With careful selection, combining favorites and underdogs in your NBA parlays can increase your payout potential
Combining favorites and underdogs in NBA parlays can be a smart way to increase payout potential while keeping risk manageable. The key is balancing reliable favorites with value-packed underdogs.
To begin with, it helps to focus on consistent favorites. Look for teams with a strong track record, especially when they’re playing at home or facing weaker opponents. Teams led by superstars or on a winning streak can often serve as reliable anchors in your parlay, providing stability to reduce volatility.
When it comes to underdogs, look for what bettors call “live” underdogs—teams that have a real shot at an upset, often because they match up well against their opponent. Factors such as playing at home or facing a team on a back-to-back can give certain underdogs an edge. These picks bring value without adding excessive risk, making them ideal to complement favorites in a parlay.
Considering key game details, such as injuries and rest days, is essential as well. NBA games can shift dramatically based on player availability, especially if a favorite’s star player is out or if they’re facing a grueling schedule. Underdogs may have a better chance against tired teams or those missing key players, so analyzing these factors can help you find the right picks.
Mixing different bet types, like moneylines, spreads, or over/under totals, is another way to add variety. For instance, if you’re confident a favorite will win but expect the underdog to keep the game close, a spread bet on the underdog can be a smart addition.
While choosing several games increases potential payout, remember that it also raises the difficulty of hitting the parlay, so sticking with three or four well-chosen picks that balance favorites and underdogs can improve your chances.
