Series betting is not for everyone. There are those who will toss out a comment, “That’s easy, [Fill in the Team] is going to take this series no problem.” Until they don’t.
Let’s look into the pluses and minuses of making series bets at the top-rated sportsbooks for the NBA and NHL Playoffs.
The How’s and Why’s to Make Series Wagers
Are you a serious sports bettor? If you are, that is one of the first qualities you need to wager on a series. If you bet just for fun or just to action for watching the games, this betting activity is not for you.
To have success, like almost everything in life, you have to put in the time and the effort. Working harder and smarter does not guarantee success, but it places you well ahead of most sports bettors. Plus, the added benefit of success or failure can be found in your research, which will make you that much smarter the next time.
Here are the important elements for series betting.
- Player matchups
- Team statistical analysis
- Coaching difference
- Previous games
- The little stuff
Player matchups
Player matchups are extremely important, especially in the NBA.
How do the strengths and weaknesses help or hinder both teams? Besides looking at the player numbers, past performance against that opponent can further be uncovered in previous skirmishes. Let’s say a center averages 28 points a game, yet, when he faces the team he is meeting next, he averages 22 PPG. Learning and understanding why that is can provide an edge.
The NHL is a little different because of the continual switching of lines on offense and pairings on defensemen. Nonetheless, the principles are the same, who are the most effective players on offense and defense, how do those players match up versus their opponent and what insight do prior contests show you?
Team Statistical Analysis
Team statistical analysis provides an in-depth look at what each team does well and where their weaknesses are. Pay particular attention to a team’s last seven to 10 contests and contrast the latest team stats to those for the season. You could determine for example why a team’s offense has improved significantly.
More often than not, coaching is relatively even, however, occasionally, you will run across a track record of success or failure that truly stands out.
The Little Stuff
‘The little stuff’ is the intangibles.
In pro basketball, does one team shoot and make more free throws than their opponent? Does one squad have a large advantage in the turnover margin that can flip a game or two in your direction?
On the ice, who has the better special teams? And are they playing at the same levels they have all season? One power-play goal could decide a game or series. The same is true with injuries. If a quality defensive club won their last series but gave up more goals than usual, you might find they lost two of their top six defensemen. That could change a series.
The Best/Worst Series to Bet
In the spring of 2024, these were 1st Round Series odds.
NBA
- Orlando Magic +160 / Cleveland Cavaliers -185
- Phoenix Suns -135 / Minnesota Timberwolves +115
- Dallas Mavericks -135 / L.A. Clippers +115
- Los Angeles Lakers +270 / Denver Nuggets -340
- Indiana Pacers -105 / Milwaukee Bucks -115
NHL
- Boston Bruins -125 / Toronto Maple Leafs +105
- Colorado Avalanche -135 / Winnipeg +115
- Florida Panthers -180 / Tampa Bay Lightning +155
- New York Islanders +300 / Carolina Hurricanes -400
- New York Rangers -450 / Washington Capitals +335
There are no restrictions for betting underdogs, but there should be for favorites. Let’s say your normal wager is $100. If you wager on a big favorite, your profit might be smaller than you prefer.
- NBA – Denver $100 bet at -340 odds has a profit of $29.41
- NHL – Carolina $100 bet at -400 odds has a profit of $25
If you want a profit of at least $100 on your wager, and if you took Denver or Carolina, you would have to bet $340 or $400 respectively. If by chance you were wrong, you would need to make multiple wagers in either case just to get back to even. It is best to pass on anything over -300 odds.
One Last Bit of Advice on Series Betting
When placing a series wager always understand that it is a single play. If you are making single-game bets from the same series, your thought process should be to win that bet and not be thinking about who you picked because of your series’ wagering choice.
