What Does “Race to X Points (Incl. Overtime)” Mean in Basketball Betting?
The “Race to X Points” market in basketball betting means predicting which team will reach a specific number of points first — for example, Race to 20 points or Race to 60 points.
When you see “(Incl. Overtime)”, it means overtime points count toward the total. So if the game goes beyond regular time, the bet remains active until one team reaches the target points.
Example Explanation
Let’s use a real example:
Match:
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
Market: Race to 60 Points (Incl. Overtime)
Available Options:
- Lakers to reach 60 points first
- Warriors to reach 60 points first
- Neither team to reach 60 points (sometimes offered in some sportsbooks)
Scenario:
- After the first half, Lakers = 58 points, Warriors = 54 points.
- Early in the 3rd quarter, LeBron James scores a 3-pointer → Lakers reach 61 points first.
Bet Result: Lakers win the Race to 60 Points bet.
If you had bet “Lakers to reach 60 points first”, your bet wins.
If you had chosen Warriors, your bet loses.
How “Incl. Overtime” Affects Your Bet
If the game ends in a tie (for example, both teams are at 59 points when regulation ends), overtime still counts.
So whichever team first hits the target points during overtime will win the bet.
Without the “incl. overtime” rule, the bet would end at the end of regulation time — and might be void or settled as a loss, depending on the sportsbook’s rules.
Example with Overtime Included
Match:
Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat
Market: Race to 80 Points (Incl. Overtime)
Game Situation:
- At full time: Celtics 79 – Heat 79 (tie)
- In overtime, Jayson Tatum scores first for the Celtics → they reach 81.
Celtics win the Race to 80 Points (Incl. Overtime)
Why Bettors Use This Market
The “Race to X Points” market is popular for live betting because it focuses on momentum and team scoring pace.
It’s perfect for bettors who:
- Watch games live and can sense which team is performing better early.
- Prefer short-term results rather than betting on the full game outcome.
- Enjoy quarter-by-quarter excitement.
Betting Tips for “Race to X Points (Incl. Overtime)”
1. Analyze Team Start Patterns
Some teams are known for strong starts, while others usually build up slowly.
Example: The Golden State Warriors often start fast with early 3-pointers — a good pick for Race to 20 Pointsmarkets.
2. Check Lineups and Starters
If a team’s main scorers are resting or injured, they may struggle to reach the target points first.
3. Consider Home Advantage
Teams at home often start games aggressively, fueled by the crowd’s energy — increasing their chance to reach the first target.
4. Use Live Betting
Watch the first few minutes — if one team dominates possession or fast breaks, you can enter the bet live for better accuracy.
5. Overtime Factor
Since it includes overtime, backing closely matched teams may add safety — you still have a chance even if the game extends.
Example Bet Slip
| Match | Market | Pick | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers vs Warriors | Race to 60 Points (Incl. OT) | Lakers | 1.85 | Won |
| Celtics vs Heat | Race to 80 Points (Incl. OT) | Heat | 2.05 | Lost |
Final Thoughts
Race to X Points (Incl. Overtime) betting is a fast-paced, exciting market that rewards understanding of team tempo and early scoring ability.
Always analyze game pace, star availability, and recent trends before placing your wager.