Point spread betting is one of the most popular forms of sports wagering, especially in the NBA, NFL, and college football. Unlike moneyline bets, where you simply pick a winner, point spread betting levels the playing field by assigning a margin of victory that the favored team must win by.
The sportsbook sets a spread, which is the number of points a team is expected to win or lose by. Bettors then wager on whether the favorite will win by more than that margin or if the underdog will keep the game closer than expected.
For example, an NBA point spread today might look like this:
If you bet on the Lakers (-6.5), they must win by at least 7 points for your bet to cash.
If you bet on the Warriors (+6.5), they must either win outright or lose by 6 points or fewer for your bet to win.
The “.5” in the spread (called a hook) prevents ties (pushes). A spread of exactly 6 could result in a push, where all bets are refunded, so sportsbooks use half-points to ensure a decision.
Point spreads come with either a plus (+) or minus (-) sign:
Example for an NFL point spread:
Understanding these signs is key when making informed NBA point spread predictions or betting on football point spreads.
Point spreads are designed to make both teams equally attractive to bet on, even if one team is much stronger. Oddsmakers adjust the spread based on factors like:
For example, a game might open with a spread of -5, but if too many people bet on the favorite, sportsbooks may adjust it to -6 or -6.5 to encourage more bets on the underdog.
If an NBA point spread today is:
A bet on Boston (-4) means they must win by 5 or more points.
A bet on Miami (+4) means they must lose by 3 or fewer, or win outright.
If Boston wins by exactly 4, it’s a push, and bets are refunded.
When you see -110 or a similar number next to a spread, that represents the odds for the bet. -110 odds mean you must wager 110 to win 100.
These odds include the sportsbook’s vig the fee they take for facilitating bets. Sometimes, these numbers change based on how much money is being bet on each side.
Placing a bet is easy, especially on platforms like OKBet
Check NBA point spread predictions or NFL point spreads and find a game with an attractive line.
Decide how much you want to risk and place the bet. Most sportsbooks show potential payouts before you confirm.
Oddsmakers set spreads based on:
Sportsbooks adjust the spread as betting action comes in, ensuring they have equal money on both sides to limit their risk.
A team covers the spread if they meet the betting expectation:
Example: If the Dallas Cowboys are -6 and they win 30-20, they cover the spread because they won by 10 (more than 6).
Different sportsbooks have slightly different spreads. Use OKbet.com and compare lines to find the best value.
Teams with key players missing may struggle to cover the spread. Always check injury reports before betting.
If most bettors are taking one side but the line moves the other way, it signals sharp money is on the opposite side.
Some teams perform significantly better at home. Look at home/road records before making a bet.
Want to make smarter bets on NBA games? OKBet delivers accurate NBA point spread predictions, helping you analyze matchups, trends, and team performance before placing your wagers.
OKBet offers the most competitive NBA point spreads, allowing you to wager on whether the favorite will cover or if the underdog will keep it close. Stay updated with the latest betting lines on all major NBA games.
Football fans can enjoy NFL point spread betting with OKBet’s expertly calculated spreads. Whether it's a regular-season game or the Super Bowl, OKBet provides up-to-date NFL point spreads for the most exciting matchups.
Beyond the NFL, OKBet covers football and international football point spreads in league like Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League, giving bettors a wide range of options across different leagues and tournaments.
Looking for today’s best betting opportunities? OKBet updates its Other Sports games section daily, ensuring you have access to the most current lines, odds, and expert insights.
Betting is a great way to add excitement and skill to sports wagering. Whether you're making NBA predictions or betting on an NFL point spread, understanding how spreads work and using smart strategies can give you an edge.
Are you looking for a trusted and reliable sports betting platform that offers NBA point spreads, NFL point spreads, and expert betting predictions? Look no further than OKBet, the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts who want to make the most out of their bets.
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What is point spread betting?
It’s a type of bet where the sportsbook assigns a point margin that the favorite must win by, or the underdog must stay within.
Why does a point spread have a .5?
To prevent ties (pushes) and ensure there’s always a winner.
How do sportsbooks set point?
They use stats, team performance, injuries, and betting trends to create balanced odds.
What does it mean to cover the spread?
The favorite covers by winning beyond the spread, and the underdog covers by losing within the spread or winning outright.
Are point spreads better than moneyline bets?
It depends. Moneyline bets are simpler, but offer more balanced odds.
Where can I bet on point spreads?
OKbet.com is a great platform for NBA, NFL, and other sports betting.
Disclaimer: OKBet provides betting information for entertainment purposes only. Please bet responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
