The National Basketball Association began to play in 1946, and since then, the NBA has become one of the most popular sports leagues to bet on in the United States. Because of the number of games played at the pro level, there is a game to wager on almost every night from October to June — meaning each night is a chance to increase your bankroll.
We want to set your bet up for the alley-oop by dishing out only the best legal basketball betting sites along with our guide on how to wager on NBA odds and lines for the 2018-19 season. Whether you’re betting on the regular season, the playoffs, or the NBA Finals, we want to make sure your bet is nothin’ but net.
Top NBA Betting Site in the US
Bovada Sportsbook - Accepts US Players
Since Bovada started servicing the United States in 2011 they have developed a great reputation among industry professionals for fast payouts, US-friendly deposit methods, and competitive basketball betting lines. Upon visiting the USA legal sportsbook you will find NBA betting lines, basketball betting lines, and basketball futures. In addition to NBA game lines and futures, Bovada also offers live betting on NBA games.
Based on personal experience, site features, reputation, and credentials, Bovada is the best choice for NBA betting online.
Best Online Sportsbooks
for NBA Odds and Lines
| Site Name | Current Bonus | U.S. | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 50% Max $250 |  | Visit Site Review |
 | 50% Max $1,000 | | Visit Site Review |
 | 50% Max $1,000 | | Visit Site Review |
 | 50% Max $1,000 | | Visit Site Review |
 | 50% Max $300 | | Visit Site Review |
Is it legal to bet on NBA games online in the US?
Yes, there are no federal laws against betting on NBA games online at licensed offshore betting sites in the United States. States can also legalize online sports betting following the PASPA repeal in 2018, but the option to bet online at a state-licensed sportsbook is only available in a handful of states.
Where can I bet on NBA Basketball in the United States?
Residents in 48 states and Washington D.C. can legally place real money wagers on the NBA at any of the online sportsbooks featured on our site. Additionally, some states have legalized sports betting within their jurisdiction, so check our legal page for more information and to see the status of sports betting coming to your state.
Which team will win the 2019 NBA Finals?
It’s hard to imagine any team beating the Golden State Warriors at this point, and the oddsmakers have agreed all throughout the 2018-19 NBA season that they are the heavy favorites to win the 2019 NBA Finals.
After all, the Warriors have a starting five that consists of five All-Star players (Curry, Thompson, Durant, Green, Cousins) and have won 3 out of the past 4 NBA Finals, so betting against their dynasty is unwise at this point because they have not really shown any significant signs of slowing down.
Odds to Win the 2019 NBA Championship
Here you can find the latest odds to win the 2019 NBA Finals and hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy for each of the 30 NBA teams. Odds are updated regularly and as the season draws to a close, teams will be eliminated from contention and those teams will have not have any odds displayed.
Current Odds via Bovada.
Boston Celtics +1500
Toronto Raptors +1200
Philadelphia 76ers +2600
Brooklyn Nets +8000
Types of NBA Bets
There are multiple different ways to bet on the NBA, and we’ve included examples of each of the most common types of bets you’ll see at a sportsbook. For beginners, we recommend sticking to the point spread since it gives equal value to both teams and has a low amount of vigorish in the odds.
Examples:
- Point Spread – Lakers @ Warriors (-6): Warriors are favored must win by 7 pts or more, and the underdog Lakers must lose by no more than 5 pts or can win the game by any margin.
- Money Line – Celtics (+125) @ Bucks (-145): Bucks are favored to win the game outright and requires 145u to win 100u while the Celtics are the underdog and need only 100u to win 125u.
- Total Points – Trail Blazers @ Thunder O/U 240.0 pts: The combined number points from both sides will need to fall under or over the set number (240), depending on which side you bet.
- Futures – Odds to win NBA Finals, Raptors (+750): The Raptors require 100u ahead of time (weeks, months) and will pay 750u if they become the NBA champions.
- Prop Bets – 3-PT FG for Stephen Curry, O/U 4.5: Stephen Curry will need five or more 3’s to win a bet on the over and four or fewer 3’s to win a bet on the under. Props can be on stats or other events, both inside and outside the game itself.
- Live Bets – Knicks down 11 w/ 5:31 left in the 3rd (+500): While the game is currently being played and the Knicks are down 11 points with 5:31 left in the 3rd period, if the Knicks (at +500) come back to win the game then a 100u bet would win 500u.
2018-19 NBA Schedule: Important Dates
Below is a list of all the most important dates that bettors should keep in mind for the 2018-19 NBA season.
2018
- September 28 – NBA Preseason begins
- October 5 – NBA China Games 2018 in Shanghai
- October 8 – NBA China Games 2018 in Shenzhen
- October 12 – NBA Preseason ends
- October 16 – Start of the 2018-19 NBA Regular Season
- December 13 – NBA Mexico City Games 2018
- December 15 – NBA Mexico City Games 2018
- December 25 – Christmas Day Games
2019
- January 17 – NBA London Game 2019
- February 7 – NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET
- February 15-17 – NBA All-Star Weekend 2019
- April 10 – End of the 2018-19 NBA Regular Season
- April 13 – NBA Playoffs 2019 begins
- May TBD – NBA Playoffs 2019 concludes
- June TBD – 2019 NBA Finals