Basketball betting can be exhilarating and lucrative if you follow some fundamental strategies. In hoops, point spreads are used to handicap the favorite and underdog for each game. The over and under for total points scored by both teams - referred tp as basketball totals - is a very popular gamble. Here are some tips for betting on basketball from the experts.

Start by looking at trends, evaluate game statistics. Do the homework and research! Use your intellect, think logically and be in your right mind. Deduce, infer, and review the investment. Don't bet on a game just because it is going to be televised. Stake only a small percentage of your wagering assets, and don't chase your losses. Remember both losing and winning stretches reach a conclusion!

Be knowledgeable about the teams. This includes player transfers, coaching staff and home-and-away statistics. Keep track of injuries and evaluate the importance of a player's absence from the team lineup. Be objective, and impartial! You can work out your own rankings for each team or use various ones available on Web sites such as Doc's Sports. This aids in accurately handicapping teams. Also check local newspapers for information. The bookies don't have time to read every newspaper from around the country each day so you may find some info that they overlooked.

What is the public opinion and how does this affect the odds? Some teams gather a large public following (the Lakers, for example, are a huge public team in the NBA). This can result in a large amount of money wagered on them thus reducing the price offered by bookmakers. This can make a bet on the opposition a more alluring strategy.

What is the team's motivation at the current time? Be aware of the importance of a game to team members. A team that has already qualified for the playoffs may not be motivated to win the present game. Other teams facing a must-win situation or are wishing to avenge a previous loss may be highly motivated to win.

Be selective, careful, and hold the ball until you get the shot you want. In most cases there are only a few good value bets happening at one time. Use your brain, not your emotions, only bet on matches that are providing a value bet. Don't just wager on your favorite team. A smart bettor often goes against their favorite team when the situation merits a bet.

Basketball betting odds are constantly changing, and the numbers you can get differ from book to book. Always shop around for the best number as even ½ point for each game can make a difference in the long run. The general rule in most sports is to bet the favorites early and the underdogs late, especially when public teams are involved.

Have "court" vision! Basketball betting means having a long-term outlook that extends beyond just the next game. The winning bettor is thinking for the long-term, even during the offseason. Those that win at basketball betting do not get trapped in the existing situations. Basketball gambling is for people that have vision. In basketball betting that vision should be a guide of what the extended goals are and the design of how to reach them.

In conclusion, a basketball wager is easy to make. With over 12,000 professional and college games each season, betting lines are available daily for regular season games, tournaments and playoff action. Keeping up on the latest basketball betting news will only help you make more informed decisions. Following statistics, injuries, player relationships will give you an edge when you place your bets. Important basketball betting news can take on a variety of subjects including off the court.