By Grant Tingley
When it comes to betting, timing is everything. It’s all about finding the best line at the right time and getting the most value. Several factors go into doing that, and it varies based on the sport and situation.
For instance, lines for sports where teams play once a week, like football or soccer, will come out further ahead of time than lines for sports where teams play almost every day, like baseball, basketball, or hockey.
Weekly
Usually, lines will open at a certain number and then move in a certain direction based on how many bets are being placed on each side, as well as factors like injuries and weather. In sports like football and soccer, much of this movement happens in the week(s) leading up to the game or match.
For example, if a football game between the Patriots and Bills opens up as Bills +7.5 and a lot of money is being put on the Bills, that line could be Bills +5.5 by gametime. In that case, if you’re thinking of betting on the Bills and see that the line is moving towards the Bills, it would be smart to place your bet earlier in the week. If you like the Patriots and see the line moving toward the Bills, you might want to wait so you can get the Patriots at the best possible number.
If a line at the beginning of the week leading up to a game or match seems off to you, that line will probably be different come kickoff. Either that or there are circumstances affecting one or both teams, which can also move a line. Make sure to keep track of any injury news (or other teams news) in the week leading up to a game or match.
Bucks vs. Nets 📊
— NBABet (@nbabet) June 8, 2021
• Opening Line: MIL +2.5
• Closing Line: MIL -1.5
• Live Line: MIL +16.5 😬 pic.twitter.com/wNpfBtP79h
Daily
Line movement in sports like baseball, basketball, and hockey is similar, but condensed, since teams in these sports play multiple times a week. You usually can’t bet on a game in one of these sports until a couple of days prior at most. Line movement will occur in the same way, but in the day or two leading up to a game rather than the week.
Lines in basketball can be heavily affected by what player are hurt or are rested for a certain game. When betting on the NBA in particular, keep an eye on the injury report for a game. In baseball, it may be smart to wait until starting pitchers are announced for a game, as that can also greatly affect lines.
If you want to get the most bang for your buck when betting on sports, be sure to keep an eye on line movement in the leadup to a contest. Whether it be due to major money being put on one side, injury news, or some other circumstance, lines often move as the sporting event draws nearer, and placing your bet on that event at the right time can be quite profitable.
Picture Credit: Shutterstock
