Meaning of Away (+8.5) in Basketball Sports Betting
When you see Away (+8.5) in a basketball point spread, it means the away team is given a +8.5 point head start before the game begins.
In simple terms:
- The away team can lose by up to 8 points and you will still win your bet.
- If the away team loses by 9 or more points, you lose your bet.
- If the away team wins outright, you win the bet as well.
The “+8.5” is the spread — the sportsbook’s way of balancing the odds between a strong home team and a weaker away team.
How It Works (Example)
Let’s say the game is:
Los Angeles Lakers (Home) vs. Chicago Bulls (Away)
Spread: Chicago Bulls +8.5
You bet on: Chicago Bulls (+8.5)
You Win if:
- Bulls win the game outright (e.g. 110–105)
- Bulls lose by 8 points or fewer (e.g. 112–105 → lose by 7)
You Lose if:
- Bulls lose by 9 points or more (e.g. 115–106 → lose by 9)
Why Bettors Choose Away (+8.5)
- The away team is often underdog, but still competitive.
- A spread like +8.5 usually means the home team is strong, but not dominant enough to be a guaranteed big winner.
- The away team might keep the game close due to good defense, fatigue in the home team, or matchup advantages.
Example from Real-Life Style Matchup
Example:
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
Line: Orlando Magic +8.5
The Celtics are playing at home and are one of the NBA’s top teams.
The Magic, though underdogs, have a good defense and young athletic players.
If the final score is:
- Celtics 108 – Magic 102 → Magic lose by 6 → Bet wins
- Celtics 112 – Magic 102 → Magic lose by 10 → Bet loses
- Magic 109 – Celtics 106 → Magic win → Bet wins
Betting Tips for Away (+8.5) Bets
- Look for competitive underdogs
– Teams that play strong defense or have consistent scorers can cover the spread even if they lose.
– Example: Teams like the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers often stay within single digits even when losing. - Check recent form and injuries
– If the favorite’s star player is out, the underdog has a better chance to keep it close.
– Example: If Luka Dončić sits out for Dallas, betting Away (+8.5) on the opponent may have more value. - Consider game pace
– Slower-paced teams (like Memphis or Miami) often lead to closer games, making +8.5 more valuable. - Backdoor covers happen often
– In basketball, late in the game, the winning team might rest starters, allowing the underdog to score a few late points and “cover” the spread even if they lose. - Avoid large away spreads against elite offenses
– Teams like the Denver Nuggets or Golden State Warriors at home can easily blow out opponents, making +8.5 risky.
Summary Table
| Result Type | Example Score | Bet Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Away Team Wins | Bulls 110–105 Lakers | Win |
| Away Team Loses by 8 or Less | Lakers 112–105 Bulls | Win |
| Away Team Loses by 9 or More | Lakers 115–106 Bulls | Lose |
Quick Tip Summary
- Safe pick when away team is solid defensively.
- Win if away team wins or loses by ≤8 points.
- Lose if away team loses by ≥9 points.
- Always check injuries and fatigue before betting.
Would you like me to show you how Home (-8.5) compares side-by-side with Away (+8.5) (so you can see both betting angles)?