For seasoned NBA bettors, betting the spread game after game can get repetitive. Prop bets, also known as proposition or novelty bets, provide a fun and lucrative alternative by allowing you to wager on outcomes other than the game winner. In this guide, we’ll explain what prop bets are, survey the wide range of available betting markets, and use an analysis of player stats and trends to evaluate a prop bet opportunity.
What are Prop Bets? Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are wagers on something happening or not happening during an NBA game. While spread and moneyline bets focus on the game outcome, prop bets allow you to predict specific player or team achievements independent of who actually wins the game. For example, you could bet on a player to score over/under 20 points or grab over/under 10 rebounds regardless of the final score. Their uniqueness and focus on player performance make prop bets an entertaining option.
Prop Bet Markets
There is a vast selection of potential prop bet markets offering countless wagering opportunities:
- Player Points: Bet on a player to score over/under a set line usually around their points per game average.
- Rebounds/Assists: Wager on over/under for a player’s rebounds or assists.
- Made Field Goals: Predict whether players will make over/under a certain number of field goals.
- Three Pointers Made: Bet on single player or team three pointer totals during the game.
- First Basket: Wager on which player scores first in the game.
- Player Matchups: Bet on how an individual player will fare statistically against another.
- Game Props: Bet on events like race to 10 points or odd/even final point totals.
Here is a table outlining some of the most popular prop bet markets for NBA betting:
| Prop Bet Market | Description | Example Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Player Points | Bet on whether a player will score over or under a set point total | LeBron James Points O/U 28.5 |
| Player Rebounds | Wager on whether a player grabs over or under X rebounds | Joel Embiid Rebounds O/U 11.5 |
| Player Assists | Bet on a player recording over or under a certain number of assists | Chris Paul Assists O/U 9.5 |
| Made 3 Pointers | Predict whether a player makes over or under a posted number of 3-pointers | Stephen Curry Threes O/U 3.5 |
| First Basket | Wager on which player scores first in the game | Kevin Durant First Basket +550 |
| Player Match Bets | Bet on one player outperforming another statistically | Nikola Jokic Points vs Anthony Davis Points |
| Game Props | Bet on obscure game events like first score or odd/even points | Team to Score First: Lakers -120 |
Analyzing a Sample Prop Bet
Let’s demonstrate how to analyze a prop bet opportunity using a real example line:
Nikola Jokic Made Threes O/U 1.5
In a game against the Lakers, MVP Jokic has a line set at 1.5 made three pointers. He’s averaging 2.3 made threes over his last 10 games and faces a poor Lakers perimeter defense ranked 29th versus opposing centers from three. Though Jokic attempts just 3.4 threes a game, the matchup and recent trend of 2+ made threes suggest there is value on the OVER 1.5 line. This line is likely set lower based on Jokic’s season three point average, but current trends and opponent weakness indicate he should comfortably exceed 1.5 threes.
All in all, for avid NBA fans and bettors, prop bets provide a fun and lucrative way to wager on player performances aside from betting game spreads. There is an extensive selection of prop bet markets from points to rebounds to obscure game events. Conducting careful analysis of trends, statistics and matchups is key to making profitable prop bets. Consider the tips provided next time you see an enticing prop line to take your NBA betting profits to the next level.