Before you wager on any NBA game, you should analyze matchups. This is very important, as understanding how systems, players, and coaches interact leads to better wagering. Here are some important things to consider when matching up teams.

Defense Versus Offense

First, do an overall comparison of one team’s offense versus the other’s defense. How do they matchup? Are the big guys on offense tough to stop in the paint, or do the guards shoot the lights out? Does the offense have great ball handlers? Can the opponent’s D shut down the inside game, are they great at creating turnovers, or can they force teams to take bad shots?

To make it simpler, go through a basic statistic list and answer questions related to each team. Also, consider how teams matchup in specific situations, such as rebounding.

Doing this should give you a good general overview of how the clubs will matchup, which means now you can evaluate individual players.

Individual Players

Go through each starter and the guy who will face them and do an evaluation in terms of size, athleticism, and talent. Matchup centers, small forwards, power forwards, point guards and shooting guards. Determine where one team has an edge and what that edge will mean. Also, figure out where it is a draw.

Sixth Man

Every team has a player who comes off the bench to make major contributions. The sixth man may be someone on the backcourt or the front, but his primary attribute is the ability to play a substantial amount of time while making a positive impact.

The Bench

Now consider the rest of the bench. Of the four major professional leagues in the U.S., the NBA has the shortest bench. There are seven players total. How can each contribute? Do they offer a valuable skill, can they give the starters some welcomed rest while holding down the fort, or are they used only in very specific situations?

Coaches

Coaching is a very important part of any NBA game. Keeping a team focused and motivated even after making some bad plays and drawing up key plays are critical qualities that a great coach must possess. A great coach knows how to keep a team on track, how to handle referees, and how to adapt his system to give his players the edge.

Stats Are Important

Stats are very important. Consider all aspects of shooting percentage, as well as how many shots on average a team takes per game. Do not overlook offensive rebounding, foul shooting, and assist-to-turnover ratio, as these are all important stats.

Have the Teams Met Recently

Review any recent meetings and analyze the results. Did one team outplay the other, was one club missing a key player (and is he now in the lineup), or did one team come out uncharacteristically flat? Was home court a major factor? Might any of these situations be repeated?

Making Your Pick

When you’ve done all of the tough work, checked the odds, and decided that you will wager on the game, make your NBA pick and go with it. Try to get the best odds possible to support your pick. Then wait to see what happens and analyze why you lost or won your sports bet. This will be key to ensuring that you win consistently throughout the season.