Guide overview
An explanation of point spreads, favorites, underdogs and push outcomes in basketball markets.
What the spread does
A point spread adds a notional handicap to one team’s final score for market settlement. If a team is listed at -4.5, it generally needs to win by five or more points for that spread selection to settle as a win. The opposing +4.5 selection can win even if that team loses narrowly.
Half points and whole points
A half-point line avoids a push at an exact margin. A whole-number spread can land on the line and may return the stake under standard rules. Alternative spreads are different propositions and typically carry different prices.
Overtime and cancellations
Check whether overtime counts, how a shortened game is treated and what minimum play is required for settlement. Basketball competitions differ, and operator rules control the market. A spread is a scoring adjustment for the wager, not a prediction of the actual final score.