What Does “Race to 70 Points (Incl. Overtime)” Mean in Basketball Betting?
The “Race to 70 Points” market is a team-based betting option where you predict which team will score 70 points first in a basketball game.
The “(Incl. Overtime)” part means that overtime points count toward reaching 70. So, even if neither team reaches 70 points during regulation time, the bet continues into overtime until one team does.
How It Works
You are offered two main options:
- Team A – Race to 70 points
- Team B – Race to 70 points
You are betting on which team reaches 70 points first — not who wins the entire game.
If you choose Team A, and they reach 70 points before Team B, you win the bet.
If Team B reaches 70 first, you lose.
If no team reaches 70 points (very rare, but possible in low-scoring or short games), the bet is usually void (stake refunded) — depending on the bookmaker’s rules.
Example
Let’s take an NBA matchup between:
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Bet Option: Race to 70 points (incl. overtime)
- Your Pick: Golden State Warriors to reach 70 points first
- Odds: 1.80
Game Progress:
- Warriors: 25 (Q1) + 30 (Q2) + 15 (Q3) = 70 points
- Lakers: 20 (Q1) + 25 (Q2) + 22 (Q3) = 67 points
The Warriors reach 70 points first during the third quarter.
Your bet wins, even if the Lakers go on to win the entire game.
If Overtime Is Needed:
Suppose both teams end regulation with 68–68.
In overtime, whoever scores 70 points first wins this bet.
That’s why “incl. overtime” is important — it keeps your bet alive.
Another Example (with Overtime)
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
- You bet: Celtics – Race to 70 points (incl. OT)
- Regulation ends: Celtics 68 – Heat 69
- In overtime, Celtics score 2 quick points → reach 70 first.
Your bet wins, even though they were trailing at the end of regulation.
Betting Tips for “Race to 70 Points (Incl. Overtime)”
- Analyze Scoring Trends
- Look at each team’s average points per quarter.
- Teams like Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, or Golden State Warriors are often quick scorers.
- Check Pace and Offensive Efficiency
- Teams that play fast-paced basketball (many possessions) reach 70 points faster.
- Slow, defensive teams (like the Miami Heat) may struggle.
- Consider Injuries and Lineups
- If a star scorer (like Stephen Curry or Jayson Tatum) is missing, that team’s scoring pace may drop.
- Use First Half Stats
- Teams that start strong often win “race to” bets. Review their first-half scoring averages.
- Home Advantage
- Home teams often start faster due to crowd energy — giving them an edge in reaching 70 points first.
- Live Betting Strategy
- Watch the game live: if one team starts hot (e.g., early 3-pointers, fast breaks), you can bet in-play before the other team catches up.
Example Betting Strategy
- Scenario: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- Bucks average 118 points per game; Cavaliers average 109.
- Bucks’ offensive pace = fast, with Giannis leading early scoring runs.
Smart bet: Bucks to reach 70 points first (incl. overtime).
They’re more likely to get there due to offensive firepower and tempo.
Key Takeaway
| Betting Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Race to 70 Points | Bet on the first team to score 70 points |
| Incl. Overtime | Overtime points count toward 70 |
| Winning Condition | Your chosen team hits 70 before the other |
| Voided Bets | Possible if no team reaches 70 |