NBA Betting — NBA Sportsbooks & Betting Predictions 2023

Our Top Picks in Ontario

Are you on the hunt for the best online sportsbooks to place your NBA bets on? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the inside scoop on the best betting sites available to Ontario residents. But what makes a great NBA betting site exactly? Well, as you can likely imagine, it’s all about the odds. A good sportsbook will offer competitive odds on a wide range of NBA betting markets, including traditional moneyline, point spreads, over/under bets, futures, props, and other exotic bet types. And let’s not forget about the live betting options, where you can make real-time wagers as the game unfolds. After analyzing some of the top bookmakers in Canada and comparing their respective odds, we’ve narrowed it down to the following list of NBA sportsbooks:

1️⃣ BetMGM – If you’re an NBA bettor, you should consider using BetMGM since it is the league’s official sports betting partner. Not only do they offer plenty of standards and unique betting options, but they are also known to have some of the best live betting odds on the market. Although the quality of the NBA futures odds at BetMGM is decent compared to its competitors, they don’t always have the best odds for top teams expected to win the championship, so they might be a better option for long shots.

2️⃣ LeoVegas – LeoVegas Ontario sportsbook offers highly competitive odds across various sports, including the NBA. In fact, the sportsbook has a reputation for providing some of the best odds around, which is especially evident in the odds offered for hockey leagues, in particular, showing their commitment to the Canadian market. Although no bookmaker will always offer the best prices, LeoVegas’ odds are very comparable to those provided by other top-ranked bookmakers. Additionally, LeoVegas has a slight lean towards added value on underdog odds, which is great news for bettors looking to maximize their returns.

3️⃣ BetRivers – BetRivers is another sportsbook that offers a plethora of NBA betting opportunities to Ontario hoops fans. Not only can bettors expect to find various betting options, such as moneylines, spread, totals, same-game parlays, player props, and more, but BetRivers also provides some of the most competitive NBA odds in the business. In fact, the site’s odds are supplied by Kambi Sports, a top expert in the field, and are generally some of the more favourable NBA betting odds you’ll find.

4️⃣ Royal Panda – When it comes to NBA betting, Royal Panda Sportsbook may not be the first name that comes to mind, but it’s worth considering for its competitive odds. While the sportsbook is most famous for its soccer odds, they also offer strong lines for over 25 sports, including the NBA. Plus, Royal Panda’s reduced commission on major NBA events could potentially lead to bigger payouts as well, making it a great option for savvy bettors.

5️⃣ Unibet – Unibet Ontario sportsbook offers competitive odds that match up well with other top bookmakers in the province. What sets Unibet apart, however, is their commitment to updating odds by the second, ensuring that you always get the best value for your bet. This makes it the perfect sportsbook for a fast-paced sport and league like the NBA, as several moving parts can impact the flow and, ultimately, the outcome of the game.

🏀 NBA Championship & Teams

Let’s start with the basics! How are teams in the NBA divided? Which ones belong to the Eastern and which ones belong to the Western Conference? Are there subdivisions? Find out in just a few minutes:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

• Boston Celtics
• Brooklyn Nets
• New York Knicks
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Toronto Raptors

Central Division

• Chicago Bulls
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Detroit Pistons
• Indiana Pacers
• Milwaukee Bucks

Southeast Division

• Atlanta Hawks
• Charlotte Hornets
• Miami Heat
• Orlando Magic
• Washington Wizards

Western Conference

Northwest Division

• Denver Nuggets
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Utah Jazz

Pacific Division

• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Phoenix Suns
• Sacramento Kings

Southwest Division

• Dallas Mavericks
• Houston Rockets
• Memphis Grizzlies
• New Orleans Pelicans
• San Antonio Spurs

🎟️ Types of NBA Bets

Whether you’re a Raptors superfan or just looking to add some excitement to your basketball viewing experience, taking the time to explore the different bets available should always be a top priority. Will you bet on the point spread and root for your team to cover the spread like Drake courtside at Scotiabank Arena? Or perhaps you’ll opt for the moneyline and go all in on the outright winner. Aside from traditional bets like these, Canadians can also get in on the action with player props, and if you’re feeling really confident, you can even try your luck with a few futures bets as well. Simply put, there are plenty of options to choose from to take your NBA betting game to the next level. So grab your Tim Hortons and settle in as we break down the various types of NBA bets available to Canadian bettors.

Money Lines

A money line bet is an incredibly simple wager on which team will win the game outright. Money line bets are the easiest type of NBA bet to understand and can be a great option for beginners, as you don’t have to worry about point spreads or other complicated betting strategies. For example, let’s say the Toronto Raptors are playing the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have a money line of -150, which means you would have to bet $150 to win $100 if they win the game. On the other hand, the Raptors have a money line of +130, so you would win $130 if you bet $100 on them and they win the game.

Point Spread

A point spread bet is a special type of NBA wager in which you bet on the margin of victory for a particular team. This means that the favourite team will need to win by a certain number of points for the bet to pay out, while the underdog can either win the game outright or lose by a certain number of points and still cover the spread. For example, let’s say the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Golden State Warriors and the Lakers are favoured by 7.5 points. If you bet on the Lakers to cover the spread, they would need to win by 8 points or more in order for your bet to pay out. However, if you bet on the Warriors to cover the spread, they would need to either win the game outright or lose by 7 points or less for your bet to pay out.

Totals (Over/Under)

If you’re unsure as to who will win the game or by how much, then over/under or “Totals” bets can be extremely rewarding. A totals bet is when you wager on the total number of combined points that will be scored in a game between both teams. You can either bet on the over, which means you think the total number of points scored will be higher than the set line, or the under, which means you think the total number of points scored will be lower than the set line. For example, let’s say the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing the Chicago Bulls and the over/under line is set at 222.5. If you bet on the over, you would win your bet if the total number of points scored in the game is 223 or higher. If you bet on the under, you would win your bet if the total number of points scored in the game is 222 or lower.

Prop Bets

Looking for something a little bit more unique? A prop bet is a type of NBA wager in which you bet on a specific aspect of a game that does not necessarily relate to the final outcome. This could include things like which player will score the first basket, how many three-pointers a team will make in a game, or whether a certain player will record a double-double or triple-double. Prop bets can be a fun way to add some excitement to a game and allow you to bet on specific players or events within the game.

Player Prop

More specifically, there are player prop bets, which (as you can probably imagine) is a specific type of prop bet that focuses on the performance of individual players. This could include things like how many points a player will score in a game, how many rebounds they will have, or how many assists they will record. Player prop bets are a great way to focus on specific players and their performance rather than the overall outcome of the game.

Team Prop

A team prop bet is another type of prop bet that focuses on specific team performance. This could include things like how many total points a team will score in a game, how many three-pointers they will make, or how many turnovers they will have. Team prop bets can be a great way to focus on specific aspects of a team’s performance rather than the overall outcome of the game or how well a specific player on the team will do.

Futures

To keep it simple, futures bets are wagers placed on events that will occur in the future, often at the end of the season or playoffs. These bets usually require a long-term commitment and patience to see a return on investment. For example, a futures bet could be whether or not the Phoenix Suns will win the NBA championship at the end of the season. This type of bet requires a long-term commitment and patience to see a return on investment.

Parlay

Now it’s time to dive into the good stuff – parlay betting. A parlay bet is a combination of multiple bets placed on the same ticket, which results in a larger payout compared to single bets. The payoff for a parlay bet is much higher than a single bet because parlay bets multiply the odds of each individual bet and require all the bets to be correct to win. For example, a parlay bet could be a combination of the Lakers winning the game (+150), LeBron James scoring over 25 points (-110), and the total score of the game being over 200 points (-150). Instead of just taking the standard odds for each individual bet, the three would be multiplied to give you total odds of +657 (+150 x -110 x -150 = +657). Meaning if all three bets are correct, the payoff is much higher than betting on each outcome individually.

Live Betting

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, is a type of wagering that takes place during the game. This means that bettors can place bets on a variety of outcomes while the game is happening in real-time, allowing them to react to things like injuries and shifts in momentum. This type of betting is particularly exciting because the odds can change rapidly as the game unfolds, and bettors can react to the ebbs and flows of the game and bet accordingly. For example, a live betting opportunity could be betting on the Memphis Grizzlies to win the game after they make a ten-point run in the fourth quarter and momentum shifts in their favour.

🏆 Strategies for Placing NBA Bets – NBA Betting Tips

Ok folks, get your game faces on because it’s time to talk about the secret weapon of successful NBA betting: betting strategies and tips. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just getting started, understanding different betting strategies and tips can give you the upper hand when placing smart and informed bets on NBA games. From researching teams’ performance histories to analyzing player stats, there are plenty of ways to gain an edge in the world of sports betting. Do you know the difference between a value bet and a sucker bet? Maybe, you’re looking for a more intuitive approach to betting, such as following your gut instinct or using a combination of different strategies. Regardless of your preferred method, we’re here to provide you with a list of handy tips and betting strategies you can implement to improve your NBA betting experience and possibly your bankroll.

1. Follow injury reports: The number one best thing you can do as an NBA fan and bettor is to keep a close eye on the injury reports for each team before placing your bets. Injuries to key players can have a big impact on the outcome of a game, so it’s important to take this into account when making your picks. However, don’t assume that all injuries are equal because they are not. You should always consider the player’s position and the team’s style before making a decision.
2. Analyze team performance trends: Look at each team’s recent performance trends before placing your bets. This goes beyond just looking at their win-loss record, as you also need to consider how they’ve been playing offensively and defensively and how they’ve performed against certain types of opponents.
3. Consider the schedule: Another incredibly vital NBA betting strategy everybody can implement is to take into account each team’s schedule before placing your bets. Are they playing back-to-back games or on a long road trip? These factors can affect a team’s performance and should be taken into consideration when making your picks. Also, consider the strength of the schedule, as a team’s recent success might not be indicative of its overall quality.
4. Keep an eye on the odds: You should always be on the lookout for favourable odds and lines, regardless of the sport or event. This means you will need to compare the odds and lines at different sportsbooks available in your area to find the best value for your bets. Don’t just bet on the favourite or underdog, instead look for opportunities where the odds might not reflect a team’s true chances of winning.
5. Use analytics: Take advantage of advanced analytics to gain a better understanding of a team’s strengths and weaknesses. Look at metrics like offensive and defensive efficiency, pace, and rebounding rate to get a more accurate picture of a team’s performance. This can help you make more informed bets and avoid relying solely on gut instinct.
6. Bet with your head, not your heart: Avoid letting your emotions influence your betting decisions. The hard truth is that just because you’re a fan of a particular team doesn’t mean they will win every game. Stay objective and make your picks based on the facts and analysis, not your personal biases. Above all else, if you experience a losing streak, don’t try to chase your losses by placing bigger bets or taking bigger risks. Stick to your betting strategy, and as Joel Embiid would say, “Trust the Process.”

🎯 Researching Teams and Players

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to go beyond just cheering for your favourite team or player and start researching like a pro! Successful NBA betting requires more than just blind loyalty, and that’s where research comes into play. By analyzing statistics, trends, and other factors that could impact the game’s outcome, you can make smart and strategic bets that could lead to huge payouts. Beyond basic statistics like opponent scoring and Player Impact Estimate (PIE), experienced bettors know how to delve into team and player performances throughout the season, including head-to-head matchups, home and away records, and injury reports. Of course, there’s more to consider as well, such as coaching styles, team chemistry, and even travel and scheduling. All of this may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation and analysis, you can gain a competitive edge and boost your chances of success. Here are some of the biggest factors you will need to consider.

Lineup

The starting lineup for a team can have a significant impact on how they perform in a game and can oftentimes be the difference between a win and a loss in the NBA. For instance, if the Boston Celtics are missing Jayson Tatum or the Denver Nuggets are without Nikola Jokic, their entire offensive strategy changes, which can impact the game’s outcome. Whereas if both teams are locked and loaded with their full array of star players, they become a much stronger team and it is, therefore, easier to predict how the game might turn out. As a result, one of the best things you can do to make more educated and successful NBA bets is to pay attention to any lineup changes and adjust your betting strategy accordingly.

Player Injuries

Similarly, injuries can be a blessing or a curse for NBA bettors and can have a huge impact on an NBA team’s performance and, subsequently, your betting strategy. For example, imagine betting on the Dallas Mavericks bench mob to handle business without Luka Doncic, and then he decides to come back mid-game to help his team secure a victory. This would boost your confidence tenfold and make you feel like you’re on top of the world. However, on the flip side, what if you bet on the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry in the lineup, only to have him leave the game early with an ankle injury? It’s no secret that this would significantly weaken their offence and likely, their ability to win the game. As such, it is imperative always to keep an eye on injury reports and adjust your bets accordingly.

Team Performance

In the NBA, winning and losing streaks are a dime a dozen. The Milwaukee Bucks may be on a ten-game winning streak, but that doesn’t necessarily make them unbeatable and certainly doesn’t guarantee a win in their next game. With that being said, a team’s recent performance can provide valuable insight as to how they might perform in the future. For instance, the Memphis Grizzlies currently have one of the best home records in the NBA. Still, they are absolutely abysmal on the road, falling well below .500. This shows that if the Grizzlies are playing at home, they typically have the advantage over their opponent and are, therefore, pretty safe to bet on. However, if it were an away game, this could definitely be a riskier bet, given their recent lack of success on the road. Simply put, it’s essential to take into account a team’s recent performance before making a bet.

Rivalries

Any basketball fan knows that rivalries in the NBA can be as intense as any sport. Think Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics or the Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons. When two teams have a long-standing rivalry, it can add an extra layer of intensity and emotion to the game. As a result, the teams are more motivated to win, the coaches may be more strategic in their game plans, the crowds are louder, and the tension is palpable. All of these factors can impact the outcome of the game and, subsequently, your sports betting picks. On the flip side, if a team is playing a weaker opponent or one with which they have little history, they may not take the game as seriously, leading to a less impressive performance. Therefore, it’s always important to keep in mind any rivalries when placing NBA bets.

💰 Bankroll Management Tips for NBA Betting

As any seasoned bettor knows, managing your bankroll is crucial to long-term success in sports betting. This is especially true for NBA bettors in Canada, who know that every dollar counts when it comes to making smart and strategic bets. After all, with the right bankroll management strategy, you can minimize your losses and maximize your profits, making every NBA game an exciting opportunity to win. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of bankroll management strategies for NBA bettors in Canada. From setting realistic betting limits to knowing when to walk away, the following tips and tricks can provide you with everything you need to make your bankroll work for you.

1. Set a budget: Treat your NBA betting like a business and set aside a specific amount of money that you’re willing to lose. This way, you won’t be tempted to chase losses, and you’ll be able to manage your bankroll more effectively.
2. Stick to a betting system: Develop and stick to a betting system. This will help you avoid impulsive and risky bets that can drain your bankroll. Whether you prefer to bet on spreads, totals, or moneylines, find a system that works for you and stick to it.
3. Bet selectively: Don’t bet on every NBA game and don’t let your emotions dictate your betting decisions. Just because you watch every NBA game that’s on or you’re a fan of a certain team doesn’t mean that every bet is going to be successful. Instead, focus on the games that offer the best value and have the highest likelihood of winning. This will help you maximize your profits and minimize your losses.
4. Know when to stop: More important than anything else when it comes to sports betting, in general, is to know when to stop betting. If you’re on a losing streak or have reached your predetermined budget, it’s time to take a break and reevaluate your strategy. Don’t let your ego or desire for a big win cloud your judgment.
5. Bet responsibly: Finally, always bet responsibly. While this might seem obvious, you should never feel the need to gamble with money that you can’t afford to lose. Don’t let betting consume your life, and don’t hesitate to set limits if you feel that it’s getting out of hand. NBA betting should be fun, not stressful, so you should always prioritize your mental and emotional well-being above all else.