Winning against uncertainty: Betting against injured NBA players
Wagering on NBA Players with Injuries: Techniques and Professional Guidelines
With injuries scattered across the NBA, it's often a gamble, but some sports bettors capitalize on the unpredictability of a player's physical condition. To make the most of these bets, here's what you need to know.
Dealing with the odds
Player bets remain valid as long as the selected player takes the court, even when injured. This loophole means that if your sportsbook offers a pre-game player prop on an injured player and they play, your bet still stands. For example, if you bet against an injured player to make under a specific number of points, you'll win if they hit the line but sit out the rest of the game due to their injury.
Sportsbooks are aware of this loophole and may avoid offering props on injured players with severe injuries, or those officially listed as questionable, doubtful, or out for a game.
Betting on the injury
Several top NBA sportsbooks provide an assortment of player bets and props, such as Points, Threes Made, Rebounds, and Assists. These can be combined for various betting opportunities. However, not all prop bets allow you to bet against a player. For example, Double or Triple Double markets only allow you to bet on a player to make the combination, not against them.
The betting lines for players returning from injuries may be slightly shorter than normal, but this difference isn't significant in the Over/Under betting format. Instead, the difference lies in the betting lines for player props. Injured players tend to have lower betting lines due to their ailments.
Staying informed on injuries
Research is key to making the most of these bets. Check NBA.com's injury reports, as they submit regular updates by 5 PM local time the day before a game. On these reports, seek out players with questionable or doubtful injuries, as sportsbooks may provide bets on these players, but be cautious as the availability of bets on questionable players is rare.
The best sportsbooks for betting against injured NBA players
To make the most of bets on injured players, a top NBA betting site account is essential. Platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, bet365, and BetMGM offer the best variety of NBA player props to help you stay ahead. Plus, keep an eye out for special offers and promotions tailored to NBA betting.
Always remember to review each sportsbook's house rules before betting, as policies can vary, and certain sportsbooks may not refund bets or void legs under the same conditions as others. Staying informed on injuries and understanding the specific sportsbook policies can lead to profitable bets against injured NBA players.
Sources and Further Reading
[1] BetterCollective, 2023
[2] Fanatics Sportsbook's Injury Rules, 2023
[3] SportsBetting Agency's Injury Rules, 2023
[4] Big Game Bets, 2023
[5] USA Today, 2021, Wright, Marina.
If your sportsbook offers pre-game player props on an injured NBA player and they play, your bet on them to make under a specific number of points will still win, even if they sit out the rest of the game due to their injury. To make the most of bets on injured NBA players, it's essential to have a top NBA betting site account, such as those provided by DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, bet365, and BetMGM, offering a variety of NBA player props.
