You can make a futures bet on the chances of an NBA team to make the playoffs. Futures bets are wagers placed on events that will happen at some point later in the season, not a single game or performance. These are bets on a more significant outcome that have yet to be decided.
Futures odds are typically available before and during the season, but the odds are constantly in flux. They change based on what’s happening in and around the sport, including team performances, roster changes, injuries, etc.
Depending on your preference, you can change your odds format at most NBA betting sites.
As the name suggests, American odds are commonly used in the U.S., giving you a triple-digit or higher number with either a minus or plus sign.
The whole American odds (or moneyline odds) system is based on betting $100.
The numbers next to a minus sign (-) tell you how much you must bet to win $100. The plus symbol (+) beside the numbers tells you how much you can win by betting $100.
The negative sign indicates the favourite, while the plus sign points to the underdog.
Teams must finish among the top 10 in their Eastern or Western conference standings to become eligible for the NBA playoffs. Their win-loss records during the 82-game regular season determine rankings.
The NBA Playoffs start after the regular season and include 16 teams—eight from the East and eight from the West. The top six teams in each conference go straight in, while teams ranked 7th through 10th play for the last two spots through a short play-in tournament.
Once in the playoff bracket, teams compete in four rounds of best-of-seven series: First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and NBA Finals.
Our team includes experts with decades of combined experience in sports and sports betting.
We synthesize odds data from the leading providers to present the most up-to-date game odds and betting lines for all the leagues that matter to you. Pregame odds update in real time as information changes, allowing you to compare across various oddsmakers, also known as “lines shopping.” This ensures you’re getting the best price on your favorite markets.
When you find a price you like, our custom odds comparison tool will take you directly to the betting site you chose—and automatically apply our exclusive welcome offer if you’re a new customer.
These odds help inform our experts’ daily picks and tips to help you make the most informed bets possible.
