It’s time to look at some NBA betting data from the 2020-21 season so far. The new season began on Dec. 22, and teams have played as many as eight games of a 72-game schedule. The Philadelphia 76ers have the best record in the league, jumping out to a 7-1 start.
The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers have won four in a row after going 2-2 to begin the season.
After more than two weeks of play, every team has a win, and there are no unbeaten teams remaining. Both conferences are bunched up in the middle, and there will be a scramble to qualify for the playoffs.
BETTING BASKETBALL AT ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS
From a betting perspective, the teams at the top of the standings aren’t necessarily the best performers.
Against the Spread – NBA Betting Data
Two of the leading teams in the Eastern Conference standings also have the best records against the spread. The Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic are 6-2 against the spread, matching their records on the court.
The Phoenix Suns also have an ATS showing that matches their won-loss record. The 5-3 Suns are playing well, with the acquisition of point guard Chris Paul paying off so far. The rebuilding San Antonio Spurs are also 5-2 ATS, despite their rough 3-4 start.
The worst team ATS is Toronto, with a 1-5 record. The Raptors are also 1-5 on the season, a very rough start to the 2020-21 campaign. The Raptors’ lone win is a 100-83 defeat of the New York Knicks, the only game where they were able to cover the spread.
Editor’s Choice > Who Will Be the 2021 Stanley Cup Winner?
Over/Under
Failing to reach the over/under total in a game can be due to a couple of different factors. Either the team underperforms offensively, or they play better than expected defense. In the case of the Lakers, it’s a little of both. Let’s look at what the NBA betting data shows so far.
The Lakers are 2-6 against the over/under and are still acclimating new faces to their lineup. Offensively, they’re still adjusting, but they’ve played great defense to start the season.
MUST READ: BETTING TOOLS USED BY THE PROS
Until the bookmakers catch up, going with the under on the Lakers might be the way to go.
On the other end of the spectrum are the Denver Nuggets, who have gone 6-1 against the over. The main reason is that they have a woefully ineffective defense, primarily why they’ve struggled to a 3-4 start.
NBA Betting Data
Despite the Sixers’ 7-1 open to the season, Philadelphia is 2-6 against the over/under. They’ve been involved in some high-scoring games, but the lines have been set even higher. There’s a good chance the bookmakers will figure this one out.
The Milwaukee Bucks, after signing Giannis Antetokounmpo to a long-term deal, have started the season 5-3. That may be a bit disappointing, except for anyone betting on the over for the Bucks games. So far, the Bucks are 6-2 against the over.
One other team to watch is Washington, winners of two straight games after starting the season 0-6. The addition of former MVP Russell Westbrook hasn’t worked yet, but his woeful field goal shooting should improve.
They’re already 6-2 against the over, and that trend could continue with more production from Westbrook.