What Does -2 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 22, 2025, 6:13 PM

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If a team is -2 in NBA betting at BetMGM, they’re a favorite of two points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +2.

To cover the spread (-2), the favorite must win the game by at least three points.

To cover the spread (+2), the underdog must lose by one point or win the game.

Overtime is included in the final score that determines the spread outcome.

Example of -2 Spread in NBA Betting

Denver Nuggets (-2, -110) at Dallas Mavericks (+2, -120)

The Nuggets are the road favorite (-2), and the Mavericks are the home underdog (+2).

If Denver wins by at least three points, they cover. If Dallas loses by one point or wins the game, they cover the spread.

Here are some score examples:

Nuggets 127, Mavericks 122: The Nuggets win by five points and cover the spread.

Nuggets 109, Mavericks 107: The Nuggets win by two points and push.

Mavericks 118, Nuggets 115: The Mavericks win by three points and cover the spread.

Payout for -2 Spread in NFL Betting

Cleveland Cavaliers (-2, -110) at Atlanta Hawks (+2, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Cavaliers-Hawks example, the odds for each spread (-2 and +2) are -110. The odds can vary for games; they could be +115, +100, -105, -110, or another value.

To calculate the potential payout, add a spread bet to your BetMGM Bet Slip.

With -110 odds, a winning bet with a $50 stake would return $95.45 (including stake).

At -105 odds, a winning bet with a $50 stake would return $97.62 (including stake).

If a spread bet pushes, the stake is refunded.

Visit the sportsbook to view all available spreads for NBA games throughout the year. You can also combine spreads — along with moneylines, over/under totals, player prop bets, and more — into parlays to increase the potential payout. And spreads are available with live betting during games.

You can also check updated sportsbook promos for potential Odds Boosts, Parlay Boosts, and more offers to increase the potential payout for your wagers.