Betting on NBA games is about more than predicting the winner. Despite their deceptively easy-to-follow format, NBA matches are packed with useful stats bettors can leverage to make informed bets. These numbers provide insight into team and individual player performances, allowing you to place moneyline or over/under bets based on quantifiable data rather than instinct. Here are five statistics in particular you should know as a current or aspiring NBA bettor:
Why Do You Need Betting Statistics?
Betting is a numbers game. While luck dictates betting outcomes more often than we’d like to admit, sportsbooks like betway zm go to a lot of trouble to provide odds and stats for a reason. Stats are based on actual data, not feelings. Statistical trends reveal patterns and the potential for one team to outperform another. Performance metrics tell you more about a player’s form than what you might deduce watching them play. So, while stat-backed bets are not always right, they are stronger wagers.
What NBA Stats Should You Track When Betting?
The number and quality of NBA stats available to you depends on your sports betting provider. Major sportsbooks like Betway allow you to factor in the following key data points in your betting decision:
Offensive and Defensive Ratings
The offensive rating measures the points a team scores per 100 possessions, while the defensive rating is the number of points a team concedes per 100 possessions. High offensive ratings usually indicate good scoring and low defensive ratings represent a team’s concession rate, effectively telling you which team has the upper hand on offense or defense in a game.
Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
Field goal percentage is the number of successful goals a team scores compared to their total attempts. This stat reveals a player’s shooting accuracy, with a high FG indicating efficient scoring.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is an advanced version of FG that takes into account the extra value of three-pointers. eFG% corrects for the fact that a three-pointer is worth one more point than a regular field goal, providing a better measure of a team’s actual shooting efficiency. Teams with a high eFG% are better at creating scoring opportunities.
Turnovers Per Game (TO/G)
Turnover Percentage (TOV%) measures the number of times a team loses possession of the ball in a game. Teams with low TOV% hold on to the ball better and, ultimately, have more scoring opportunities. In close games, turnovers can be the tiebreaker. A team with a low TOV% is generally more disciplined and more likely to execute its game plan effectively.
Points Per Game (PPG)
PPG is the most straightforward stat in NBA betting. It represents the average number of points scored by a player per game. While PPG doesn’t account for efficiency or possession, it tells you which teams or players score a lot, which is a great stat to combine with other data.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
The percentage of offensive and defensive rebounds shows how well a player secures the ball after a missed shot. This stat tells you a lot about a team’s possession and the overall rhythm of the game. When betting, a high RPG is good because it indicates a player with a strong presence on the court.
Wrapping Up
NBA betting is a high-risk proposition with the potential for loss. By considering these stats, you eliminate some of the risks and make stronger wagers. You’ll find these and other data points on the stat pages of most reputable sports betting providers like Betway, with the option to place moneyline, over/under, parlay, and even live bets. Remember to go in with a strategy and budget to minimize your risk further.
