What Does Over 174.5 Mean in Basketball Sports Betting?
Over 174.5 is a Total Points market where you bet that the combined final score of both basketball teams will be 175 points or more.
If total points = 175 or higher → Bet wins
If total points = 174 or lower → Bet loses
The “.5” prevents a tie (called a push), meaning the bet must either win or lose.
How It Works (Easy Breakdown)
Let’s say the match is:
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
You bet Over 174.5.
This means you need:
Lakers’ points + Warriors’ points ≥ 175
Detailed Examples
Example 1 — Bet Wins
- Lakers: 92
- Warriors: 90
Total = 92 + 90 = 182
182 is over 174.5 → Bet wins
Example 2 — Bet Loses
- Lakers: 85
- Warriors: 87
Total = 85 + 87 = 172
172 is below 174.5 → Bet loses
Example 3 — Very Close but Still a Loss
- Lakers: 88
- Warriors: 86
Total = 174
174 is below 174.5 → Bet loses
Example 4 — High-Scoring Teams, Big Win
- Lakers: 102
- Warriors: 95
Total = 197
197 is over 174.5 → Bet wins
When Over 174.5 is a Good Bet
It is smart to take Over 174.5 when:
Both teams play fast-paced basketball
Teams like:
- Golden State Warriors
- Indiana Pacers
- Sacramento Kings
- Milwaukee Bucks
These teams usually produce high totals.
Teams have weak defense
If both sides allow many points per game, totals rise quickly.
Key scorers are available
If star players are not injured, scoring probability increases.
Examples:
- Steph Curry
- LeBron James
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Luka Dončić
Previous meetings were high-scoring
If their recent games ended like 178, 185, 192, etc., the trend supports Over 174.5.
Betting Tips for Over 174.5
Check Recent Form
If each team scored at least 88–95 points in their last few games → Over is safer.
Look at Pace (Possessions per game)
More possessions = more shots = more scoring.
Fast-paced teams make Over lines easier to hit.
Injuries Matter
Avoid Over bets if:
- A team’s top scorer is missing
- There are too many defensive players missing (this can push the total up)
Home/Away Performance
Some teams score more at home.
Example: Golden State at home often plays high-scoring games.
Consider Live Betting
If the 1st quarter is fast-paced (e.g., 50+ points), live Over may still offer value.
Simple Summary
| Market | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Over 174.5 | Both teams’ combined points must be 175 or more |
175+ points → Win
174 or less → Loss