The NBA is experiencing a transitional period, as small-market teams have dominated the playoffs and 3-point shooting variance chaotically makes every game a blackjack hand.
Things are changing rapidly in the league, and it seems that the NBA’s powers that be have gotten what they wanted — parody.
But that doesn’t necessarily seem to be what bettors want.
Betting data obtained by The Post via betting data firm Eilers & Krejcik show that NBA betting handle is down 10 percent versus the prior calendar year.
The betting data which takes into account every legal sportsbook in CO., NJ., IL., MD., NV., and OR. represents a stark decline in interest in wagering on the NBA.
DraftKings previously told The Post in December that increasing betting interest in basketball was the company’s “number one priority.”
It’s easy to see why, as betting numbers decreasing is not what you would expect with new gamblers being made by the day.
Meanwhile, FanDuel told the betting firm that “less competitive matchups resulted in larger spreads” which resulted in less appetite for customers.
Underdogs won about 50.1 percent of the time against the spread during the regular season but did not do well over the long haul.
They struggled to the tune of -70 units according to data provided by Odds Shark.
With fan engagement a key priority for the NBA the league is caught between a rock and a hard place as less familiar teams show off incredible levels of success from some unsuspecting places.
Betting on the NBA?
The Pacers look ripe to make the NBA Finals, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are headed for an NBA Finals berth after defeating the Timberwolves in five games.
Both teams represent smaller markets, making it even more interesting to see how the betting interest plays out in this year’s finals.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Erich Richter is a brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt but he has a black belt in MMA betting. During the football season he’s showcased massive profits at The Post in the player prop market the last two seasons. While constantly betting long shots, his return on investment is 30.15 percent since 2022.
