NBA Betting Odds & Best Sportsbooks
NBA Betting Odds & Best Sportsbooks
The NBA is only behind the NFL in terms of overall betting volume at online sportsbooks. The NBA regular season is filled with great games on a daily basis and the intensity level reaches a crescendo in the postseason.
In New York City, we have a pair of iconic franchises in the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Here’s all you need to know to get started betting the NBA online in NY.
Live NBA odds – moneyline, spreads and over/under
Our live odds feed below has the latest NBA point spreads, moneylines and over/under lines from the best New York online sportsbooks. Click on any odds to go directly to the sportsbook and claim your bonus bets.
Best odds for next Knicks game
See below for the best current odds at NY online sportsbooks for the next Knicks game. Click on any Knicks odds to go directly to the sportsbook, claim your bonus and start getting your bets down.
Best odds for next Nets game
See below for the best current Nets odds at NY online sportsbooks. Click on any Brooklyn Nets odds to go directly to the sportsbook, claim your bonus and start getting your bets down.
How to read NBA betting lines
The default listing for NBA games is virtually the same at all sportsbooks. Once you click on the tab, the lobby will be populated with lines for upcoming games.
- New York Knicks +3.5 (-110) +145 O 209.5 (-110)
- Brooklyn Nets -3.5 (-110) -175 U 209.5 (-110)
For game listings, home teams are on the bottom and the away side on top. To the right of the two team names are the odds and betting lines for three wager types: point spreads, moneylines and totals. When reading the numbers for the first two, the sign (plus or minus) is important.
The favored team will have negative odds. In this case, the Nets are favored by 3.5 points on the spread and a -175 favorite on the moneyline. The underdog Knicks have positive odds. For the spread and total, you’ll see the line for the wager and the actual odds attached to it.
You can tell the perceived closeness of the matchup by noting the range between the spread and moneyline numbers on both sides. In this case, oddsmakers see a pretty close game. If the spread and moneyline differences were much larger, a potential mismatch is on tap.
A question that often comes up in new legal markets is whether the local odds are comparable to what you’ll find in Las Vegas. The short answer is yes, the NBA betting odds you’ll find in New York are just as good as the ones from Sin City. You might find some ticks of difference here or there due to betting volume, but the numbers stack up really well on an overall basis.
Best NBA betting apps in New York
NY sports betting apps deliver everything you need for wagering on the NBA. You can deposit and withdraw, scroll through the lines and place bets with ease. They also make for a fantastic way to live bet as the action plays out.
There are a number of great betting apps to choose from in New York. Here’s how to get started.
- To create an account, click one of our links to snag a sign-up bonus.
- Complete the account registration process by entering all of the required information.
- The account will be ready right away, but be sure to take the time to download the app for your device from the sportsbook website and log in on mobile.
- Make your first deposit and focus on using any of the bonus site credits you may have received.
In order to actually place bets, you’ll have to be within the confines of a legal state. Sportsbooks will verify where you are with geolocation software, which runs unobtrusively in the background and only tracks for the purpose of placing bets.
You can register to play at your convenience right from your computer or device. There won’t be any need to visit a retail sportsbook unless you want to. Once your account is all set, you’ll have access to betting on the NBA whenever you want.
What can you bet on in the NBA?
From the first game of the regular season to the final tilt of the NBA Finals, you’ll have a lot of betting opportunities to explore. At the top of the list are the three main bet types for each contest. Here’s a peek at how they work.
- Moneyline: This is a great bet to focus on when you’re new to NBA betting. It’s simple and straightforward as you just have to pick the side you think will win. You can pick the favorite — negative odds — or go with the underdog — positive odds — for the upset.
- Point spread: The spread is a popular wager where you have to factor in the margin of victory. Oddsmakers set the number, and you then can choose the favorite minus the points or the dog plus the number. The side you pick has to cover the spread for your bet to win.
- Totals: The high-scoring nature of NBA games is a big part of its popularity. You can place your bets on what the total combined output of the two teams will be. Sportsbooks set a benchmark number, and you can choose over or under.
All three of these bets will attract plenty of volume for all NBA games, but there are several others, as well. Let’s run through the other popular bet types and how they work, beginning with one that lets you take a long-range view.
NBA futures betting
A futures bet gives you the chance to weigh in on how you think the season will play out. These are bets on things that won’t be decided until a later date. It’s a popular market with odds released in the offseason. The biggest attractions include:
- NBA Finals winner.
- Division and conference winners.
- Teams to make or miss playoffs.
- Over/under on regular season win totals by team.
- Individual award winners — MVP, rookie of the year, etc.
For many futures bets, there will be odds for all of the available choices, typically in descending order with favorites on top. When it’s a bet with just two possible selections, it’ll look like a moneyline wager.
When betting on futures, you’ll want to take the time to shop around. The odds can vary by operator due to market action, so there may be better prices out there. For example, the DraftKings app may have one set of odds on an NBA Finals favorite while the FanDuel app has a few ticks of difference on the same team.
NBA prop betting
Props are another NBA wager popular with bettors. They’re available for each of the individual games, typically with plenty of choices to consider. Props can be on the game as a whole, team performance or player accomplishments. So, what is a prop bet?
On the game side, it could be as simple as whether the game will go to overtime. A team-based prop could ask about the rebounding advantage or which side will hold the halftime lead. Player props are a big driver of action and depend on what a player accomplishes during the game. Here are some examples of what you’ll see.
- How many total points plus assists for James Harden — over/under 34.5?
- Who will post more points plus rebounds for the Knicks — R.J. Barrett or Julius Randle?
- Will Kevin Durant be the leading scorer for the Nets — yes/no?
Figuring out player props is similar to trying to project fantasy performance, so bettors who have success in that area may be able to use props as a solid starting point with sports betting. Also, don’t be shy about shopping around here, either. The top books like DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM Online Sports Betting offer up lots of great NBA prop bets, but choices can vary by operator.
NBA live betting
Also known as in game betting, live betting refers to bets you can place in real time as the action plays out on the court. These are really fast-moving markets that have grown in popularity tremendously through the years.
Live betting works well with fast-moving NBA games. There are always lots of choices to consider when the game is going on. Offerings will vary based on what’s actually happening, but here’s a sample of what you might see.
- Updated odds for moneylines, spreads and totals.
- Betting opportunities on quarters and halves.
- New player prop offerings as the action plays out.
This is an area of wagering that can keep you engaged with the games like never before. Apps are the best way to stay on top of the action. You can log in on the small screen while watching the game wherever you are.
Live betting opens up the potential for additional profits, but be sure to keep your head in the game. You can go overboard quickly with these fast-moving wagers, so be sure to have a strict budget in place and stick to it no matter what.
NBA finals betting in NY
The NBA Finals are the signature event for the league and the culmination of what is typically a grueling postseason. The champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences square off in a best-of-seven matchup, with the winner walking away with the hardware.
As you would expect, the NBA Finals attract tons of betting action, with even casual fans who don’t follow pro basketball all that much getting involved. All of the major bet types will be available, and you can even live bet after each game gets underway. Other top options include:
- Betting on the outright winner of the series.
- Wagering on which player will win the NBA Finals MVP.
- Lots of game props before tipoff and more to come when live betting starts.
The high-paced nature of betting during the NBA regular season slows down once the final round rolls around. There will be breaks in between games, and that directly translates into additional time to research and explore the various opportunities.
Additionally, don’t forget that you can wager on the winner of the NBA Finals at virtually any time via the futures market. If you happen to make the right call on a dark horse that catches fire and wins it all, then you’ll make yourself quite a handsome profit.
Top 5 NBA betting questions answered
You’re ready to bet on the NBA. Now what? Naturally, you’ll want to start figuring out how to pick some winners. As you begin traveling down that path, questions are going to come up, many of which are quite common. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions by bettors of all experience levels and what you need to know.
1. What is public betting in the NBA and does it matter?
If people refer to the public betting numbers, they’re talking about where the action has come from. The overall market consensus can give you some solid insight, and there are bettors who follow theories such as going with the consensus picks or fading the market. Unfortunately, turning a profit isn’t quite so easy. Public perception is worth checking out, but your wagering decisions should ultimately be based on your research. Going with or against the public isn’t always the right choice. Choose the side you feel most comfortable and learn from your results.
2. Is betting on halves or quarters better than betting on full NBA games?
Betting on specific segments of the game has become quite popular in NBA wagering circles. If you have a good feel for how teams start or close out games, this can be a great area on which to focus. It’s not necessarily better than betting on the full game. As always, this comes down to your personal comfort level. There are some handicappers who prefer looking at the game as a whole and rolling with what they find, while others prefer alternative methods of wagering. Whatever works best for you and your overall NBA betting strategy is the direction you should go with.
3. What’s the best bet for NBA — moneyline, spread or total?
All three bet types are popular, and there’s not always one that’s better than the other two. Each game is an individual event, and you should treat it as such. There will be times when the moneyline appears to be the way to go, such as with a real tight game with a razor-thin spread. When there’s a huge favorite involved, then a spread provides more value — unless you like the underdog — while totals can be a good call when you have a great feel for how the scoring will play out. In a nutshell, examine the game on its own and pick your spots for each bet type.
4. Should you always bet on the home team?
Home-court advantage can be a big factor in the NBA, just like with other sports. However, road teams win plenty, so you shouldn’t be blindly betting one side and expecting to come out ahead. Instead of doing that, take the time to research the home and away records for both sides. When a team is an absolute powerhouse at home, a great case can obviously be made for going with them. On the other hand, the road warriors of the league deserve your attention. In short, assess each game individually while considering the impact the home court may have.
5. Should I bet on all NBA games for the night or just a couple?
There are a number of handicapping strategies to consider. For example, the volume approach calls for betting on lots of games while looking to win more than you lose. The selective approach involves wagering on the games you feel most confident with while shooting for the same goal. In a nutshell, blindly betting on lots of games is a bad idea and is not viable on a long-term basis, while zeroing in on a handful of games and making confident decisions based on what you find can lead you further down the path to success.
NY sports betting rules and regulations
As sports betting continues to get legalized in a growing number of states, each state that gives a green light to the practice will have its own specific rules and regulations in place. While many are standard across the industry, some are distinctive.
In New York, you can place plenty of wagers on a variety of sports at retail sportsbooks. One big restriction to keep in mind is that you can’t bet on local college teams or on collegiate events that take place in the state. Neighboring New Jersey has the same policy, but Pennsylvania doesn’t. When betting on mobile in either of those states, you need to be within state lines to do so.
You also can’t bet on things like esports, elections, or award shows, as betting is restricted to sporting events. To legally play, you must be 21 or older and not appear on any self-exclusion lists for gambling. Also, those affiliated with leagues are blocked from wagering on their own sports. As for NBA-specific rules, here are the top points you need to keep in mind.
- All bets are considered action once the game gets underway.
- Canceled and postponed games will be considered void in most cases, but those with a slight delay may still go off.
- Settlement of wagers is based on official league data and statistics. The sportsbook won’t entertain disputes.
One important area to keep an eye on is how sportsbooks handle player prop bets. If a player doesn’t suit up at all, the bet will typically be voided. Consult the book you are playing at for specifics. All sportsbooks have house rules for the NBA and other sports, so take the time to review.
Illegal offshore betting/bookies in NY
The availability of online sports betting in NY continues to grow at a rapid pace, but that doesn’t mean that all of the illegal options have gone by the wayside. There are still offshore sites and bookies out there that will be happy to take your business.
That doesn’t mean you should do so. The legal and regulated shops have state gambling authorities to answer to. They operate on the up and up as a result. Your funds will be safe and you’ll be paid in a timely fashion for wins.
None of the above applies to the offshore sites, so keep that in mind when considering where to place your bets. All of our recommended operators are legal and vetted. If you take your business there, you’ll be good to go.
Best sportsbooks/bars for NBA betting in NYC/upstate
Thanks to the wonders of smartphones, you can have a sportsbook on the go whenever you want to head out to watch the game. Fans of both the Knicks and Nets have a number of excellent options to consider. Here are four popular bars that make for great spots to catch some basketball action — two in the NYC area and a pair away from the hustle and bustle.
John Sullivan’s Bar and Grill
- 210 W. 35th St., New York, NY
- 212-993-7223
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- If you like pub food, Irish fare, and a great selection of beer and spirits, this is the place to be.
Rhythm & Booze Sports Bar & Grill
- 1674 10th Ave., Brooklyn, NY
- 718-788-9699
- Open daily from noon to 10 p.m.
- There’s much more to see beyond an outstanding name, including quality grub, plenty of screens and cocktails aplenty.
The Corner Bar and Grill
- 523 Delaware Ave., Kingston, NY
- 845-338-2759
- Mon.-Fri., 2:30 p.m. to midnight; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. to midnight
- Friendly neighborhood hangout with lots of TVs to catch the action, as well as a full assortment of food and beverages.
BVH Sports Bar
- 45 Barryville-Yulan Road, Barryville, NY
- 845-557-9903
- Wed.-Thur., 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sun., noon to 8 p.m.; closed on Monday and Tuesday
- Noted for having some outstanding wings, BVH is a great spot to kick back, enjoy some beverages and watch the games.
Retail sportsbooks in New York
Things changed in NY in the summer of 2019. That’s when retail sportsbooks were officially allowed to start opening their doors. Today, residents have a number of places to visit. Here’s the complete list of sportsbooks at retail casinos.
del Lago Resort & Casino
- Address: 1133 State Route 414, Waterloo, NY
- Phone: 315-946-1777
- Name: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Hours: Open daily from noon to 10 p.m.
Tioga Downs
- Address: 2384 W. River Road, Nichols, NY
- Phone: 888-946-8464
- Name: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Hours: Mon.-Fri., noon to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Point Place Casino
- Address: 450 452 State Route 31, Bridgeport, NY
- Phone: 315-366-9610
- Name: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
- Hours: Mon.-Thur., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Turning Stone Resort & Casino
- Address: 5218 Patrick Road, Verona, NY
- Phone: 800-771-7711
- Name: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
- Hours: Mon.-Thur., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Yellow Brick Road Casino
- Address: 800 W. Genesee St., Chittenango, NY
- Phone: 315-366-9400
- Name: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
- Hours: Mon.-Thur., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rivers Casino Schenectady
- Address: 1 Rush St., Schenectady, NY
- Phone: 518-579-8800
- Name: Rivers Sportsbook
- Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with self-serve kiosks available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort
- Address: 873 State Route 37, Hogansburg, NY
- Phone: 518-358-2222
- Name: Sticks Sportsbook and Grill
- Hours: Wed.-Thur., 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri., 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Resorts World Catskills
- Address: 888 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, NY
- Phone: 833-586-9358
- Name: Sportsbook 360
- Hours: Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tues., 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., with self-serve kiosks available whenever the casino is open.
If you’re in the NYC area and looking for a closer option, fear not. Across the border in the Garden State is a stellar sportsbook that has consistently been a top destination for bettors from the Empire State to visit.
FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands
- Address: 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ
- Phone: 877-689-0662
- Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight