The NBA season is well underway, and trends are starting to emerge across teams that can offer NBA bettors a decisive edge. Whether it’s identifying red-hot teams or spotting those struggling to cover the spread, understanding streaks is critical for bettors looking to maximize their returns. Below is a breakdown of key streaks in ATS, straight-up (SU), and totals performance to help guide your wagering strategies.
Against the Spread (ATS) Streakers
Hot ATS Teams:
- Houston Rockets: Riding a 5-game ATS win streak, Houston has been one of the league's best teams for covering the spread recently. With a young, energetic core, the Rockets are exceeding expectations. Bettors should monitor whether sportsbooks adjust lines to counter this trend.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 straight ATS wins highlight Cleveland's value as a betting option. Strong defensive performances and solid bench contributions have helped them outperform expectations.
- Portland Trail Blazers: With 4 ATS wins in a row, Portland is another team quietly rewarding backers. Despite injuries, their role players are stepping up to cover spreads.
Cold ATS Teams:
- Philadelphia 76ers: 3 consecutive ATS losses suggest the Sixers are being overvalued by the market. Recent struggles could signal an opportunity to fade them.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Similarly, OKC’s 3-game ATS skid reflects inconsistency in living up to inflated expectations.
- Sacramento Kings: With 3 straight ATS losses, the Kings are struggling to meet betting lines, often due to defensive lapses.
Straight-Up (SU) Streakers
Winning SU Teams:
- Los Angeles Lakers: A 6-game SU win streak highlights the Lakers’ current dominance. Led by consistent performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they are hitting their stride.
- New York Knicks: On a 4-game SU win streak, the Knicks are proving they can compete in a crowded Eastern Conference. Solid team defense and timely scoring have been the keys to success.
- Boston Celtics, LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks: All three teams boast 3-game SU win streaks, indicating momentum as they continue to stack victories.
Losing SU Teams:
- Washington Wizards: A woeful 9-game SU losing streak makes the Wizards the league’s coldest team. Defensive inefficiency and roster inconsistency are significant contributors.
- Phoenix Suns: 5 SU losses in a row highlight the impact of injuries and lackluster play from key contributors.
- Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans: All three teams are struggling, each with 3 SU losses, signaling a need for bettors to tread cautiously.
Over/Under (Totals) Streakers
Teams Trending Over:
- Cleveland Cavaliers: A 5-game streak of overs makes Cleveland a reliable pick for high-scoring games. Their pace and offensive efficiency are contributing to inflated scores.
- Boston Celtics: 4 straight overs highlight Boston’s offensive firepower, which consistently exceeds totals set by sportsbooks.
- Charlotte Hornets: 3 overs in a row suggest the Hornets’ defensive struggles are driving higher-scoring games.
Teams Trending Under:
- Orlando Magic: A dominant 7-game under streak reflects Orlando's defensive focus and slower pace of play. Bettors targeting unders can continue to find value here.
- Atlanta Hawks: With 3 consecutive unders, Atlanta is another team emphasizing defense and limiting possessions.
- LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers: Both teams are on 3-game under streaks, likely due to defensive improvements and slower tempos.
Actionable Insights for Bettors
- Follow Hot ATS Teams: Houston, Cleveland, and Portland have been consistent against the spread. Until sportsbooks adjust or matchups shift significantly, they remain strong ATS options.
- Fade Cold ATS Teams: Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, and Sacramento are underperforming ATS. Bettors should consider fading these teams unless circumstances drastically change.
- Capitalize on Totals Trends: Cleveland’s and Orlando’s respective streaks for overs and unders are prime opportunities for bettors who track totals. Identify games where these trends align with opponent profiles for maximum value.
- Monitor Winning SU Teams: Streaking teams like the Lakers and Knicks offer opportunities for moneyline bets. However, weigh the odds carefully, as sportsbooks often inflate lines for teams on hot streaks.
- Fade Losing SU Teams: Teams like Washington and Phoenix are struggling to find any success. Betting against them, especially when they face in-form opponents, can be a profitable strategy.
Final Thoughts
Streaks are a key component of successful NBA betting, and the current landscape offers plenty of opportunities for bettors to capitalize. Whether it’s riding the wave with Houston’s ATS success or targeting overs with Cleveland, staying informed about streaks can help maximize your bankroll. Keep up with ATS STATS for the latest insights and trends to guide your NBA betting journey.
Written by Ron Raymond, Founder of ATS STATS.
