Betting on basketball, and in particular the NBA, is among the top most popular sports for predictions. Players from Nigeria prefer to watch the National Basketball Association due to the dynamism of the matches and their unpredictability. Basketball draws viewers to the screen as hitting the basket can bring 1, 2 or 3 points, which can affect the overall score of the game, especially in the final seconds.
In this article, we will compile a list of the best bookmakers in Nigeria that accept betting on the NBA. Keep reading to find out about the favourites and betting options.
What is the Best Site for NBA Predictions?
Having analysed the betting market in Nigeria, we have compiled a list of the best online operators that accept basketball predictions:
- 1xBet;
- Betwinner;
- 22bet;
- PariPesa;
- Helabet;
- 1win;
- Megapari;
- 888Starz;
- Mostbet.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win the 2024/25?
After studying the bookmaker odds and reading the opinions of analysts, we have gathered 5 strong candidates to win:
- Boston Celtics. The defending NBA champions. The club keeps the status of favourites due to their strong roster and successful previous season. 1xBet rates their chances of winning the championship again at odds of 3.35.
- Oklahoma City Thunder. The promising team impressed last season, reaching the Western Conference Finals. Betwinner rates their chances of winning this season at odds of 3.4.
- Cleveland Cavaliers. The club is showing impressive results in the 2024/2025 NBA season. The team's strengths include the effective play of the leaders, as well as the successful work of head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was able to manage the interaction between the key players. Helabet offers odds of 8.2 on them winning the championship.
- New York Knicks. After significant strengthening, including new players Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, are seen as serious title contenders. PariPesa rates their chances of winning at odds of 13.2.
- Denver Nuggets. With Nikola Jokic at the helm, the club stay competitive. Their chances of winning the season are rated by 1win with odds of 13.7.
How to make good predictions on NBA games?
The first rule of any bet is to evaluate the odds correctly, taking into account the risks. If you are a beginner, focusing on the odds: the lower they are, the higher the probability of this outcome. However, if you place a single bet with minimum odds, for example, 1.3, the amount of winnings will be low. Therefore, try to make expresses and use bonuses to maximise your winnings.
We have compiled a list of markets from the simplest to the most complex that require analytics and knowledge:
- Bet on the outcome (1X2). The most popular prediction. In it you bet on a win for the first team (1), a draw (X) or a win for the second team (2).
- Team wins. There is no draw in this prediction, you bet on the victory of one of the teams.
- Regular Time Double Chance. The bet combines the first one, but reduces the risks as you combine two outcomes out of three possible into one. First team win or draw (1X), second team win or draw (2X), one team win without a draw (12).
- Will there be overtime. In this prediction you bet on âYesâ or âNoâ.
- Total. The total number of balls scored by two teams. For example, in order for the bet âOver 210â to win, there must be 211 or more points in the whole match.
- How many each team will score. For example, selecting âOver 107.5 - Yesâ means that one of the teams must score 108 or more points for the bet to win.
- Exact score by quarters/periods. Score prediction. The bookmaker offers several options, such as 0-3, 1-2, 2-1, as well as âAny otherâ. On the last option the odds are much higher.
- Special bets. Predictions on specific events that are difficult to anticipate in advance. For example, you can bet on âThe most effective period/halfâ, âWho will score firstâ, âLast points scoredâ, âWill there be a [certain number] in the final scoreâ, etc.
- Long-term bets. Predictions on the result of the championship or basketball players. For example, the winner, who will get MIP (Most Improved Player), best defensive player, coach of the year, rookie of the year, etc.
Hope this article has been useful for you. We believe that you will be able to apply the knowledge you have learnt in the process of betting on NBA in Nigeria. Wish you best of luck.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win the 2024/25 MVP Award?
At the moment of Winter 2025, two basketball players are nominated for âMVP Award Winner in the Regular seasonâ: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 1.232 (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Nikola Jokic - 3.79 (Denver Nuggets).
In Short: How to Make the Right NBA Predictions?
First of all, pay attention to the odds. Also check out the opinions of basketball experts and read the latest sports news. Information about injuries, substitutions and disqualifications of players can seriously affect the team and their results.