We are over a third of the way through the 2020-21 NBA season, and 2021 NBA betting trends have emerged. Teams have settled into their rotations and identities.
In this piece, we’ll take a look at a few of the best and worst teams against the spread (ATS), along with their records in over/unders.
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The Best Teams Against the Spread
The Utah Jazz have been the NBA’s strongest team, both in record (24-6) and ATS at 22-8. Led by Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Utah is at the top of a loaded Western Conference.
The benefit of a team like the Jazz that may not elicit the same type of media coverage as a team like the Lakers is the lower spreads.
It’s a recipe working for Utah bettors, with a 73.3% coverage percentage through 30 games.
The next five best teams ATS:
- Phoenix Suns (18-10)
- San Antonio Spurs (16-11)
- LA Clippers (18-13)
- Portland Trail Blazers (16-12)
- Chicago Bulls (16-12)
The most surprising team from above may be the Bulls, currently the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, at 12-16 overall. The Bulls have played teams tight, led by likely All-Star Zach LaVine.
The shooting guard is averaging 28.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists, doing it all for Chicago.
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The Worst Teams Against the Spread
If you’ve been a Cleveland Cavaliers bettor this season, you’ve found yourself down big to start the season. When looking at 2021 NBA betting trends, the Cavs are currently 10-20 ATS, the worst in the league.
There are three other teams covering in less than 40% of their games: Houston, Dallas and Miami.
The Mavericks and Heat have been two of the more disappointing teams to start the season. The Heat, coming off an NBA Finals appearance, have dealt with a multitude of COVID-19 cases, causing their 12-17 start.
Luka Doncic came into the year as the frontrunner for MVP but hasn’t yet taken his game to that next level.
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NBA Over/Under Trends
Focusing your NBA bets on total points can be both more strategic and more enjoyable from a viewing experience. Three teams have hit their overs at a significant clip, all 69% or higher.
- New Orleans Pelicans (21-8)
- Brooklyn Nets (22-9)
- Denver Nuggets (20-9)
This makes sense when taking a look at the rosters. All three of these teams have stars throughout their offenses, which is always going to lend itself to higher points.
On the flip side, consider staying away from games with these teams or taking their unders:
- New York Knicks (10-20)
- Los Angeles Lakers (11-19)
- Houston Rockets (11-16-1)
Other 2021 NBA Betting Trends to Keep an Eye On
The Clippers are 5-0 ATS on back-to-backs, while the Philadelphia 76ers are 0-5.
The Trail Blazers, Suns and Bulls are all covering 77% or higher ATS after a loss.
Oklahoma City and New Orleans are 5-0 and 4-0, respectively, with their overs on back-to-backs, while the Cavs have hit their under in six of seven games on the second night of a back-to-back.
There is still much of the NBA season to be played, and these trends can help shape our betting decisions for the next week, but this is an ever-changing league. Keep an eye on injuries, rotation changes, and momentum, all key pillars when betting the NBA.
