What Does “Over 171.5” Mean in Basketball Betting?
Over 171.5 is a Total Points (Over/Under) market.
You are betting on whether the combined total points scored by both teams in the match will be MORE than 171.5 points.
If the total points = 172 or more → Your bet WINS
If the total points = 171 or less → Your bet LOSES
The “.5” removes the possibility of a tie (a push or void). Only win or lose.
How Total Points Are Calculated
Combined total points =
Team A final score + Team B final score
Example:
Team A: 89
Team B: 85
Total Points = 89 + 85 = 174
Since 174 > 171.5 → Over 171.5 wins
Example Using a Real Team Matchup
Let’s use Los Angeles Lakers vs Chicago Bulls as an example.
Example 1 – Bet Wins
Match Result:
- Lakers 94
- Bulls 90
Total = 94 + 90 = 184 points
184 is higher than 171.5
Your Over 171.5 bet wins
Example 2 – Bet Loses
Match Result:
- Lakers 86
- Bulls 82
Total = 86 + 82 = 168 points
168 is lower than 171.5
Your Over 171.5 bet loses
Example 3 – Close Game
Match Result:
- Lakers 88
- Bulls 83
Total = 88 + 83 = 171 points
171 is STILL below 171.5
Your bet loses
(That half point is what makes the difference)
When to Bet Over 171.5
Look for:
1. Fast-Paced Teams
Teams that play quick transitions and shoot a lot (NBA teams like Kings, Pacers, Hawks).
2. Strong Offensive Matchups
Both teams have good shooters, high field goal percentage, and strong scorers.
3. Weak Defense on either side
Poor defensive teams easily allow high scoring games.
4. High-Scoring Leagues
NBA, EuroLeague, NBL (Australia), CBA (China) frequently exceed totals like 171.5.
5. Star Players Are Available
If top scorers are playing (e.g., LeBron, DeRozan), the game is more likely to go Over.
When NOT to Bet Over 171.5
Avoid Over 171.5 when:
Slow-paced defensive teams are playing
Teams like Miami Heat or Grizzlies often grind out low-scoring games.
Key scorers are injured
If both teams miss one or two stars, scoring usually drops.
Finals, Playoffs, or Tight Rival Matches
Defense becomes tougher → totals tend to be lower.
Early morning games in overseas tournaments
Travel fatigue can reduce scoring.
Betting Tips for Over 171.5
1. Check recent scoring form
Example:
Last 5 games:
- Lakers: 120, 118, 115, 109, 125
- Bulls: 112, 110, 104, 116, 108
Both averaging above 110 → Over is likely.
2. Look at head-to-head history
If last 3 meetings were:
- 175 points
- 186 points
- 179 points
This supports Over 171.5.
3. Pace of Play (Possessions per game)
High pace = more shots = more points.
4. Live Betting Tip
If the first quarter ends around 45+ points, the Over is alive.
5. Injuries Matter
No star scorer = lower points
No defensive anchor = higher points
Summary
| Outcome | Total Points | Bet Result |
|---|---|---|
| 172+ | Over 171.5 | Win |
| 171 or less | Under 171.5 | Lose |
Over 171.5 is best when both teams are offensively strong, fast-paced, fully fit, and historically high scoring.