Meaning of Away (+13.5) in Basketball Sports Betting
In basketball point spread betting, the “+13.5” means the away team is given a 13.5-point head start before the game begins.
This means:
- Your bet wins if the away team either wins the game outright or loses by fewer than 14 points.
- Your bet loses if the away team loses by 14 points or more.
The .5 means there is no tie (“push”) — the result will always be a win or loss.
Example Scenario
Game:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
Spread: Detroit Pistons +13.5
This means sportsbooks believe the Lakers are much stronger favorites.
If you bet Detroit Pistons +13.5, you win if:
- Pistons win the game
Example: Pistons 108 – Lakers 104 - Pistons lose by 13 points or less
Example: Lakers 115 – Pistons 105 → Lakers win by 10 → You win
You lose if:
- Pistons lose by 14 points or more
Example: Lakers 120 – Pistons 104 → Lakers win by 16 → You lose
How the +13.5 Spread Works Mathematically
Let’s “add” +13.5 points to the Pistons’ score:
- Lakers 120 – Pistons 104
- Adjusted: Lakers 120 – (Pistons 104 + 13.5) = Lakers 120 – Pistons 117.5
- Lakers still win → Bet loses
- Lakers 110 – Pistons 100
- Adjusted: Lakers 110 – Pistons 113.5
- Pistons “win” after the spread → Bet wins
Betting Tips for Away (+13.5)
- Check recent performance & motivation.
Big spreads like +13.5 often happen when a top team faces a struggling one. If the away team has been playing better recently or keeps games close, this spread might be too big — good time to take the underdog (+13.5). - Look at injuries or rest.
If the favorite’s key players are resting or injured, they may not cover such a large spread. - Consider pace and defense.
Slow-paced, defensive teams often keep scores lower — making large spreads harder to cover.
Example: If the Pistons slow the game down and limit possessions, even losing by 10 still cashes your +13.5 bet. - Beware of “garbage time.”
Favorites sometimes relax after taking a big lead, letting the underdog close the gap — this can help cover +13.5late in the game. - Check home-court factors.
Some teams play poorly on the road. If the away team struggles badly away from home, be cautious even with +13.5.
Example Recap
| Match | Spread | Final Score | Result | Bet Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers vs Pistons | Pistons +13.5 | 120–104 | Lakers by 16 | Lose |
| Lakers vs Pistons | Pistons +13.5 | 115–105 | Lakers by 10 | Win |
| Lakers vs Pistons | Pistons +13.5 | 108–104 | Pistons win | Win |
Quick Betting Tip Summary
- Bet on Away (+13.5) when:
- The favorite might rest players.
- The underdog keeps games competitive.
- The matchup style favors low scoring.
- Avoid it when:
- The favorite is at home and in good form.
- The underdog has poor away defense or morale.