What Does +5 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 20, 2025, 7:16 PM

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

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

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

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

Example of +5 Spread in NBA Betting

Detroit Pistons (+5, -105) at Philadelphia 76ers (-5, -115)

The Pistons are the road underdog (+5), and the 76ers are the home favorite (-5).

If Detroit loses by four points or wins the game, they cover the spread. If Philadelphia wins by at least six points, they cover.

Here are some score examples:

Pistons 101, 76ers 103: The Pistons win by eight points and cover the spread.

76ers 113, Pistons 106: The 76ers win by seven points and cover the spread.

76ers 98, Pistons 93: The 76ers win by five points and push.

Payout for +5 Spread in NBA Betting

San Antonio Spurs (+5, -110) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-5, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Spurs-Thunder 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 sports betting during games.

You can also check updated sports betting promos for potential Odds Boosts, Parlay Boosts, and more offers to increase the potential payout for your wagers.