NBA betting point spreads didn’t just come out of nowhere and just like everything else, it is rooted in history. The concept of the NBA betting point spread started over a half century ago and has raised the interest in sports betting. It helped level the playing field and it also became the equalizer. It was Bob Martin back in the 1970s of the Union Plaza Race and Sportsbook in Downton Las Vegas who was the most respected odds maker in the gaming industry. True enough, a number of odds making tools used until today are credited to Martin.

Odds makers are the first to say they are not in the business to predict the outcome of a game, but to divide public opinion of the final outcome. It is the media, and the internet that creates public opinion. The popularity of well-known teams, superstars and media hype influence the line in a lot of cases aside from statistics and power ratings, which are based on many statistics taken from offense, defense, special teams, points for & against, at home and away. The odds maker has to take into account each and every possible aspect which affects the outcome of the game. In his perfect world, for the odds maker, an equal number of people will bet on each side.

Come the 1980s, Roxy Roxborough became the main influence in odds making as the age of technology began. Computers became a force in odds making and changing odds at sportsbooks simultaneously. He founded LVSC or the Las Vegas Sports Consultants in the same decade which now has the most sportsbooks in Las Vegas as clients.

The opening line is the first line that is created by odds makers then they are forwarded to sportsbooks. Once the line is released then the sportsbooks will decide if they want to make any adjustments before offering it to the public. They would adjust the lines in order to get the betting action equally. When the betting starts, sportsbooks can adjust the line at any time and by doing this, they make the team getting less action – more attractive. Moving the line can certainly influence how the public bets on a particular game.

The lines in basketball move more significantly than in football. The lines in basketball are often posted on the same day or as little as few hours before the game. Making NBA betting intimidating for starting bettors.

In the distant past is filled with reminiscent days where you call up your local bookie in order to place an NBA bet, sometimes you’d get busy signals or sometimes he just won’t answer. Those were the days of NBA betting but today, everything has changed. Avoiding all the hassles of playing with your local guy is conveniently eliminated by online NBA betting. Why don’t we start with the reasons on why you should be involved with NBA betting online?

The first reason is the ease of the process of placing an NBA bet online and your nba bet is locked in. Online NBA betting takes the leg work out of phoning in bets, going to pick up or pay the local guy and can all be done from the comfort of your own home.

If you haven’t thought about it, signing up at Sportsbook.com is easy and you can also just as easily start your bets on NBA.

NBA betting is very easy but you must be wondering how to start online gambling and how to get your money to the sportsbook and more importantly when will you be getting your wins? How do you collect it? Online NBa betting sites like Sportsbook.com offers a lot of options for you to deposit your money and the most popular way is through the e-wallet. An e-wallet is like a Paypal account except you can use e-wallets for online nba gambling transactions. You can also deposit through your credit card, bank wire, western union or even a cashier’s check. You can always request a payout and withdraw your winning anyway of the previous mentioned deposit methods.

The great thing about online NBA betting is that everything is provided for you. Researching about NBA games is easy online and reading articles that can help you with your decision is rather easy as a click. You don’t have to buy or subscribe to betting magazines since information is also available online. There are also strategies for free that you can apply to your betting system and more importantly, you can bet on other sports quickly, easily and with no hassle whatsoever.

The number of sports book sites has increased in the past year and being member with more than one is easy as well. Getting the best lines has never been easier. This means that the opportunity to win is higher. Try it out at Sportsbook.com – the biggest and longest running sports book online.

The National Basketball Association or NBA is one of the most popular sport being watched by millions of people. This sport is very well- known in USA and to some other part of the world. Aside from the fun and excitement it gives, NBA could also be a good place to bet and earn money. Also, NBA betting odds is a lot easier compared to other sports. NBA consists of less number of teams. You also don’t have to worry with regards to the weather aspect as the NBA game is always played indoors. Sounds cool isn’t it? Yet, there are still few things you have to look into and scrutinize prior gambling your hard earn money in order for you to be successful in betting on NBA odds.

You beyond doubt need to analyze the gambling lines and NBA betting odds before you take a decision on which basketball team to gamble upon. It is for sure that anyone who loves the game has his/ her own favorite team but this doesn’t mean that you will have to bet for your favorite teams to win. You have to be objective on choosing what team you should bet on. Remember that there are always two sides in every matches and knowledge of the status of the other side is also important in order to win all your hard - earned bets. Do extra research and study each team performances. Include in your research things such as what has been the last few years track record of the team, how well they are motivated in winning the game, how tough is each player within the team and there strength and weakness, how do their couch management their team and all that. These things are very essential while freezing on NBA betting odds.

To get the answer to all these stuff, you can speak to varied people, read different sports book, magazines and news. You can also do your research through the use of internet. There are many online sportsbook site and channels that can help you in your betting on NBA. Most of the time, the NBA betting odds that they create can prove to be really accurate predictions which comes true. Or another great way is to go directly to the basketball team’s official site. You can also get an inside view from a tipsters in the field of NBA odds.

Aside from the usual way of betting for the winning team, you can also try betting on which team will lose and how much, or you can also disregard who will be the winner or loser instead bet on the total score of both teams.

By being updated and knowledgeable on the gambling line, you can be confident on which team or on how you will be placing your bet.

The Phoenix Suns, a team not usually thought of as a defensive team, have risen as one. Allowing only 91.5 points, which would set a franchise record, they have also got back to .500 and will try to break the Los Angeles Lakers’ six-game home winning streak Tuesday night at the Staples Center. The Suns scored a season-high total in a 109-93 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday. That victory gave Phoenix its 24th consecutive home win over the Bucks.

“We are making open shots,” Steve Nash said. “We are also getting a little better pace and tempo throughout the game, a little bit of cohesion.” The Lakers scored a 90-82 victory over Memphis despite a season-high 27 turnovers. “They were poor turnovers that led to a lot of fast-break points. According to the Lakers’ coach Mike Brown “It was a controlled, methodical game – a game that we should excel at if we can take care of the basketball.”

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers When: 10:30 PM ET, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles California

In certain Sportsbook sites, the Lakers have opened as 7.5-point favorites. NBA betting odds surely are a bit steep but keep on checking on your favorite sportsbook site in case NBA betting odds change to your favor.

Phoenix Suns (4-4) The Suns are definitely performing well. In the two most recent trips for Phoenix to play at the Lakers, it was superbly interesting. On March 22, the Suns overcame a 21-point deficit in the second half to force triple-overtime. And before that, they made a franchise –record 22 3-pointers, just one short of the NBA record. Nash and Marcin Gortat are tied for the NBA lead in field-goal percentage at 69.2 percent. Gortat is 15 of 18 from the field in his last two games.

Los Angeles Lakers (6-4) Matt Barnes has missed most of last season due to a knee injury but he has definitely won over Brown and has also won the starting spot at small forward, replacing Devin Ebanks. Fighting the Memphis, Barnes was 5 of 9 for 15 points and 10 rebounds. He has also managed two blocks. “He’s my small forward for the foreseeable future,” Brown said. “He earned it. He’s held onto it and he’s played the right way for us at that position.” Barnes averages 7.1 points and 4.6 rebounds.

Kobe Bryant, who scored at more than 30 points in three of the Lakers’ four games, was chosen Western Conference Player of the Week. The Lakers are 7-3 in their last 10 home games against the Suns. With 10 assists in the first quarter and finished with a season-high 17, it was Nash during the battle against Milwaukee.

Basketball game scan also be as quick as a dash. Today, we’ve whipped up some tips that can easily help you out with your NBA betting career.

1. Know your NBA team It there’s a team you’re thinking of betting on then study them carefully. Learn their strengths and weaknesses, know their home and road records and evaluate them objectively.

2. Value Betting – finding low risk high reward action If you want to be successful then you need to get value from your bets. It basically means getting better than the “true” odds on your team. For example, let’s say that your objective prediction for a game suggests that the Heat should be receiving 5 points but are in fact receiving 8, then this is a value betting proposition. The risk to reward is pretty much in your favor, making the Heat a strong play.

3. Bet Opposite Public Opinion The public will always bet on the popular team and some teams just have a strong following. Back in the Jordan years when he played with the Chicago Bulls, high-value bets can often be found by betting against these teams since the oddsmakers adjust the line to reflect the expected amount of public money. Therefore the underdog is always listen with better odds or a larger pointspread than they really deserve.

4. Be updated with injuries Watching injuries in a team is important but you don’t have to necessarily overreact to it. Judge the importance of an injured player and the quality of his back up. Second-string players are often highly qualified and are especially motivated when replacing a starter, so it often pays to bet on a team missing its best player. Beware of situations where there are two or more players injured or when the team’s caption or inspiration leader suffered an injury.

5. Root for Motivated Teams By rooting we mean betting on them. In critical games, sometimes a team would play beyond its potential or above their overall record. Know how important the game for the team is. A team facing a must-win situation to make the playoffs may be highly motivated. Also take note of teams out to revenge a previous defeat in the season, they are often motivated to take victory this time.

6. NBA Betting uses the head and not the heart An honest assessment of a team’s chances with your head and not with your emotions. Never bet on a team because you like it without considering the real odds.

The Miami Heat look to avoid their first two-game losing streak on Wednesday night when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers, making this one of the most exciting and anticipated games of the NBA season thus far. People are expecting to see an incredible games since LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Blake Griffin are believed to make amazing dunks.

On their second day of the year, the Heat had been frosted by losing by 111-106 in overtime at Golden State. Wade managed to get a season-high 34 points after missing the last three games with a bruised left foot, but missed shots in regulation and overtime. James on the other hand, had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists just before missing a potential tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of overtime. The Miami Heat had 22 turnovers, missed 14 free throws and blew a 17-point lead in the third quarter by shooting 2 of 17 from the field in the final period. Wade, who had two game-winning shots this season, missed a go-ahead shot with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

At Portland, the Clippers also lost the night before, falling by 105-97. For Los Angeles, Caron Butler managed to get 20 points which had its three-game winning streak broken. Unfortunately for Chris Paul he was limited by foul trouble, after collecting his fourth early in the third quarter, and finished with 11 points. Griffin, who had just four points after the first half finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

This is the lone meeting of the season, with the Clippers not scheduled to visit Miami due to the restructured post-lockout schedule. The Heat has lost their last three road games against the Clippers, going 1-1 against the Clippers in each of the past four seasons. Miami is 2-1 thus far on the second night of back-to-backs this season. L.A. is 0-6 ATS in past six vs. Eastern Conference. The home team has covered in the past seven meetings in this series.

NBA Betting Odds were on the Heat’s side as they opened in other sportsbook site as 4.5 point favorites. If you wish to wager in this game then try shopping for the best lines in order to get better NBA betting odds . Unfortunately because of the lockout, picking up games to bet on will be tricky but one thing is for sure, this is a game worth betting on and watching.

The Portland Trail Blazers are definitely leaving their best marks behind them in 12 seasons and attempts to stay unbeaten at home this season when host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Portland is 6-0 at home and the 7-2 overall start is its best opening stretch since winning 10 of 11 games to start the 1999-2000 campaign. The Trail Blazers managed a 105-97 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers last Tuesday when four players scored between 17-20 points. Orlando Magic on the other hand is playing their second game out of their four-game road trip.

The Magic won the opener 104-97 over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday despite Dwight Howards only managed to have 5 points and only 4 rebounds while bombarded with foul trouble. Glen Davis was the surprise star with 20 points off the bench. “The opportunity was there for me to contribute and I wanted to do that,” said Davis. “My energy has been good the last couple of games and the basketball gods rewarded me for playing hard.”

Orlando Magic @ Portland Trail Blazers When: 10:00 PM ET, Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Where: Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon

NBA Betting Odds on certain Sportsbooks online had the Trail Blazers opened as 3.5 point favorites. It seems that the NBA betting odds will have the Orlando Magic as underdogs.

Orlando Magic (6-3) Davis was at his best when the former Boston Celtics forwards managed a season-high 20 points Sunday. It was only the second time the player nicknamed “Big Baby” had scored in double digits in nine games with his new club. Davis was opting to impress his new teammates and struggling to fit in, and he was even criticized by coach Stan Van Gundy. He is averaging 8.4 points and shooting just 36.9 percent.

Portland Trail Blazers (7-2) The forward who had a team-high 20 points is none other than Gerald Wallace back in Tuesday’s victory and he’s in fact a much more effective player at home thus far this season. He’s averaged 4.7 points and shot 16.0 percent from the floor in three road games. It is a trend that needs to change as Portland embarks on a six-game road trip after Wednesday’s game against Orlando.

Over their last three meetings, Portland has won and holds a 25-19 series edge against Orlando. While sweeping last season, the Trail Blazers outscored the Magic 86-56 in the paint! Magic forward Ryan Anderson is just 7-of-26 shooting the past two games after scoring 20 or more points in five of Orlando’s first seven games.

The Bobcats have high hopes of defeating the Knicks five nights earlier on their meeting this Monday in the same building. Apparently, the Charlotte Bobcats have not one a game after beating the Knicks and ironically, the Knicks has not lost since their meeting.

The Bobcats shot a season-high 55.3 percent in the 118-100 victory over the Knicks with Boris Diaw leading the way with 27 points. Charlotte was not able to build on victory and has lost to the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers on back-to-back nights, scoring a season-low 77 against the Pacers in a dreary 22-point loss. The New York Knicks responded well with their loss to the Bobcats by winning back-to-back road games against the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons.

Carmelo Anthony, forward, had 13 points in Saturday’s Victory against Detroit when he was dealing with knee and back pain but is expected to play against the Bobcats. In their recent loss to the Charlotte, he was able to make 32 points.

Charlotte Bobcats @ New York Knicks When: 7:30 PM ET, Monday, January 9, 2012 Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

Online sportsbooks have opened 10.5 favorites on the Knicks.

Charlotte Bobcats (2-6): Last time was a superb game by Guard Gerald Henderson against the Knicks and he managed to score 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting but was unable to retain his stellar showing. He averaged with only 9.0 points and shot 28 percent from the field in the ensuing games. The Bobcats are a short of offensive firepower and they are hoping that the third-year guard will develop into a more consistent force. Henderson finished last season strong and had averaged 14.1 points this season.

New York Knicks (4-4): Over the past two games, Veteran Mike Bibby has suddenly found his shooting stroke and had made seven consecutive 3-pointers. Bibby was only 1-for-10 from 3-point range before the stunning turnaround. He had a season-high 16 points against Detroit and figures to get more minutes as long as he’s hot. The former starting guard Toney Douglas also had some slump that opened up more playing time for Bibby and the rookie Iman Shumpert is now starting ahead of Douglas.

For injury reports, the Bobcats forward Corey Maggete will be missing 2 to 4 weeks due to a hamstring injury he suffered against the Knicks. Their win against the Knicks last week helped to improve their record but what the NBA betting odds will show the people’s confidence this time.

NBA betting odds and prediction: Knicks 106, Bobcats 101

With the development of the internet, anybody can now watch their love sports NBA anytime, anywhere. Moreover, it only takes few steps to bet on this popular game. NBA is one of the most popular sports known in America and some other countries. It is considered as one of the most exciting and rewarding sports game. A NBA fanatic just need to search for a betting web site, sign up, put a wager and if his/ her wager won, he/ she will obtain an automatic credit inside his/ her account- that’s it!

And to give bettors a bigger chance of winning, they can find and used live NBA odds easily through the internet. However, it is essential still to perform some in-depth analysis on several sides and know it properly prior placing bet. One best way is to get into forums and obtain information from many others taking part in the NBA odds. Keeping tab of the various live NBA odds makers that exist both in sports channels and websites are also a good idea. This way you would be able have a clear vision of the different teams playing in the basketball game.

Actually, betting on NBA odds is a bit easier compared to other type of sports like football, hockey, rugby or cricket, as the team of NBA involved are much smaller and you don't have to take the weather into account as basketball is usually played indoor- NO delayed or cancellation. Yet, there are still things you have to ask yourself when looking for live NBA odds and these are the following:

• Good live NBA odds offer a compilation of all the odds being offered by the different online bookmaking websites aside to the statistics of the various teams and players. This way, it would be easier for a bettor to choose instantly which bookmaker offers the ideal odds for the bet that you wish to place on for a particular game. • Good live NBA odds should tell you how the team perform, is their team spirit between the teams, how many times did the team win and lose, why did the team lose, is the captain of the respective teams able to led them properly in tough times, what if the star player is injured can the rest of the team players able to win the game and many more.

Most of the time, live NBA odds that they create can prove to be a really accurate prediction which comes true. But still this has to be pair with your own personal knowledge and gut instinct to be successful in betting for NBA basketball game. Keep in mind that a good bettor must be wise and smart in placing bet on a game.