An abbreviation for “ point spread ” or another term for “ line.” The “spread” is the betting line or odds used to determine the parameters for wagering on either the favorite or underdog in a. Point spread betting is the most popular form of sports betting. The vast majority of sports wagers use a point spread thanks to the popularity of football and basketball. Even though this type of betting is so popular, it may take awhile to understand. The point spread is sometimes known as an equalizer for sportsbook operators. Spread betting is a derivative strategy, in which participants do not own the underlying asset they bet on, such as a stock or commodity. Rather, spread bettors simply speculate on whether the. Betting lingo for $500: Off The Board: A contest in which there is no betting line available: Parlay: A single wager in which two are more teams are bet. In order for the wager to win, all the teams need to cover their point spreads: Past Post: Placing a wager after an event has already begun: Point Spread: The betting lines a book maker.
It hasn’t been an optimal start to the 2020-21 season for the Houston Rockets, who have now lost five of six games overall while owning the second-worst record (4-9) in the Western Conference, Making matters worse, three starters in John Wall, Christian Wood, and Danuel House Jr. all remain sidelined with short-term injury or health concerns.
But if you squint hard enough, there are potential reasons for optimism in the days ahead. While they have lost five of six, it’s worth noting that four of those losses (Lakers twice, Spurs, and Suns) came to winning teams — and in the case of the Lakers, the defending NBA champions.
Friday’s opponent, on the other hand, is the Pistons — who have the NBA’s worst record and winning percentage (3-11, .214). Then again, for a Houston squad that is on the road, short-handed, and only a game-and-a-half better in the standings, nothing should be taken for granted. After all, as of Friday morning, the Rockets were a slight underdog.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Point spread: Pistons -3.5 (-110), Rockets +3.5 (-110)Betting Terms Spread Definition
Moneyline
: Pistons -160/Rockets +135Over-under: 216.5 (-110 O, -110 U)Player O/U Scoring Props: Victor Oladipo 22.5 (-105 O, -120 U), Eric Gordon 18.5 (-115 O, -110 U), PJ Tucker 6.5 (+100 O, -130 U); Jerami Grant 23.5 (-125 O, -105 U), Derrick Rose 15.5 (-105 O, -120 U), Blake Griffin 14.5 (-125 O, -105 U)Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM. Upgrade caesars slots free casino.
From NBA.com’s official game notes, projected starters for Detroit are Delon Wright, Wayne Ellington, Jerami Grant, Blake Griffin, and Mason Plumlee. Meanwhile, the Rockets are listing Victor Oladipo, Eric Gordon, Jae’Sean Tate, PJ Tucker, and DeMarcus Cousins.
Advice and prediction
One encouraging development for the Rockets is the return to form (and health) shown by Gordon. After missing two games with leg tightness late last week, Gordon has averaged 21.5 points per game over his last two outings on 48.6% shooting and 42.9% on 3-pointers. With Wall (left knee soreness) missing from the backcourt for two more games, Houston needs Gordon’s strong play to continue next to Victor Oladipo.
In a matchup of weakness against weakness, Houston’s No. 24 offense (in net rating) is facing off with Detroit’s No. 25 defense. The Rockets should have the backcourt edge with Oladipo and Gordon against Wright and Ellington, and that gives Houston a chance to end its skid.
Prediction: 111-106, Rockets
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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Friday’s nightcap on the NBA schedule is a premier, nationally televised game you don’t want to miss. The Boston Celtics continue their road trip with a stop in Los Angeles to face the Clippers, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.
The game tips off at 10 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN.
The Celtics (11-9) are midway through a brutal stretch of the schedule, and have dropped three of their last four games with dates against the Clippers, Suns and Jazz yet to come before a return home to Boston. The Clippers (17-6), meanwhile, have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month, winning 11 of 13 – and perhaps more impressively, going 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 games.
Patrick Beverley is out for the Clippers, while the Celtics will be missing Marcus Smart and Romeo Langford. Payton Pritchard (MCL sprain) and Jaylen Brown (left knee soreness) are listed as questionable for Boston.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Point spread: Clippers -6.5Money line: Clippers -275 / Celtics +220Over-under: 219.5Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.
Advice and prediction
The Celtics are certainly good enough to cover this spread with a solid performance, but it’s hard to bet against the Clippers in their current form. They’re 8-3 against the spread recently despite just returning from a long road trip, boast a top-3 offense, and rank fourth in the league in adjusted net rating, far ahead of the Celtics in 14th. Take the Celtics -6.5, and consider doubling up with a -3.5 first half bet.
I also like Over 219.5 on Friday. The over has hit in four of the last five Clippers game. The Clippers have the most efficient offense in the NBA, they make 15 threes a game, and they’ll force the Celtics to score if they hope to keep the game close. Barring a Clippers blowout, I think the over hits comfortably.
Betting Terms Spread Charts
Prediction: Clippers 119, Celtics 109
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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