What Does +4 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 20, 2025, 7:16 PM

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

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

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

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

Example of +4 Spread in NBA Betting

Washington Wizards (+4, -115) at Atlanta Hawks (-4, -105)

The Wizards are the road underdog (+4), and the Hawks are the home favorite (-4).

If Washington loses by three points or wins the game, they cover the spread. If Atlanta wins by at least five points, they cover.

Here are some score examples:

Wizards 110, Hawks 104: The Wizards win by six points and cover the spread.

Hawks 120, Wizards 110: The Hawks win by 10 points and cover the spread.

Hawks 106, Wizards 102: The Hawks win by four points and push.

Payout for +4 Spread in NBA Betting

Houston Rockets (+4, -110) at Memphis Grizzlies (-4, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Rockets-Grizzlies 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.