NBA betting odds are available for most regular season and playoff games. The moneyline, point spread, and over/under are the most common types of wagers. However, there are many other betting options on the books. These can be found from legal online sports books and basketball betting sites in your area.

For most NBA odds will be displayed on the right side of the team name. You may find that the line changes on the fly to reflect new information. There is often a specific odd for each quarter of the game. A large gap between the numbers indicates an expected mismatch.

The point spread is a measurement of the margin of victory for a team. The underdog is given a positive number while the favorite is given a negative number. Usually, the negative number is a smaller number. This means that the bettor will need to bet more money in order to win a $100 bet on the favorite. In addition to the spread, you may also be able to place a bet on a player’s stats.

The NBA has an active props market. In this area, you can bet on the scoring, rebounding, and other statistics of individual players. Props are also available for the entire team. One example is a player’s “MVP” score.

The best way to bet on a specific game is to compare the odds from various sportsbooks. Check out the point spreads, moneyline, and totals on each website. If you want a more in-depth look at all the odds, consider signing up with a sportsbook that provides a live betting feature. Many sites will even allow you to watch the game while you bet. It is a great way to get a feel for how the game is going and to bet on the side that wins.

When you are looking at the odds, you should try to identify the most likely outcome. For example, if you are a fan of the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, your best bet would be to wager on the Celtics. Your second choice would be the Heat. Neither team is a shoo-in for a championship, but the Heat will have a more favorable total.

The odds you see at your online or brick and mortar sportsbook should be a good indication of the most likely outcome. A closer spread or number will indicate a toss-up. Be careful, though. Odds can change in response to injuries, new information, and betting action. Taking the time to shop around will help you bet with the most money in the long run.

Although basketball odds are fairly straightforward, it is important to keep in mind that the odds do not always mean that you will win. To be a successful bettor, it is important to use a variety of wagering options, such as the point spread, over/under, and totals. Ultimately, you will want to find the highest-paying odds for the game that you are interested in betting on.