If you’re into NBA betting, you’ve probably faced the big question: point spread or moneyline? Both are popular, but which gives you the best chance of winning? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your strategy, risk tolerance, and how you see the game playing out.

Some bettors love the thrill of covering a spread, while others prefer the simplicity of picking a straight-up winner. Before placing your next wager, let’s break down each option’s key differences, pros, and cons. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which bet works best for you.

Understanding Point Spread Betting

Point spread betting is among the most popular ways to wager on NBA games. Instead of simply picking a winner, you’re betting on how much a team will win or lose. The spread levels the playing field, making matchups more competitive from a betting perspective.

Spread betting offers better odds than simply picking favorites on the moneyline but also carries more risk. A team can dominate most of the game and still fail to cover due to late points or free throws. That’s why research and timing are crucial.

If you’re new to spread betting, platforms like FanDuel provide easy-to-read lines, expert insights, and competitive odds to help you make informed bets. Whether you’re backing a championship contender or spotting value in an underdog, understanding spreads is key to smarter NBA wagering.

How Point Spread Works

Point spread betting is a popular method in sports wagering. It aims to level the playing field between two teams with differing strengths. Instead of simply picking a winner, bettors predict the margin of victory.

Understanding the Spread

• Favorite: The team expected to win is assigned a negative (-) point spread, indicating they must win by more than that number of points.
• Underdog: The team expected to lose has a positive (+) point spread, meaning they can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread to cover.

Example

Consider a matchup where:

• Team A: -7.5
• Team B: +7.5

If you bet on Team A, they must win by at least 8 points for your wager to succeed. Conversely, a bet on Team B wins if they win outright or lose by 7 points or fewer.

Key Points

• Covering the Spread: The favorite covers by winning beyond the spread; the underdog covers by staying within it or winning.
• Push: If the game’s final margin equals the spread exactly, it’s a tie, and bets are refunded. To avoid this, spreads often include half-points (e.g., 7.5).

Pros & Cons of Point Spread Betting

Point spread betting adds excitement to NBA wagering by focusing on the margin of victory rather than just picking a winner. While it offers great value, it also comes with risks.

Pros:

• Better Payouts – Offers higher returns compared to heavy moneyline favorites.
• More Balanced Matchups – Evens the playing field, making games more competitive.
• Underdog Advantage – Teams can lose but still cover the spread.

Cons:

• Harder to Win – Even if your team wins, they must cover the spread.
• Late-Game Swings – A last-minute shot or free throw can impact the outcome.
• Push Possibility – If the score matches the spread exactly, bets are refunded.

Understanding Moneyline Betting

Moneyline betting is the simplest way to wager on NBA games. Instead of worrying about point spreads, you’re betting on which team will win outright. Each team is assigned odds based on their chances of winning.

Moneyline bets are great for beginners since they eliminate the complexities of spreads. However, betting on heavy favorites requires large wagers for small profits, while underdog bets offer higher payouts but carry more risk.

To make informed decisions, check injury reports, team forms, and the Latest NBA Betting Insights before placing bets. Whether backing a powerhouse or spotting an underdog opportunity, understanding moneyline odds is key to a smarter betting strategy.

How Moneyline Works

Moneyline betting is a straightforward wagering method where you simply pick the winner of a game or event. Unlike point spread bets, which consider the margin of victory, moneyline bets focus solely on which team or individual emerges victorious.​

Understanding Moneyline Odds:

• Favorites: Denoted by a negative number (e.g., -150), indicating the amount you need to bet to win $100. For instance, at -150 odds, you’d wager $150 to earn a $100 profit.​
• Underdogs: Represented by a positive number (e.g., +200), showing how much profit you’d make on a $100 bet. So, at +200 odds, a $100 wager would net you $200.​

Example:

If Team A has -180 odds and Team B has +160 odds,​

• If they win, betting $180 on Team A would yield a $100 profit.​
• If they win, betting $100 on Team B would result in a $160 profit.​

This betting style is popular due to its simplicity, making it accessible for novice and seasoned bettors.​

Pros & Cons of Moneyline Betting

Moneyline betting is the simplest way to wager on sports, focusing solely on picking a winner. While it’s great for beginners, it has its upsides and downsides.

Pros:

• Easy to Understand – No need to worry about point spreads. Just pick the winner.
• Lower Risk for Favorites – Betting on strong teams increases the chance of winning.
• Big Payouts for Underdogs – Betting on an underdog can result in significant profits.

Cons:

• Low Returns on Favorites – Heavy favorites require large bets for small gains.
• Higher Risk on Underdogs – They offer big payouts but win less often.
• Less Value in Close Matchups – Odds may not reflect actual game competitiveness.

Which NBA Bet Is Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, point spread bets offer better value on favorites, while moneyline bets are simpler and great for underdog wins. Your choice depends on strategy and risk tolerance. Understanding both can help you make smarter wagers and maximize returns in NBA betting. Bet wisely and enjoy the game!