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Betting on NBA totals gives you a fun alternative when the game is too close to call or the spreads don’t have enticing odds. These types of bets are growing quite popular as they provide an exciting way of betting that only focuses on the total number of points. On top of that, they come with much better NBA betting odds compared to other markets.

However, they still carry significant risks like every other bet, so you will need to have a good strategy to become successful. If you want to try out over/under betting in the NBA, this guide is for you.

Research Team Statistics

The more you know about the teams and players you want to wager on, the more your chances of winning. To win Over/Under bets, ensure you do comprehensive research on the team statistics to get a clear idea of the scoring possibilities within the match. Start by checking the points per game for each of the teams, then the field goal percentage, three-point shooting percentage, and free throw efficiency to understand how good a team is in scoring.

Besides that, analyze the defensive prowess as well. Look at things such as the points allowed per game, opponent field goal percentage, and defensive rebounds. From there, you can compare the two teams and how they match up. Look at their historical performances in head-to-head matches to see if there’s a pattern in the points scored. When you look at all these closely, you will get a good idea of what to expect.

Factor in the Pace of Play

The pace of play is quite important when betting on NBA totals as it affects the scoring outcome. It refers to the number of possessions a team generates or allows per game, with the thought process behind it being that the more possessions a team has per game, the quicker the game, and the more the scoring opportunities.

If you want to bet on two teams that have a high number of possessions per game, chances are that possession will be switching quickly (high tempo), giving both teams opportunities to score. To get a clear understanding without getting all technical (there’s a formula for calculating the possessions per game), look at the previous games and coaching philosophies.

Monitor Injury Reports and Lineup Changes

The NBA is star-driven, so the absence of a key player can have a huge impact on the team’s performance. For example, if the Golden State Warriors are missing Steph Curry due to an injury, you can expect this to have an impact on the points scored, as he’s their most prolific scorer. This means that you should analyze the availability of the various key players and consider how a team might adjust accordingly.

Besides the research, ensure you diligently monitor injury reports and lineup changes for every game you want to bet on. You should be able to anticipate possible absences, returns, and lineup adjustments. If any relevant information comes out, use it to adjust your betting strategy accordingly.

Exercise Discipline and Bankroll Management

You can easily get caught up in the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. And if you let any of these emotions influence your decisions, you can end up losing a lot of money. When you find yourself on a losing streak, avoid the temptation of chasing your losses, as this will lead to poor decisions and more losses in the long term.

Besides that, ensure you have a plan for managing your finances. Start by coming up with a weekly or monthly budget, then divide it into specific days or bets. Have a set amount of wager to place depending on the type of bet, and don’t adjust your betting strategy unless you are doing a review of your betting activities. This will help you maintain discipline and increase your chances of success.