In the example above, the Bucks are the favourites to win and have a -2.5 points spread, which means for the bet on the Bucks to win, they have to beat the Pacers by 3 points or more. If the Pacers win the game or lose by 2 points or less, then a bet on the Pacers will win instead.
Players are also able to be on alternative point spreads, with Betfred a great choice of bookmaker here. If you are particularly confident in the Bucks winning, you can select a -5.5 points spread for instance, which would garner larger odds if successful.
Total Points is another straightforward and popular market, with players betting on the Under/Over market on total points scored in the game.
This market can also apply to the match, a single team, a specific player and each half or quarter of the game.
The bookmaker sets Total Points markets, however, like the Points Spread market, they also have alternative total points markets, offering differing totals and variations on odds accordingly, with Betway offering plenty of these markets.
- Money Line/Total Points Double
Another interesting market is the Money Line/Total Points double, which combines the Money Line bet with the Total Points under/over selection as a double.
This type of bet offers better odds, as you are combining two bets, but with the caveat of losing if either part of the bet fails. The majority of bookies are home to these double bet markets, including Betfair and Ladbrokes.
This bet will be familiar to football fans, with players selecting who will be winning at half-time and full-time. This is a great option to get a bit more value out of a winning selection, especially if you are confident that a team will win, with BetVictor among bookmakers that provide this market.