Parlay betting in the NBA: What it is, how it works, and how to increase your odds

Parlay betting is popular among NBA fans in the US because it allows small stakes to turn into big payouts. But while the potential rewards are attractive, parlays also come with higher risks. Understanding how they work and how to improve your chances can make all the difference.

This guide explains what parlay betting in NBA means, how odds are calculated, and strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning.

What is parlay betting in NBA?

A parlay bet combines two or more individual wagers into a single bet. For NBA, this could include moneyline, spread, or totals across different games, or even multiple bets within the same game.

• Example: You bet on the Lakers to win, the Celtics to cover the spread, and the total points in another game to go over. All three must win for the parlay to pay out.
• If even one selection loses, the entire parlay is lost.

How parlay odds are calculated

The odds in a parlay are calculated by multiplying the odds of each individual leg.

• A 2-team parlay may pay around 2.6 to 1.
• A 3-team parlay could pay around 6 to 1.
• The more legs added, the higher the payout — but the lower the probability of winning.

This is why parlays are riskier than single bets.

Also Read: How to track and analyse your betting performance in US

Strategies to increase your odds in NBA parlays

1. Keep parlays small

Instead of building large 6–8 leg parlays, stick to 2 or 3 legs. This gives you a better chance of cashing in while still boosting the payout compared to straight bets.

2. Mix different bet types

Combine moneyline favorites with spreads or totals. For example, pairing a heavy favorite on the moneyline with an over/under can improve value without increasing risk too much.

3. Focus on correlated bets

Same-game parlays allow for correlations, such as betting on a team to cover the spread and the game total to go over. If one outcome happens, the other becomes more likely.

4. Do your homework on matchups

Use NBA stats like pace of play, offensive efficiency, and injury reports. This helps when predicting totals or spreads that can give you an edge.

5. Don’t chase long shots

It’s tempting to throw in big underdogs for a massive payout, but consistently relying on unlikely outcomes reduces long-term success.

6. Manage your bankroll

Set aside a small portion of your bankroll for parlays. They should be treated as higher-risk bets rather than your main strategy.

Pros and cons of NBA parlay betting

Pros:

• Potential for large payouts from small stakes
• Exciting way to follow multiple games
• Flexible: can combine different types of bets

Cons:

• Lower probability of winning
• One wrong pick ruins the bet
• Easy to get carried away with long parlays

Parlay betting in NBA offers excitement and the chance for high rewards, but it requires careful strategy. By keeping parlays small, mixing bet types, and doing solid research, you can improve your odds and enjoy a smarter approach to betting.

Also Read: Common mistakes US bettors make and how to avoid them

FAQs

1. What is the maximum number of teams you can include in an NBA parlay?
Most sportsbooks allow up to 10–12 legs, but the chances of winning drop significantly after 3 or 4 legs.

2. Can I place same-game parlays in NBA betting?
Yes. Many US sportsbooks offer same-game parlays where you can combine multiple bets from one NBA match.

3. Do parlays include overtime in NBA games?
Yes, unless otherwise stated, moneyline, spreads, and totals in NBA parlays include overtime results.

4. Are parlays a good long-term betting strategy?
Parlays are high-risk and not ideal for long-term profit. They work better as occasional bets for entertainment and potential big wins.

5. Which US sportsbooks offer NBA parlay betting?
Most legal sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars, provide NBA parlay options.