What “Over 146.5” Means in Basketball Betting
In basketball betting, Over/Under (Total Points) refers to predicting the combined total number of points both teams will score in a game.
- Over 146.5 means you’re betting that the total combined score of both teams will be 147 points or more.
- If the total points are 146 or fewer, you lose the bet.
- The “.5” prevents a tie (called a push) — there can only be a win or loss.
Example 1: NBA Game
Match: Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
| Team | Points Scored |
|---|---|
| Lakers | 78 |
| Warriors | 75 |
| Total Points | 153 |
- Result: 78 + 75 = 153 points
- Since 153 > 146.5, your Over 146.5 bet wins
If the score ended 73–70 (143 points), your bet would lose.
Example 2: EuroLeague Game
Match: Real Madrid Vs Fenerbahçe
| Team | Points Scored |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 74 |
| Fenerbahçe | 69 |
| Total Points | 143 |
- Result: 74 + 69 = 143 points
- 143 < 146.5, so your Over 146.5 loses
If you had bet Under 146.5, that would win.
How Bookmakers Set 146.5
Sportsbooks analyze:
- Each team’s offensive and defensive strength
- Pace of play (how fast they move between possessions)
- Player stats (injuries, star players, bench strength)
- Previous head-to-head totals
- Venue (some arenas favor higher scoring due to shooting conditions)
146.5 is often seen in college basketball (NCAA) or low-scoring professional leagues, while NBA games usually range from 220–240 totals.
Betting Tips for “Over 146.5”
- Check Pace and Offensive Efficiency:
Teams like the Warriors or Pacers play fast and take quick shots — good for Over bets. - Avoid Defensive Clashes:
Teams like the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics often play slow, defense-heavy basketball — risky for Over bets. - Monitor Player News:
If a team’s top scorer (e.g., Luka Dončić or Stephen Curry) is out, total points might drop. - Overtime Works in Your Favor:
If the game goes into OT, any extra points count toward your total, helping Over bets. - Check Head-to-Head Averages:
If the last 5 meetings between two teams all went above 147, it’s a strong signal for Over. - Home Court Advantage:
Home teams usually score a few points more per game, which can push totals higher.
Quick Summary
| Outcome | Total Points | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 147 or more | Win | |
| 146 or fewer | Lose |
Example:
- Bet: Over 146.5
- Final Score: Lakers 80 – Warriors 70 (150 total) → Win
- Final Score: Lakers 72 – Warriors 73 (145 total) → Lose
Expert Tip:
For totals like 146.5, look at college or European basketball — games with balanced scoring and moderate pace. If both teams average 75+ points per game, Over 146.5 has strong value.
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