is often found running the clock, while the losing team if often found intentionally fouling.

Euro lottery. The key here is to target the point spread five and seven, because these are virtually tied as the most common margins of victory. It's important to recognize that most betting sites are only willing to sell 2 or 3 half points for 10 cents each, after which point they start charging more. Some sites sell up to four half points at this price though.

To show how this can be exploited, take a point spread of -8.5 at odds of -110. This is a 50/50 proposition. Let's assume you've purchased enough points to move the spread to -6.5 at odds of -150. Now, you'd win instead of lose 6.24% of the time they win by 8, and 6.59% of the time they win by 7. Add these together with the 50% from the original proposition, and we get 62.83%.

Go to our odds converter, and you'll see that the implied probability of -150 is 60%. This means you need to win 60% of the time to break even. However, our handicapping shows the actual probability of winning is 62.38%.

If we risked $150 to win $100 on this -150 line, 62.38% of the time we would win $100. And 37.62% of the time we would lose $150. This gives us an expected profit of $5.95 for every $150 risked.

Warning

If you only make large +EV bets such as the basketball example above, betting sites will limit the amount you're allowed to wager. It's not uncommon for online bookmakers to spot a skilled bettor and say, 'Okay you can keep wagering here, but the maximum you're allowed to bet per game is $500.00.'
If you keep betting and winning, they might decrease your limits even further. That's why we recommend trying to hide the fact that you're so sharp. By placing some random wagers and occasionally spending some time at their casino, you'll have a much better chance of staying under the radar.
This is also another good reason for using multiple sites. Since there are so many different reputable betting sites to choose from, it would take you a long time to get limited at every single one of them.

The best free college basketball picks as well as parlays for all of today's games. All of our expert NCAA basketball predictions are against the spread. (ATS) This page will be updated several times though out the day so please bookmark this page and check back daily.

San Jose State Spartans vs San Diego State Aztecs Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 2/7/2021

The San Jose State Spartans are set to meet the San Diego State Aztecs at Viejas Arena on Monday, February 8, 2021. San Jose State opens this contest as 26-point dogs. The O/U is set at 145.5. This games report has current odds, betting trends, and free picks against the spread.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Kansas Jayhawks Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Tony Sink - 2/7/2021

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are set to take on the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on Monday, February 8, 2021. Kansas opens this game as 5-point favorites. The total is set at 140. This matchup report includes odds, betting trends and a free pick against the spread.

College Basketball Point Spreads

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 2/7/2021

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to go head to head with the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena on Monday, February 8, 2021. The line on this matchup has Minnesota as 11.5-point favorites. The over/under has been set at 148. This matchup report has Vegas lines and an expert NCAA basketball pick for your daily winner.

Oregon State Beavers vs Colorado Buffaloes Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 2/7/2021

The Oregon State Beavers are on the docket to meet the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center on Monday, February 8, 2021. Oregon State opens this game as 12-point underdogs. The total is set at 136.5. This report includes betting odds and our expert college basketball picks for todays game.

Air Force Falcons vs UNLV Runnin' Rebels Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Tony Sink - 2/7/2021

The Air Force Falcons are on the docket to go head to head with the UNLV Runnin' Rebels at Thomas & Mack Center on Monday, February 8, 2021. The spread on this game has UNLV as 13-point favorites. The total opens at 130. This Matchup report includes Vegas odds and a free basketball pick for tonight.

Miami Hurricanes vs North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 2/7/2021

Point Spread Ncaa Basketball Picks

The Miami Hurricanes are scheduled to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean E. Smith Center on Monday, February 8, 2021. North Carolina opens this contest as 10-point favorites. The O/U is set at 141. This matchup report includes betting lines and our pick of the day for this game.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Maryland Terrapins Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Tony Sink - 2/7/2021

The Ohio State Buckeyes are on the docket to take on the Maryland Terrapins at XFINITY Center on Monday, February 8, 2021. Maryland opens this matchup as 4-point dogs. The total has been set at 138. This report has odds and your college basketball predictions for todays game against the spread.

SMU Mustangs vs East Carolina Pirates Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Parlay's Pundit - 2/7/2021

The SMU Mustangs are on the docket to take on the East Carolina Pirates at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum on Monday, February 8, 2021. The spread on this matchup has SMU as 5.5-point favorites. The total is set at 140. We have included an expert college basketball pick and parlay for todays game ATS.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs BYU Cougars Prediction, 2/8/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Parlay's Pundit - 2/7/2021

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are scheduled to go head to head with the BYU Cougars at Marriott Center on Monday, February 8, 2021. BYU opens this matchup as 11.5-point underdogs. The total opens at 157. We have included an expert pick and parlay for todays game against the spread.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs Indiana Hoosiers Prediction, 2/7/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Tony Sink - 2/6/2021

The Iowa Hawkeyes are on the docket to go head to head with the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Sunday, February 7, 2021. Iowa opens this game as 2.5-point favorites. The over/under opens at 153. This matchup report includes odds, betting trends and a free pick against the spread.

Boise State Broncos vs Nevada Wolf Pack Prediction, 2/7/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Tony Sink - 2/6/2021

The Boise State Broncos are on the docket to take on the Nevada Wolf Pack at Lawlor Events Center on Sunday, February 7, 2021. Nevada opens this matchup as 3-point dogs. The total has been set at 144.5. This Matchup report includes Vegas odds and a free basketball pick for tonight.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs Tulane Green Wave Prediction, 2/7/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 2/6/2021

The Cincinnati Bearcats are on the docket to take on the Tulane Green Wave at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse on Sunday, February 7, 2021. Cincinnati opens this matchup as 5.5-point favorites. The over/under has been set at 135. This report includes betting odds and our expert college basketball picks for todays game.

Temple Owls vs Wichita State Shockers Prediction, 2/7/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 2/6/2021

Ncaa Basketball Spreads For Today

The Temple Owls are on the docket to play the Wichita State Shockers at Charles Koch Arena on Sunday, February 7, 2021. The line on this contest has Wichita State as 8-point favorites. The O/U opens at 138.5. This matchup report includes betting lines and our pick of the day for this game.

Georgetown Hoyas vs Villanova Wildcats Prediction, 2/7/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Parlay's Pundit - 2/6/2021

The Georgetown Hoyas are on the docket to go head to head with the Villanova Wildcats at Finneran Pavilion on Sunday, February 7, 2021. The spread on this contest has Villanova as 13-point favorites. The O/U is set at 141.5. We have included an expert pick and parlay for todays game against the spread.

California Golden Bears vs Stanford Cardinal Prediction, 2/7/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 2/6/2021

The California Golden Bears are scheduled to go head to head with the Stanford Cardinal at Maples Pavilion on Sunday, February 7, 2021. The spread on this matchup has Stanford as 11.5-point favorites. The over/under opens at 132.5. This games report has current odds, betting trends, and free picks against the spread.

Creighton Bluejays vs Marquette Golden Eagles Prediction, 2/6/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Parlay's Pundit - 2/5/2021

The Creighton Bluejays are scheduled to meet the Marquette Golden Eagles at Fiserv Forum on Saturday, February 6, 2021. The line on this game has Creighton as 5-point favorites. The O/U is set at 147. We have included an expert college basketball pick and parlay for todays game ATS.

Iowa State Cyclones vs Oklahoma Sooners Prediction, 2/6/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Parlay's Pundit - 2/5/2021

The Iowa State Cyclones are on the docket to take on the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Oklahoma opens this game as 14.5-point favorites. The total opens at 141. We have included an expert college basketball pick and parlay for todays game ATS.

UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans Prediction, 2/6/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Tony Sink - 2/5/2021

Point Spread Basketball Olg

The UCLA Bruins are on the docket to play the USC Trojans at Galen Center on Saturday, February 6, 2021. USC opens this game as 3.5-point favorites. The total is set at 135. This report has odds and your college basketball predictions for todays game against the spread.

Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes Prediction, 2/6/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 2/5/2021

The Arizona Wildcats are scheduled to meet the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center on Saturday, February 6, 2021. The line on this contest has Colorado as 5-point favorites. The O/U opens at 143. This games report has current odds, betting trends, and free picks against the spread.

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Michigan State Spartans Prediction, 2/6/2021 College Basketball Pick, Tips and Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 2/5/2021

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are scheduled to go head to head with the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Michigan State opens this contest as 10-point favorites. The over/under opens at 144.5. This matchup report includes betting lines and our pick of the day for this game.

1 234567891011 .. 539 | Next >>

Ncaa Women's Basketball Point Spread

Please note that the college basketball picks above for tonights games are not computer based predictions. All of these articles are written by our talented staff. If you have any comments or suggestions please email service@docsports.com

Daily Free Picks Menu
Videos
NFL Picks
College Football Picks
NBA Picks
College Basketball Picks
MLB Picks
NHL Picks
UFC Picks
Golf Picks
WNBA Picks
Soccer Picks
CFL Picks
Tennis Picks
Free Email Picks
All Free Sports Picks






broken image