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Sports 24 March 2025
Basketball Betting Tips & NBA Odds
How To Bet On Basketball In The UK 2025

Table of Contents:
- WHAT IS THE NBA CUP?
- WHERE TO WATCH THE NBA IN THE UK
- BRITISH NBA PLAYERS MAKING AN IMPACT
- NBA BETTING: A QUICK GUIDE TO POPULAR MARKETS
- LATEST NBA BETTING ODDS
- BETTING ODDS CALCULATOR
- TOP TIPS TO BOOST YOUR NBA BETTING GAME
- HOW TO BET ON THE NBA IN THE UK
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is the NBA Cup?
NBA Cup is a fresh addition to the basketball calendar, designed to bring even more excitement to the regular season. Think of it as a knockout-style tournament where teams battle it out for the coveted cup, all while their regular season record still counts.
For UK fans, betting on the NBA Cup adds an extra layer of thrill. From predicting the overall champion to betting on individual game outcomes, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Popular NBA Cup betting markets include:
🏀 Outright Winner – Back the team you think will lift the trophy.
🏀 Game Totals (Over/Under) – Predict whether the combined points in a match will be over or under a set number.
🏀 Player Performances – Bet on individual stats like points scored, rebounds, or assists.
NBA Cup odds can shift quickly as teams progress through the tournament, so it’s always good to stay updated. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just interested in betting, the NBA Cup is a brilliant way to make the basketball season even more exciting!
Where to Watch the NBA in the UK
Basketball fans in the UK have several ways to follow the NBA live:
🏀 TNT Sports – The official NBA broadcaster in the UK, offering live games, highlights, and expert analysis.
🏀 NBA League Pass – The best option for dedicated fans, allowing you to stream every game live or on-demand.
🏀 BBC Sport & YouTube Highlights – Occasionally covering major NBA games and highlights.
🏀 Social Media & Betting Platforms – Lottoland offer in-game stats, live odds, and streaming links.
Keeping up with NBA games is crucial for live betting, as odds constantly change based on in-game performance.
British NBA Players Making an Impact
While basketball isn't as dominant as football in the UK, several British players have made it to the NBA. Here are some of the most notable:
James Donaldson
NBA Debut: 1979
Born in England but raised in the USA, Donaldson was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics. He played for 14 years with teams such as the SuperSonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He became an NBA All-Star in 1988.
Steve Bucknall
NBA Debut: 1989
A trailblazer for British basketball, Bucknall was the first English-developed player to play in the NBA. He appeared in 18 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1989–1990 season. Afterwards, he enjoyed a successful career in Europe.
John Amaechi
NBA Debut: 1995
Raised in Stockport, England, Amaechi was the first undrafted player to start in his NBA debut. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Utah Jazz between 1995–1996 and 1999–2003. Notably, he turned down a $17 million contract from the Lakers to remain with Orlando for significantly less.
Robert Archibald
NBA Debut: 2002
The only Scottish player in NBA history, Archibald was drafted 32nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. He played for the Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, and Toronto Raptors during the 2002–2004 seasons. Afterwards, he had a successful European career.
Luol Deng
NBA Debut: 2004
Born in Sudan and raised in the UK, Deng was drafted 7th overall by the Phoenix Suns and traded to the Chicago Bulls. A two-time NBA All-Star (2012, 2013), Deng played for several teams, including the Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat, from 2004 to 2019. He also represented Great Britain in international competitions.
Ben Gordon
NBA Debut: 2004
Born in London and raised in the USA, Gordon was drafted 3rd overall by the Chicago Bulls. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award as a rookie in 2005. Gordon played for teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Bobcats from 2004–2015.
OG Anunoby
NBA Debut: 2017
Born in London and moved to the USA as a child, Anunoby was drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors. He became vital to their 2019 Championship team and is renowned for his defensive skills and versatility.
Jeremy Sochan
NBA Debut: 2022
Born in the USA with part of his childhood spent in the UK, Sochan was drafted 9th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. He is known for his defensive prowess and versatility, contributing significantly to the Spurs' rebuild.
Tosan Evbuomwan
NBA Debut: 2025
Hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne, Evbuomwan signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets. He made an immediate impact, scoring 39 points in his G League debut, and is praised for his versatility on the court.
As British talent continues to grow, expect more UK-based players to feature in NBA betting markets, including player props and individual performance bets.
NBA Betting: A Quick Guide to Popular Markets
Interested in betting on the NBA? If you’re new to basketball betting, getting to grips with the different markets is a great place to start. Here are some of the most popular ways to bet:
🏀 Moneyline Bets: Simply back the team you think will win the match. It’s as straightforward as it gets!
🏀 Point Spread Bets: Bet on a team to win (or not lose) by a certain number of points. For example, a -5.5 spread means the team needs to win by 6 points or more for your bet to come through.
🏀 Totals (Over/Under): Predict whether the total combined points scored by both teams will be over or under a set number.
🏀 Futures Bets: Think long-term! Bet on outcomes like who will be crowned NBA champions or who will bag the MVP award.
🏀 Live Betting: Get in on the action as it happens! Place bets while the game is live, reacting to the latest plays and drama on the court. Please remember to set limits and bet responsibly.
NBA betting offers numerous ways to wager, making it one of the most exciting sports to bet on.
Latest NBA Betting Odds
Looking to stay on top of the latest NBA betting odds? While the odds themselves are constantly changing, you can explore all the current options at Lottoland Sportsbook. From NBA MVP odds to NBA Championship odds, we've got you covered. Plus, you’ll find odds for plenty of other exciting categories like Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year (Regular Season), Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Clutch Player of the Year, and 6th Man of the Year. Check out the latest predictions and place your bets!
To give you an idea of some of the top contenders, here are a few standout players in the running for the NBA MVP award this season:
NBA 2024/2025 MVP's LADDER
|
|||
---|---|---|---|
Players Name | NBA Team | ||
Shai Gilgeous-alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder | ||
Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets | ||
Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | ||
Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics |
Want to see how potential winnings could stack up? Use our handy odds calculator below to crunch the numbers and find out exactly what your bet could return!
🏀 Betting Odds Calculator

Top Tips to Boost Your NBA Betting Game
Fancy making more informed betting choices on the NBA? Whether you're a seasoned punter or just starting, these handy tips can help you get more from your basketball bets:
🏀 Check Team Form and Trends – Keep an eye on recent performances, injuries, and how teams perform at home versus away. A little research can go a long way!
🏀 Shop Around for the Best Odds – Don’t settle for the first odds you see. Compare prices across different bookies to get better value odds.
🏀 Try Live Betting – In-game betting can offer great value, especially if you spot a momentum shift. Stay sharp and grab those opportunities.
🏀 Manage Your Bankroll – Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid lumping large amounts on a single bet — it’s all about playing the long game.
🏀 Factor in the Schedule – NBA teams often face gruelling back-to-back games or long road trips. Fatigue can be a game-changer, so keep the calendar in mind.
By following these tips, you’ll be better positioned to make informed bets and enjoy the thrill of the NBA even more. Ready to hit the court?
How to Bet on the NBA in the UK
Thinking about having a punt on the NBA? With Lottoland, it’s quick and easy to get started. Follow this simple step-by-step guide:
1. Sign Up at Lottoland
First things first, create your account at Lottoland. It’s fully licensed and offers plenty of NBA betting markets.
2. Deposit Funds
Add funds to your account securely. Keep an eye out for any welcome offers to make the most of your first bet!
3. Do Your Research
Before placing your wager, check out team stats, recent form, player injuries, and any other factors that might influence the game.
4. Choose Your Market
Whether it’s a straightforward moneyline bet, a point spread prediction, or an over/under on total points, Lottoland has you covered.
5. Place Your Bet
Found your perfect pick? Confirm your wager and watch the action unfold. You can also explore live betting for real-time excitement.
6. Cash Out or Stick It Out
Some markets offer early cash-out options, letting you lock in a win or cut your losses before the final buzzer.
Ready to take your shot? Bet on the NBA with Lottoland and experience the thrill of every basket, block, and buzzer-beater!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Basketball Betting FAQ
Is NBA betting legal in the UK?
Yes, NBA betting is legal in the UK through licensed bookmakers like Lottoland.
Where can I bet on NBA games in the UK?
You can bet on the NBA at Lottoland, offering a great betting experience for UK basketball fans.
What is the best way to bet on basketball?
The best way to bet on basketball is by researching team stats, player form, and matchups. Popular betting markets include moneyline, point spreads, and totals. Live betting also provides opportunities to take advantage of in-game odds shifts.
What does +5.5 mean in basketball?
A +5.5 in basketball betting refers to the point spread. If a team has +5.5, it means they are the underdog, and they need to either win the game or lose by fewer than 6 points for a bet on them to be successful.
What does +/- mean in basketball?
In basketball betting, the +/- symbol is used to indicate the favorite and the underdog. A team with a '-' (minus) sign is the favorite and must win by more than the listed points to cover the spread. A team with a '+' (plus) sign is the underdog and must either win outright or lose within the spread to cover.
What is the best betting site for basketball?
For basketball fans in the UK, Lottoland offers an excellent betting experience with competitive odds, live betting options, and a wide range of markets for the NBA and other basketball leagues.
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