What Does +3 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 20, 2025, 7:15 PM

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

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

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

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

Example of +3 Spread in NBA Betting

Miami Heat (+3, -110) at New York Knicks (-3, -110)

The Heat are the road underdog (+3), and the Knicks are the home favorite (-3).

If Miami loses by two points or wins the game, they cover the spread. If New York wins by at least four points, they cover.

Here are some score examples:

Heat 108, Knicks 95: The Heat win by 13 points and cover the spread.

Knicks 115, Heat 110: The Knicks win by five points and cover the spread.

Knicks 102, Heat 99: The Knicks win by three points and push.

Payout for +3 Spread in NBA Betting

Minnesota Timberwolves (+3, -110) at Golden State Warriors (-3, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Timberwolves-Warriors 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.