BetMGM NBA Odds: Your Guide to the NBA Betting Lines

BetMGM provides various markets for casual and experienced bettors. The sportsbook covers basic wager types like spreads, moneylines, and more advanced options such as player props and same-game parlays. 

Below is a summary of the betting options presented at BetMGM:

Because odds change consistently on a day-to-day basis, this guide is not able to give you a definitive answer about how BetMGM's oddsmakers stack up to their competition, but a summary of all of the moneylines from a Friday night during the NBA season provides a snapshot in time to give you a sense of how the sportsbook compares.

BetMGM makes it straightforward for new bettors to begin wagering on NBA games. The registration process is designed to take minutes, allowing bettors to access various markets quickly.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help new bettors create an account on BetMGM and access NBA markets. 

1. Visit BetMGM:

• Access the BetMGM Sportsbook website or app to view the latest odds, such as NBA futures odds on the Most Valuable Player or the moneyline on a regular season game.
• Ensure you're located in a state where BetMGM is legally authorized to operate. BetMGM is located in 28 states (retail and online) and Washington, D.C. Bettors must be 21 and above in all regions except D.C., where the gambling age is 18.

2. Sign Up:

• To confirm your account, click on the gold "Sign Up" button and provide personal details, including name, date of birth, and email address.
• BetMGM ensures compliance by requiring bettors to share the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) and activate geolocation services.

3. Make Your First Deposit:

• Choose from payment methods like PayPal or bank transfers to fund your account.
• Set deposit limits to practice responsible gambling as you explore NBA betting odds.

4. Claim The BetMGM First Bet Offer:

• BetMGM gives new bettors a first bet offer based on current odds for many games and betting markets.
• Before using the promotion, read the review and the terms carefully, such as wagering requirements and expiration dates.

5. Explore the NBA Betting Markets:

• Now, navigate to the NBA section on the homepage and choose the bet you want to make.

As an NBA bettor, you have the option to bet on who will win the NBA Finals at any time during the regular season or postseason. As the season progresses, the odds can change significantly to reflect trades, injuries, and overall team performance.

Below is an example of how the odds changed during the 2024-25 regular season. The chart displays the top five favorites to win the NBA Finals in early January according to BetMGM's odds and what their opening odds were before the season:

Odds Current as of January 3, 2025

These odds will continue to move daily in the remaining months of the 2024-25 season. One day to be particularly aware of on the NBA calendar is the trade deadline. This date varies by season, but for 2024-25, it is on February 6.

More often than not, this date features numerous trades that can shake up the competitive landscape of the NBA and, as a result, the odds of winning the NBA Finals. In 2023-24, 16 trades were completed on the trade deadline.

No individual NBA betting strategy guarantees success, but a few guiding principles can help you manage your basketball wagers and improve your chances of profitability when wagering with BetMGM or any other online sportsbook.

• Note Historical Trends: Not every historical trend is relevant, but sometimes what's happened in past seasons is a good predictor of the future. For example, if you bet on a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season, it might be helpful to know that the Clippers were 26-9 against the Lakers in the previous 10 seasons.
• Research Recent Performance: Sometimes, a team or players' season-long statistics do not tell a complete story. A recent example is the 2023-24 Houston Rockets, who had an average 41-41 record on the whole season but finished it on a 16-8 run. Betting on Houston moneylines went from a poor strategy early in the season to an excellent one later on as the team improved.
• Always Keep Check On Injury Reports: When teams miss superstars, the effect of their absence may seem obvious, but keep a close eye on key role players, too. It's also important to know whether the number of participating players might be limited. For example, when Zion Williamson entered the NBA, he was on a strict minutes restriction. In his first eight games, he averaged less than 27 minutes per night, and even though the New Orleans Pelicans had a point differential of +53 when he was on the court, they went just 4-4.
• Track Line Movement and Shop for Odds: Watch how the lines move to see what the public and pros are betting. You don't need to follow the crowd, but understanding generation consensus and where the money wagered is going can be helpful. Pay attention to movement at multiple sportsbooks to get a better sense of the landscape and find the most favorable odds for your wager.
• Don't Let Fandom Creep into Your Decision-Making: Just because you want a team to with that doesn't mean that it will. Fandom can lead to an irrational interpretation of information, and it's often best to bet on teams in which you have no emotional investment.

No matter how strategic your wagering is, it's critical to understand that profitability may remain elusive, and responsible gambling is a must.

Below is a summary of some best practices for betting on the NBA responsibly:

etMGM provides a solid platform for NBA betting, offering a variety of markets and competitive odds. While it may not be the only option for NBA bettors, it is a noteworthy choice for those interested in basketball wagering.

• Variety of Betting Markets: BetMGM offers a wide selection of NBA betting options, including moneylines, point spreads, and player props.
• Consistent Odds: BetMGM's odds are competitive with those of other sportsbooks, though they may vary across different games and events.
• NBA Partnership: BetMGM is the first sportsbook to partner with the NBA, which shows its commitment to being a basketball betting destination.
• Responsible Gambling Tools: The platform provides resources for bettors to set limits and track their betting behavior, aligning with responsible gambling practices.

While BetMGM offers a range of tools and markets for NBA betting, it is always advisable to compare options before making a decision on where to wager.