Understanding Point Spreads
The NFL and NBA are the two most popular sports to bet on in North America. In order to wager on these two sports, you must understand what a point spread is, since it is the most popular sports betting technique for both sports. Today we will provide you with a quick 101 guide to the point spread.
In essence, whether you are playing basketball or football, the point spread can help you make a lot of money. The point spread works as a way to make the underdog seem more appealing on the betting line, since they have the options of winning the game outright or losing by less to win their wager. What’s more, in both the NFL and NBA, the point spread provides a disadvantage to the favorite, since not only do they have to win the game, but they have to win by more than the amount that the bookies set for them. Here is how the point spread appears for both the NFL and NBA.
NFL:
Cleveland Browns +10
New England Patriots – 10
In this example, the Browns are the underdog, as depicted by the positive sign in front of the number 10. For fans taking the Browns on the point spread, they need Cleveland to win the game outright, or lose by nine or fewer points. Conversely, Patriots fans can only win the game if New England wins by 11 or more points, since they need to cover the spread.
NBA:
Los Angeles Clippers +3
Los Angeles Lakers – 3
In this example, the Clippers are the underdog, and simply need to win the game outright or lose by one or two points, to win the wager. On the contrary, the Lakers can only win the bet if they win by four or more points.
