Watching and predicting basketball games is fun if you are a neutral fan. The occasional buzzer beaters, three-pointers from deep, and skills on the court make for all the fun. However, score prediction is harder than just picking a winner.
Predicting scores adds an extra layer of fun, turning every steal and block into a nerve-racking situation. Getting the score right can earn you a few dollars if you are a betting person. Here are essential tips that can help you get better at predicting basketball scores.
Know the Teams
Knowing the teams has to go beyond mastering the players’ jersey numbers, date of birth, and overall pick number in the NBA Draft. You have to get deeper and review their statistics. Look at who the star players are and whether they are in form.
Next, look at the team’s overall play. Does the team play better when they’re at home or on the road? The other thing you should look at is the team’s points per game and points allowed per game averages.
Defensive teams may allow fewer points overall, but they will still score less than teams that focus on playing more offensively.
Crunch the Numbers
You must be ready to crunch the numbers if you want to become better at predicting basketball scores. Statistics aren’t the most fun thing to look at, especially if you don’t like math. Advanced numbers can help you make your predictions better.
Look at individual numbers like field goal percentages, three-point percentages, rebounds, and assists. Also, look at the team’s injury records. If the point guard and shooting guard have off days, chances are that the team may score fewer points. Utilize websites like The Sports Prophets to stay updated on player health and form.
Head-to-Head Records
Head-to-head records can offer invaluable insights when predicting basketball scores. Many sports websites offer H2H records detailing the team’s past five to ten matchups. The records include recent home and away results to help you determine the team’s form.
Each team has its favorite opponent, which can help you predict the scores even if they aren’t in top form. However, remember that surprises can happen in some games. Team dynamics evolve, coaches switch strategies, and luck can play its part.
Home Advantage
Never underestimate the power of the home crowd. Players feed off the fans’ energy when playing at home. Look at the team’s home and away records. Some teams perform better when playing away from home, which can make score prediction more challenging.
Spending too much time traveling to play away games can also play into the opponent’s hands. A home team that has a day or two off may have an edge over the more tired away team that might have spent the better part of the day traveling.
Wrapping Up
When predicting basketball scores, you must keep emotions aside. Sometimes, your instincts can help you make better predictions, so don’t overlook them. Don’t take it too personally if your predictions are off the mark. It takes practice and experience before you become better at it.
