What “Over 88.5 First Half” Means
When you bet Over 88.5 (1st Half), you are predicting that:
Total points scored by both teams combined in the first half will be 89 or more.
- If the total = 89+ points → You Win
- If the total = 88 or fewer → You Lose
There is no push because .5 eliminates a tie.
Example With Teams (NBA)
Example 1: Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks
These two teams are fast-paced and among high-scoring offences.
First Half Scores
- Pacers: 47 points
- Hawks: 44 points
Total = 47 + 44 = 91
Result: OVER 88.5 WINS
The game style involves fast tempo, early shots, and weak defense.
Example 2: Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings
First Half Scores
- Warriors: 42
- Kings: 45
Total = 87 points
Result: OVER 88.5 LOSES
Even though both teams are strong offensively, a cold shooting half ruins the over.
Example With Teams (EuroLeague)
EuroLeague has slightly slower scoring than NBA, but some teams play fast.
Example 3: ALBA Berlin vs. Baskonia
These teams are known for high pace and poor defensive efficiency.
First Half Scores
- ALBA Berlin: 43
- Baskonia: 46
Total = 89 points
Result: OVER 88.5 WINS
Example 4: Olympiacos vs. Real Madrid
Both teams play strong half-court defense.
First Half Scores
- Olympiacos: 38
- Real Madrid: 40
Total = 78 points
Result: OVER 88.5 LOSES
When Over 88.5 First Half Is Smart
Look for these 5 conditions:
Fast-pace teams
Teams averaging over 110 points per game or top 5 in pace:
NBA examples:
- Indiana Pacers
- Atlanta Hawks
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Washington Wizards
Weak defensive teams
Teams allowing many points in early quarters.
High-scoring first quarter trend
When teams regularly score 27–30 points per quarter, the first half usually hits 88+.
Good 3-point shooting teams
More threes → more points early.
Key offensive players NOT injured
Check if scorers like:
- Steph Curry
- Trae Young
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Devin Booker
are available.
Quick Calculation Trick
If both teams average around:
- 25–27 points per quarter each → Good for Over
- 24 or below → Risky
Example:
Team A avg. 1st half: 55 points
Team B avg. 1st half: 50 points
Combined expectation = 105
This is far above 88.5 → Strong Over bet
Betting Tips for Over 88.5 (1st Half)
Tip 1: Check Pace & Style
Fast-tempo teams hit overs more often.
Tip 2: Avoid strong defensive matchups
Low-scoring defensive teams often go under.
Tip 3: Live-betting advantage
If the game starts fast (12–14 points in first 3 minutes), the Over becomes safe.
Tip 4: Consider fatigue or back-to-back games
Tired defenses concede more points.
Tip 5: Check team injuries
If key scorers are missing → Avoid Over bets.
Example Betting Slip
Bet: Over 88.5 1st Half
Game: Pacers vs. Hawks
Stake: $20
Odds: 1.80
If First Half ends 93–89 → WIN
Return = 20 × 1.80 = $36