By marrying solid analysis with smart adjustments, teaser bets can help extend your parlay strategy
If you’re into NBA parlays but want a little more flexibility, teaser bets could be a smart way to expand your options. A teaser works like a traditional parlay, where multiple selections must win for the ticket to cash, but the key difference is that you’re allowed to adjust the point spread or totals in your favor. That added cushion makes it more likely your bets will land, although it also means smaller payouts.
In NBA betting, the point spread can be difficult. A basket or two is generally the difference between victory and defeat. That’s where teasers come in handy. If you like a team at -6.5 but believe that’s a little too high, a four-point teaser reduces it to -2.5. That can be the difference between winning and losing your parlay, especially in close games.
Teasers enable you to bring a number of games together and minimize the risk on each leg. You can blend spreads and totals, shifting each by a certain number of points. This enables you to take an Over/Under total, for instance, and shift it to a better line. If the total is 221.5 originally and you want to play the Over, a teaser might drop it to 217.5, which gives you better odds of making that wager.
It is worth remembering that all legs still need to hit for a teaser to win, so it is not quite a path to certain riches. That said, for bettors who find regular parlays too risky, teasers offer an easier option.
Lastly, review your sportsbook’s rules before placing teaser bets, as teasers may vary. Some offer fixed-point teasers like four or six points, while others are more accommodating.
