A well-balanced parlay that blends favorites and underdogs can provide greater profitability
When it comes to building NBA parlays, a balanced approach that includes both favorites and underdogs can increase your chances of success. While combining heavy favorites may seem like a safer route, blending in underdogs with potential value can add significant payout potential. Here are some tips to help you craft smarter parlays.
Start by identifying strong favorites. Favorites are teams expected to win based on factors like form, injuries, and matchups. Including a couple of well-researched favorites in your parlay creates a reliable foundation. However, it’s essential to avoid blindly picking favorites with extremely low odds, as these provide minimal value and increase the risk of your bet losing if an upset occurs.
Next, look for underdogs with realistic chances of pulling off an upset. Underdogs often provide much higher odds, but not all are worth the risk. Focus on teams with strong recent performances, favorable matchups, or key players returning from injury. For instance, an underdog playing at home against a tired opponent on the second night of a back-to-back might be a solid pick.
Mixing favorites and underdogs also requires careful management of parlay size. While it’s tempting to stack multiple games into a single ticket, too many legs can drastically lower your chances of winning. Instead, limit your parlay to three to five games for a balance between risk and potential reward.
Consider alternative bets for underdogs. Instead of wagering on the moneyline, which requires the team to win outright, betting on the spread offers a cushion. For example, if an underdog is given +7 points, they can still lose the game by a narrow margin and keep your parlay alive.
Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.
