What Does +6 Spread Mean in NBA Betting?

BetMGM Jan 20, 2025, 7:18 PM

min read

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Head coach Jordí Fernandez of the Brooklyn Nets reacts against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center on January 08, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images)

If a team is +6 in BetMGM’s NBA odds, they’re an underdog of six points. Their opponent, the favorite, would be -6.

To cover the spread (+6), the underdog must lose by five points or win the game.

To cover the spread (-6), the favorite must win the game by at least seven points.

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

Example of +6 Spread in NBA Betting

Brooklyn Nets (+6, -115) at Atlanta Hawks (-6, -110)

The Nets are the road underdog (+6), and the Hawks are the home favorite (-6).

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

Here are some score examples:

Nets 130, Hawks 124: The Nets win by six points and cover the spread.

Hawks 118, Nets 109: The Hawks win by nine points and cover the spread.

Hawks 127, Nets 121: The Hawks win by six points and push.

Payout for +6 Spread in NBA Betting

Dallas Mavericks (+6, -110) at Houston Rockets (-6, -110)

The odds beside the spread determine the payout. In this Mavericks-Rockets example, the odds for each spread (+6 and -6) 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 sportsbook promotions for potential Odds Boosts, Parlay Boosts, and more offers to increase the potential payout for your wagers.