What Does -3 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 22, 2025, 6:16 PM

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If a team is -3 in NBA betting at BetMGM, they’re a favorite of three points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +3.

To cover the spread (-3), the favorite must win the game by at least four points.

To cover the spread (+3), the underdog must lose by two points or less or win the game.

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

Example of -3 Spread in NBA Betting

Oklahoma City Thunder (-3, -105) at Minnesota Timberwolves (+3, -115)

The Thunder are the road favorite (-3), and the Timberwolves are the home underdog (+3).

If Oklahoma City wins by at least four points, they cover. If Minnesota loses by two points or less or wins the game, they cover the spread.

Here are some score examples:

Thunder 120, Timberwolves 113: The Thunder win by seven points and cover the spread.

Thunder 101, Timberwolves 98: The Thunder win by three points and push.

Timberwolves 108, Thunder 102: The Timberwolves win by six points and cover the spread.

Payout for -3 Spread in NFL Betting

Milwaukee Bucks (-3, -110) at Detroit Pistons (+3, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Bucks-Pistons example, the odds for each spread (-3 and +3) 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.