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2021 NBA Betting Guide for Beginners

Published

5 years ago

March 9, 2021

The NBA is one of the most exciting sports to watch and wager on in 2021. The league’s popularity has snowballed over the past decade and, along with it, betting markets and options.

If you’re familiar with wagering on professional football or other sports – wagering on the NBA is a breeze. This article will take you through the basics of NBA betting and some of the best basketball betting sites for wagering on the NBA.

How Do You Bet On An NBA Game?

Placing a bet on an NBA game is a straightforward process. Every sportsbook online has NBA betting odds and markets. Once you create an account at a basketball betting site and make your deposit, you can then look to place a wager on some NBA action.

These days, sportsbooks offer a lot more than sides and totals when it comes to NBA games. There is a vast list of bets available for each NBA game. Bettors can easily find 100 different wagers on a single NBA contest.

Types Of Bets For NBA Game

NBA betting markets are similar to football betting markets. Sides, totals, and moneylines are all available, but bettors will also find a large assortment of player and team props. Futures markets are also becoming extremely popular for NBA bettors.

Betting NBA Point Spreads

Let’s look at an example of a point spread wager in an NBA betting market. The point spread is how the oddsmakers attract action on both sides of a wager when the teams are unevenly matched. It can then be adjusted based on betting action and other factors.

Let’s look at an example using the Lakers and Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers +4.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Lakers -4.5 (-110)

The Lakers are the favorite in this matchup at -4.5 points. The Clippers are the road team and the underdog at 4.5 points. We’re using standard American odds here, and both sides are at -110, so $110 to win $100.

If we place a bet on the Clippers at +4.5, we need them to lose the game by less than 4.5 points or win the game outright. Otherwise, we lose our wager.

Suppose we place a bet on the Lakers at -4.5. LA needs to win the game by 5 points or more. If they win by less than 5 points or lose the game outright, then your wager will be graded as a loss.

Pushes are possible with point spread betting, but not when there is a 0.5 or “hook” in the point spread, such as the example above. If the spread were -4/+4, then a push would be in play.

Betting NBA Totals

Behind point spreads, NBA totals are the most popular betting market. The total is the number of points scored by both teams in the game. There are also betting options for first-half totals, second-half totals, quarter totals, and team totals. However, all function similarly to over/unders and totals.

Let’s look at another example:

Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angles Lakers

Over 219.5 (-110)

Under 219.5 (-110)

Here we have the total in the game set at 219.5. Once again, we have -110 odds on both sides, but these can vary depending on the game’s movement and the sportsbook. Bettors can wager on the over or under 219.5 points.

If a bet is placed on the over 219.5, then the game needs to have 220 points or more for our wager to be graded as a winner. If we place a bet on under 219.5, then there need to be 219 points or fewer for our wager to be graded as a loss.

Remember, the game total is the combined scoring between both teams. It also includes any overtime period unless explicitly stated by the sportsbook. You may end up losing a bet on an under or winning a bet on an over because the game went to overtime.

Other NBA Betting Markets

A few other bet types are not as commons as sides and totals but are still available at just about all basketball betting sites.

Moneylines – Moneyline markets are similar to sides and point spreads, but bettors only need to pick the team that wins outright. There is no point spread element. Bet on the team who wins the game, and you win your bet. If not, the bet is a loser. It’s as simple as that.

Propositions – These are now a lot more popular than they were a decade ago. Player props, such as how many rebounds, points, or assists are player might have, are available at just about every sportsbook online. There is also a massive list of team props at most sites. Such as which team will score the first basket or which team will score 10 points first, and so on.

Futures – Futures markets are events that will take place in the future and are not individual games. Futures are things like which team will win the NBA Championship, Eastern Conference, etc. Or, wagers on which player will win the Most Valuable Player award.

Basketball Betting Strategies For Beginners

There are a few basketball strategies on how to bet on basketball and win. Some may seem basic to you if you’re new to sports betting and betting on basketball, but they’re more for new gamblers who are just starting their journey. However, they should add value to bettors of all types.

Line Shop And Use Multiple Sportsbooks

This is the most basic of any sports betting advice, but it is followed the least. Far too many bettors just use one sportsbook to place bets. That’s a huge mistake, primarily because you cannot line shop and access different betting markets.

The sports betting market is always changing. Sportsbooks offer different odds and markets. It’s your goal to get the best price or odds available on each bet you place. If you use multiple sportsbooks, not only will you be able to do this, but you will be able to take advantage of many welcome bonuses when you sign up for new betting sites.

Target Totals

Totals or over/unders should be something that bettors go after more frequently, but often, they are obsessed with point spreads and moneylines. It’s not quite as fun to bet on totals and even less fun to wager on unders, as no one wants to watch a bunch of jumpers rim out, let alone root for it.

However, there is a lot of value in handicapping totals. In most cases, it’s much easier to figure out the pace of a game (which correlates to scoring) versus which team will win the game. If you’re not betting NBA totals – you need to start.

Bet Propositions

More so than totals, propositions, or props, offer the most significant edge for gamblers who take the time to learn the sport. Player props, in particular, are incredibly exploitable based on matchups or even by following injury news and hitting the markets before the odds moved.

Limits will be a lot less than sides and totals, but you can still bet $500 or more on props at some sites. These are excellent bankroll builders, and some bettors even make a living wagering on sports – just by betting on props!

Where Can You Bet On The NBA?

There are hundreds of sites online that will accept bets on NBA contests, but it is vital to choose a site that is highly rated and that you can trust. There are a ton of reputable sites out there that not only have great bonuses and options but are brands can have full confidence in being paid.

MyBookie.ag

MyBookie is a trusted sportsbook with a ton of excellent betting options for the NBA. Payouts are fast, especially with crypto. They have a 50% sign-up bonus of up to $1,000 for new users on their first deposit.

SportsBetting.ag

SportsBetting is one of the most reliable sportsbooks in the business. They have massive betting limits for NBA basketball and an enormous list of cashier options. Crypto payouts are lightning-fast, usually in just a few hours. They have an excellent list of bonuses, including a 100% First Time Crypto Bonus up to $1,000 and a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000.

BetNow.eu

BetNow is a bit newer on the newer side but are still an excellent option. They are one of the few sportsbooks online to offer cash bonuses and even have a VIP program. Bettors will receive a 100% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 when they make their first deposit.

Bovada

Bovada is a legend in offshore betting markets and with good reason. They are the most trusted brand online and are still going strong for American bettors in 2021. They have a nearly endless list of NBA betting options, including an incredible live betting platform. The Welcome Bonus is 50% up to $250 for new users.

BetUS.pa

BetUS recently started accepting new customers again, and they have been met with rave reviews from players. They have a terrific sign-up bonus of 100% up to $2,500 on your first deposit.

Betting the NBA Online In 2021

Wagering on NBA basketball in 2021 is easier than ever. There are a plethora of betting options, no matter where you’re located. Learn the basics and then dive into some advanced basketball betting strategies, and you will find yourself profitable in no time.

World

More Named Storms — Is Your Luxury Pergola Ready?

Published

2 weeks ago

December 11, 2025

Jenny Jackson

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a 60% chance that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season would be above normal. The administration said to watch for between 13 and 19 total named storms — those with winds of 39 mph or higher.

For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions, this raises an urgent question: are your outdoor spaces ready to weather the storm?

PERGOLUX, a leader in durable outdoor structures, designs powder-coated aluminum pergolas with adjustable louvers to withstand the harshest environments.

“Today’s outdoor living spaces face the wrath of nature’s extremes,” says Tim Heneveld, Country Director of PERGOLUX North America. “Hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash floods bring powerful winds exceeding 100 mph. Their relentless rain and rising floodwaters can quickly devastate unprepared structures. If you want to protect your investments, resilient design is essential.”

Is your aluminum pergola and louvered roof ready to take on intense storms?

The open-air elegance of patio pergolas with slat roofs is perfect for a gentle breeze, but can make them vulnerable to the violent forces of hurricane winds. These storm winds pack powerful uplift and lateral forces.

Wind uplift occurs when gusts of wind flow beneath the roof, generating upward pressure that can lift the entire structure off its base. Lateral forces push a pergola horizontally, causing it to lean or even collapse.

The key defense against these powerful forces? A reinforced frame.

“Strong, well-engineered frames act as the backbone of your pergola,” notes Heneveld. “Aluminum is the ideal material for a pergola’s frame. It combines the strength needed to resist bending or breaking with a lighter weight that reduces strain on the foundation.”

PERGOLUX’s pergolas feature reinforced frames engineered to withstand intense storms with confidence. In fact, their latest model, the Skydance Series 3 Pergola, is specially crafted to endure winds up to 165 mph, which means that even when fierce hurricanes like Milton sweep through, these pergolas remain intact.

Reinforced aluminum frames designed with thickened beams and precision connections stand up to wind uplift and lateral pressure. Hurricane-rated bolts, brackets, and screws hold everything tightly together to prevent ‌weak points that storms so often exploit. When each joint is reinforced and well-anchored, your pergola can remain a steadfast retreat despite the wildest weather. Thicker beams and columns combined with robust engineering techniques give these pergolas superior strength. Extra support brackets, hidden fasteners, and precise assembly methods ensure the frame endures.

Elevated bases can protect your luxury pergola from floods

Along with high winds, storms bring torrential rain. Rising water can undermine structural footings and rot wooden materials, which can destabilize the entire installation.

An elevated base is a strategic line of defense. “By constructing your pergola on raised concrete footings or piers, you create a gap between the ground and the structure,” notes Heneveld. “During a flood, it keeps the water at bay. The elevation also prevents erosion caused by pooling rainwater.”

The best-quality outdoor pergolas offer high-grade materials and cutting-edge engineering

The key element of any storm-ready outdoor structure is its materials. PERGOLUX chooses 6063-T5 aluminum, a marine-grade alloy renowned for its incredible strength and exceptional resistance to corrosion, even when exposed to salty sea air and humid conditions.

“A wooden or vinyl pergola may look great at first,” says Heneveld, “but they often require costly upkeep or replacement after just a few seasons of storm damage. Our reinforced aluminum pergolas will give you years of worry-free durability. It will remain strong and look fantastic, no matter the weather.”

PERGOLUX’s advanced engineering solutions also protect what is inside the structure. Their patented RainLUX™ integrated gutter system channels rainwater away, preventing leaks that can damage furniture and floors.

“We offer a 10-year warranty to back up all of our claims,” Heneveld says. “It’s our commitment that these structures will protect your home’s exterior environment for years to come. We want you to focus on enjoying the moments that matter in your pergola, not on the coming storms.”

Practical outdoor living tips to prepare your louvered pergola kit before storm season

Even the strongest pergola will fare better when prepped for a coming storm. “Make sure to secure your loose items,” Heneveld warns. “Before a storm, remove furniture, planters, and décor. All of these can become hazardous projectiles.”

When homeowners hear that a storm is on the way, they will want to fully secure any screens or panels. Removing detachable panels before severe weather will help protect the pergola by reducing wind resistance.

Homeowners will want to take the time to routinely inspect and maintain their pergolas. A quick check for loose fasteners or other small signs of wear goes a long way in preserving the pergola’s strength.

“Combine simple preparation with a reinforced, elevated, and expertly engineered structure, and you’ll have an outdoor space built to last,” Heneveld concludes. “Investing in a storm-ready pergola is about so much more than just avoiding damage. You’re preserving a lifestyle. A long-lasting pergola will bring you years of shaded summer barbecues and fresh-air morning coffees.”