Top 5 NBA Betting Secrets 

Basketball is considered one of the most popular sports for sports betting, and the NBA is an exciting league for sharp bettors who enjoy fast-paced action and a plethora of betting markets, and sports data. If you live in New Zealand and want to explore the world of online NBA betting, you're in luck — given the global nature of the NBA and the number of betting markets you can access, it is one of the most exciting leagues to bet on. Given that there are games to bet on nearly every day of the week, and the amount of data available to punters that can summarize the stats of every game during the regular and post seasons, you will have plenty of options — if you know where to look.

1. Bet Against the Favorites

Typically a favorite will win a matchup, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good bet sometimes. Bookmakers and public dollars often overvalue popular teams, especially in large events. This can lead to inflated odds and the potential value in the underdogs. If a rivalry game or if a top team is playing a team back-to-back, those are some indicators there will be a closer game than expected. These situations can provide some hidden value.

2. Balance Beats Star Power

Superstars get headlines but balanced teams win games. A balanced team, with multiple offensive options and defensive depth, will usually be better over the long haul of the long NBA season. When you're in a betting mindset, evaluate team depth, coaching style, and bench production, instead of just the superstar featured on the front page.

3. Even the Best Teams Lose

Even the best teams will lose games more often than you expect. A good strategy is tracking key patterns, such travel fatigue or trap games, that lead even the best teams to underperform. For New Zealand punters, a time zone differential is very helpful for you, as you will get fresh overnight results to review and analyze key recent trends before betting on the next match day.

4. Beware of Back-to-Back Blowouts

Just because one game resulted in a big win doesn’t mean the next game will also. Hardly any team makes a habit of crushing their opponent like the prior week. Look to bet on their opponent to cover the spread, especially if the favorite is traveling or coming off a short rest.

5. Total Points Over 220? Often Worth It

Today's NBA focuses heavily on fast offense, pace, and three-point shooting. Now more than ever, games easily go over 220 points, especially if both teams are offensive-minded. Make sure to check for pace stats, defensive rating, and recent trends. If two teams know how to play fast and have weak defenses, it is highly probable that the "Over" will hit.

Bonus: Watch for In-Play & Prop Bets

Live betting and props markets are a treasure trove if you know what to look for. I like to bet on props such as total rebounds, player points, or even obtaining a score by quarters allows for much more nuanced bets. In-play bets also allow you to evaluate momentum shifts. If a clear favorite team is slow to settle into the game, the live odds may be more advantageous to bet on than a pre-game wager. Various New Zealand betting sites are now getting into the live betting feature available within betting sites, offering live statistics and streaming of games.

Final Thoughts

All of these strategies for betting on the NBA are about timing, research, and value wherever you might find it whether you're a casual bettor or betting on being the guy who's going to be "the guy." Through various angles, maintain a level disposition, and never chase your losses. Betting on the NBA IS NOT about luck. It is about making smart, calculated, and informed decisions, over and over.

If you are betting from New Zealand, also remember to check your sportsbook for licensing and features like live betting, mobile betting, and a variety of payment options. The more tools you have at your disposal, the more you will improve your game.