What Does -5 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 22, 2025, 6:21 PM

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INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 19 : LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers on January 19, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

If a team is -5 in NBA betting at BetMGM, they’re a favorite of five points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +5.

To cover the spread (-5), the favorite must win the game by at least six points.

To cover the spread (+5), the underdog must lose by four points or less or win the game.

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

Example of -5 Spread in NBA Betting

Los Angeles Clippers (-5, -110) at San Antonio Spurs (+5, -110)

The Clippers are the road favorite (-5), and the Spurs are the home underdog (+5).

If Los Angeles wins by at least six points, they cover. If San Antonio loses by four points or less or wins the game, they cover the spread.

Here are some score examples:

Clippers 115, Spurs 105: The Clippers win by 10 points and cover the spread.

Clippers 102, Spurs 97: The Clippers win by five points and push.

Spurs 117, Clippers 111: The Spurs win by six points and cover the spread.

Payout for -5 Spread in NFL Betting

Indiana Pacers (-5, -110) at Brooklyn Nets (+5, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Pacers-Nets example, the odds for each spread (-5 and +5) 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.