What Does -4 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 22, 2025, 6:18 PM

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If a team is -4 in NBA betting at BetMGM, they’re a favorite of four points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +4.

To cover the spread (-4), the favorite must win the game by at least five points.

To cover the spread (+4), the underdog must lose by three points or less or win the game.

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

Example of -4 Spread in NBA Betting

Phoenix Suns (-4, -105) at Portland Trail Blazers (+4, -115)

The Suns are the road favorite (-4), and the Trail Blazers are the home underdog (+4).

If Phoenix wins by at least five points, they cover. If Portland loses by three points or less or wins the game, they cover the spread.

Here are some score examples:

Suns 118, Trail Blazers 106: The Suns win by 12 points and cover the spread.

Suns 125, Trail Blazers 121: The Suns win by four points and push.

Trail Blazers 109, Suns 100: The Trail Blazers win by nine points and cover the spread.

Payout for -4 Spread in NFL Betting

Atlanta Hawks (-4, -110) at Charlotte Hornets (+4, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Hawks-Hornets example, the odds for each spread (-4 and +4) 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.