What Does Over 87.5 First Half Mean?
When you bet Over 87.5 (1st Half), you are predicting that:
Total points scored by BOTH teams in the first half will be 88 or more.
- If the total first-half points = 88 or higher → Bet wins
- If the total first-half points = 87 or lower → Bet loses
- There is NO possibility of a push because 87.5 is not a whole number.
How First-Half Totals Are Calculated
A first half in most basketball leagues includes:
- NBA → 2 quarters (12 mins each)
- EuroLeague → 2 quarters (10 mins each)
- NCAA → One 20-min half
Scoring varies by league, so the likelihood of hitting Over 87.5 depends on pace and offensive style.
Team Style Examples (High-Scoring & Low-Scoring)
High-Scoring Fast-Paced Teams (More Likely to Hit Over 87.5)
NBA Examples
- Indiana Pacers
- Fastest pace in the league
- High offensive rating
- Games often start fast with high-scoring first halves (55–60 pts per team)
- Golden State Warriors
- High 3-point volume
- Quick ball movement
- First halves often reach 90–110 total points
- Sacramento Kings
- Strong offense, weak defense
- Ideal for Over 87.5 due to up-tempo play
Low-Scoring Defensive Teams (Risky for Over 87.5)
- Miami Heat – Slow pace, defensive system
- Memphis Grizzlies – When key scorers are out
- Cleveland Cavaliers – Strong defense, grind-style basketball
- Orlando Magic – Slower and more defense-focused
These teams often produce 84–89 point first halves depending on opponent.
Example Scenarios
Example 1: Over 87.5 Wins
Match: Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors
First Half Score:
- Pacers: 48
- Warriors: 45
Total = 93 → Over 87.5 WINS
Example 2: Over 87.5 Loses
Match: Heat vs Cavaliers
First Half Score:
- Heat: 40
- Cavaliers: 42
Total = 82 → Over 87.5 LOSES
Example 3: Borderline Case (Why Pre-Game Stats Matter)
Match: Lakers vs Spurs
First Half Score:
- Lakers: 43
- Spurs: 44
Total = 87 → Over 87.5 LOSES by 1 point
These small margins show why pace and form matter.
What Makes Over 87.5 More Likely?
Fast pace (lots of possessions)
Weak defenses
High 3-point and fastbreak teams
Teams playing back-to-back games (tired defenses)
Close matchups (no blowouts early)
Top Betting Tips for Over 87.5 First Half
Check the Last 5 First-Half Totals
Look at how many times each team has hit 45+ points in recent first halves.
Pace Matters Most
Use team pace rankings:
- Pace Rank Top 10 → Good
- Pace Rank Bottom 10 → Dangerous for overs
Check Injury Reports
If a star scorer is missing, totals usually drop.
Avoid Over 87.5 When Two Defensive Teams Meet
Slow, tactical teams LOVE half-court play.
Live Betting Tip
If the first 3 minutes are fast (10+ points scored), live Over 87.5 becomes safer.
Watch for Blowout Risk
If one team may dominate early, they might slow down the pace after leading big.
Quick Summary
| Factor | Effect on Over 87.5 |
|---|---|
| Fast pace | Helps |
| Strong offense | Helps |
| Weak defense | Helps |
| Slow pace | Hurts |
| Defensive teams | Hurts |
| Missing scorers | Hurts |