What Does “1st Quarter – Total” Mean?
Bookmakers set a predicted total (also called the Over/Under line) for the first quarter.
You bet on whether the actual total points in that quarter will be:
- Over the bookmaker’s line (if you think there will be lots of scoring early), or
- Under the bookmaker’s line (if you expect a slow, defensive start).
Example with a Team
Let’s take an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The 1st Quarter Total Line might be set at 55.5 points.
This means the sportsbook expects both teams to score about 55–56 points combined in the first quarter.
Possible Bets:
- Over 55.5 — You win if the total 1st quarter points are 56 or more.
- Under 55.5 — You win if the total 1st quarter points are 55 or fewer.
Example Outcome:
- Warriors 29 – Lakers 27 in the first quarter
- Total = 29 + 27 = 56 points
- “Over 55.5” wins
- “Under 55.5” loses
Factors to Consider When Betting on 1st Quarter Totals
- Team Pace:
- Fast-paced teams like the Golden State Warriors or Indiana Pacers usually score early and push the tempo.
- Slower teams like the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers may start more cautiously.
- Offensive & Defensive Efficiency:
- Teams strong in defense often limit scoring early.
- High offensive efficiency usually means a high-scoring first quarter.
- Starting Lineups:
- Starters play most of the 1st quarter, so check if any key players are missing.
- Game Context:
- If teams are coming off back-to-back games, fatigue can affect early scoring.
- Some teams “feel out” their opponents early — leading to fewer first-quarter points.
- Home vs. Away Performance:
- Home teams often start strong due to crowd energy, affecting early scoring totals.
Betting Tips
- Research Team Trends:
- Check how many points each team averages in the 1st quarter.
- Example: If both average over 30 points per 1st quarter → consider Over bets.
- Look at Head-to-Head Stats:
- Past matchups between the same teams can reveal scoring patterns.
- Monitor Injuries:
- Missing key shooters or defenders can swing the total drastically.
- Avoid Guessing on Big Games:
- Finals or playoffs can start slower due to nerves and tighter defense — good for Under bets.
- Live Betting Tip:
- If both teams start slowly in the first 3 minutes but are creating good shot opportunities, you can get a better live “Over” line.
Example Betting Slip
| Game | Market | Line | Pick | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors vs Lakers | 1st Quarter – Total | 55.5 | Over 55.5 |