What Does “Race to 80 Points (Incl. Overtime)” Mean in Basketball Betting?
The “Race to 80 Points (Including Overtime)” betting market means you are betting on which team will reach 80 points first in a basketball game.
“Including Overtime” means that if the game goes into overtime, the points scored during overtime still counttoward the race total.
This market is popular in NBA, EuroLeague, and other basketball leagues where high scores are common.
How It Works (With Example)
Let’s take an NBA matchup example:
Example Match:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
The betting options for “Race to 80 Points (Incl. OT)” might look like this:
- Lakers to reach 80 points first – 1.85
- Warriors to reach 80 points first – 1.95
- Neither team to reach 80 points – 10.00 (for low-scoring games)
Example Scenario 1:
- At the end of the 3rd quarter, the score is:
- Lakers: 82
- Warriors: 77
Lakers win the bet because they reached 80 points first.
Even if the Warriors later win the game, your bet on the Lakers still wins.
Example Scenario 2:
- At the end of regulation:
- Lakers: 78
- Warriors: 78
- Game goes to overtime.
- In OT, Warriors score 2 points first (making it 80-78).
Warriors win the Race to 80 Points, because overtime counts.
Key Things to Know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Race to 80 Points | Bet on which team scores 80 points first |
| Including Overtime | Overtime points are added to totals |
| Neither Team | Option for low-scoring games where neither team reaches 80 |
| Independent Bet | Doesn’t depend on who wins the match |
Betting Tips for “Race to 80 Points” Market
1. Study Team Pace and Scoring Average
Teams that play fast-paced offense and take quick shots are more likely to reach 80 points first.
Example: Teams like Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, or Indiana Pacers.
2. Check Recent Form
If a team has been consistently scoring 100+ points per game, they’re a good pick for Race to 80.
Avoid teams struggling offensively or missing key shooters.
3. Home Advantage Matters
Home teams often start stronger, feeding off the crowd’s energy.
A team playing at home is more likely to get momentum early and hit 80 points first.
4. Watch for Defensive Matchups
If a defensive team like the Miami Heat faces an offensive team like the Sacramento Kings, it might delay the race to 80.
In such games, betting “Neither team reaches 80” could be valuable at high odds.
5. Live (In-Play) Betting Advantage
You can also bet live as the game progresses.
If one team starts hot and builds momentum early (say, 25–10 in Q1), betting them to reach 80 first might offer safer value.
Example Betting Strategy
Game: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
Analysis:
- Celtics average 118 points per game.
- Mavericks average 110.
- Celtics are at home.
Smart Bet: Celtics to reach 80 points first.
Because their offensive depth and home form give them an edge.
Summary
| Betting Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Market Name | Race to 80 Points (Incl. OT) |
| Goal | Predict which team reaches 80 points first |
| Outcome | Bet wins once a team hits 80 points |
| OT Included | Yes — overtime points count |
| Bet Type | Fast-paced scoring market, not final result dependent |
Final Betting Tip:
The Race to 80 Points market rewards quick-scoring teams.
Always check offensive stats, pace of play, injuries, and home advantage before placing your bet.