What Does -7 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 22, 2025, 6:25 PM

min read

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 20: Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket while defended by Tim Hardaway Jr. #8 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Toyota Center on January 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

If a team is -7 in NBA betting at BetMGM, they’re a favorite of seven points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +7.

To cover the spread (-7), the favorite must win the game by at least eight points.

To cover the spread (+7), the underdog must lose by six points or less or win the game.

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

Example of -7 Spread in NBA Betting

Houston Rockets (-7, -105) at Sacramento Kings (+7, -115)

The Rockets are the road favorite (-7), and the Kings are the home underdog (+7).

If Houston wins by at least eight points, they cover. If Sacramento loses by six points or less or wins the game, they cover the spread.

Here are some score examples:

Rockets 130, Kings 122: The Rockets win by eight points and cover the spread.

Rockets 115, Kings 108: The Rockets win by seven points and push.

Kings 125, Rockets 121: The Kings win by four points and cover the spread.

Payout for -7 Spread in NFL Betting

Orlando Magic (-7, -110) at Chicago Bulls (+7, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Magic-Bulls example, the odds for each spread (-7 and +7) 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.