NBA Injury Betting: Strategies and Expert Advice for Leveraging Player Injuries in Basketball Gambling
Sure thing! Let's take a look at betting against injured NBA players and the ins and outs of it all.
Hurt players are all part of the game in the NBA, but that doesn't mean your bets have to take a hit too. Some savvy sports bettors intentionally wager against injured players to make the most of their uncertain physical conditions. It's a gamble, but when done right, the payout can be pretty hefty.
Now, not every opportunity will line up, and even when they do, we may not have all the juicy details about the severity of an NBA player's injury. However, with a little research and a keen eye, you can turn a nice profit. Here's what you need to know.
Worthy Conditions for Betting Against NBA Players
Player bets in sportsbooks require your selected player to take the court. Here's the catch: as long as they do, the bet stands, even if their injury flares up during the game. So, if you bet against an injured player and they manage to get some game time, your bet will not be made void.
For instance, if you bet against an injured player with an Under on points and their injury acts up during the game, causing them to sit out the rest, you'll still win your bet—regardless of how much time they spent on the court (half the game, a quarter, or even less).
DraftKings and FanDuel both operate under this rule. If a player makes an appearance during the game, any bets on them will remain active.
However, oddsmakers are quite hip to this loophole, and sometimes they may opt not to provide props on injured players, especially when the injuries are severe or the player is officially listed as questionable, doubtful, or out.
How to Bet Against Injured NBA Players
The top NBA sportsbooks boast a fantastic array of player bets and props for you to choose from. These typically revolve around their in-game achievements, with a focus on offensive stats such as:
- Points
- Threes Made
- Rebounds
- Assists
You'll find many combinations of these bets (e.g., Points+Assists, Points+Assists+Rebounds, and so on) and some stellar options via the best NBA betting apps. You might even run into H2H betting props on two NBA players, such as H2H Moneylines, H2H Totals, and H2H Spread bets.
While there are plenty of opportunities to bet against an injury-plagued player, not all player prop bets allow you to wager against a player. For example, Double Double or Triple Double markets only let you bet on a player making a double-double rather than avoiding it.
Playing the Odds Against Injured Players
The match odds may be slightly shorter than normal on players returning from an injury or battling ongoing problems, but the difference will be most noticeable in the betting lines. Players in form usually have higher betting lines on their props bets. For instance, a shooting guard in great shape might have Points Scored betting lines of 25, 27, or 29, with nearly even odds for over or under.
However, if that player is returning from an injury, you shouldn't be surprised if the betting line is considerably lower. Keep an eye on the severity of the injury, the time spent on the sidelines, and any other factors that could affect their gameplay before making your bet.
Keeping Your Eyes Peeled on NBA Player Injuries
Research is vital when it comes to making the most of bets against injured NBA players. NBA.com submits regular injury reports by 5 PM local time on the day before a game. It's also wise to note that sportsbooks usually offer odds on NBA games a day in advance, so you'll have to be quick with your bets.
On the day before a game, you'll receive an injury report and pregame odds will go live. You can then quickly check whether bets are offered on players listed as Probable, Consult a Source, Doubtful, or Out.
The Best Sportsbooks for Betting Against Injured NBA Players
Having an account at a top NBA betting site is a no-brainer if you're going to employ this strategy. The volume of NBA player props varies greatly depending on the sportsbook you're signed up with. Go for a platform that doesn't limit you to Under Points markets, but offers markets for Rebounds, Assists, and Threes as well, giving you the best chance to land a win.
Our experts recommend DraftKings and FanDuel for their impressive arrays of NBA player bets. While DraftKings has a slightly larger library of NBA player props via its H2H betting markets, FanDuel offers excellent Player Prop Combos and parlay bets to help you diversify your predictions.
Caesars, bet365, and BetMGM are also excellent choices for those eager to bet against injured NBA players. Each platform has its unique strengths and features, so be sure to check out our dedicated reviews for more info.
Good luck with your bets, and remember: don't let hurt players take you down!
- Some sports bettors intentionally wager against injured NBA players to take advantage of their uncertain physical conditions, as long as the player takes the court, the bet stands, even if their injury flares up during the game.
- Betting against injured players in Points Under can be profitable, as an injury might cause them to sit out the rest of the game, ensuring a win for the bettor, regardless of the amount of time they played.
- DraftKings and FanDuel are two top NBA betting sites that operate under the rule that if a player makes an appearance during the game, any bets on them will remain active, and they both offer a diverse range of player bets and props.
- Oddsmakers may not provide props on injured players, especially when the injuries are severe or the player is officially listed as questionable, doubtful, or out. Therefore, it is essential to research NBA injury reports and be quick with bets, as sportsbooks usually offer odds on NBA games a day in advance.
