When it comes to NBA sports betting, the Finals can be one wild ride. This series tends to go to six or seven games, and often the team with home court has the ultimate edge. Although the home team will usually win each game of the series, they might not always cover. Spreads tend to be very tight and tough to beat. Here are five tips that you can use when betting on the NBA Finals.
Youth and Experience
Consider the age, health, and experience of a team. The two teams in the Finals have played 82 regular season games and as many as 21 playoff games. If major players are aging, they could be dragging in this final series. If they have never been to the Finals before, they could be intimidated by the huge amount of pressure they’re facing.
A team of players who are in their prime and who possess valuable postseason experience can have an edge over another club that lacks that balance.
Foul Shooting
Yes, foul shooting can be a big factor. This is especially true late in each game as teams are sent to the charity stripe. A team that is fouled near the end of the game and can’t hit those free throws can find themselves on the losing end of the equation.
Who’s Hot?
What players are simply having a fantastic playoff run? If there’s a player who has been dominant, the opponent will try to shut him down. If they succeed, will his team be able to counter? If they cannot shut him down, will he be the determining factor in the series?
One Game at a Time
You can only handicap one game at a time. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Stay focused on the moment and the next game. Evaluate the series as it continues and make sure that you analyze how effective you’re handicapping has been. Stay true to the process of doing your matchups and carefully evaluating each team and game.
Props, Parlays, Etc.
Keep the betting simple. Don’t bet on props. They will gobble up your bank. And stay away from any type of parlay, such as combining the spread and totals. The more you complicate your wagering, the more likely you are to lose cash.
Also, make smart unit wagers. No more than 5 units per game. Preserve your bankroll and use it for the next sport you’re going to bet. If you’re ahead of the game, then stay ahead. If you’ve lost cash, don’t try to make up for your losses by betting a lot on one game or one series.
Playing It Safe
Remember that the NBA Finals is just one group of games in what has been a long playoff season. Don’t over bet the series in an attempt to double your money. You’ll simply get in trouble. Bet reasonably and keep your risk low – that is always the winning strategy.