1-5 | Any team winning margin (incl. overtime) in Basketball Sports Betting Explained with Examples + Betting Tips

1–5 | Any Team Winning Margin (Including Overtime)

This basketball betting market predicts that either team will win the game by a margin of 1 to 5 points, including overtime if overtime is played.

It does not matter which team wins — as long as the final winning margin is between 1 and 5 points.

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How It Works

The sportsbook checks the final score difference after the game (including overtime).

If the winning team finishes the game with a lead of:

• 1 point
• 2 points
• 3 points
• 4 points
• 5 points

→ Your bet wins.

If the margin is 6 points or more, your bet loses.

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Example 1 — Bet Wins

Match:

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics

Your Bet:

1–5 Winning Margin

Final Score:

Lakers 102 – 99 Celtics

Margin:

102 − 99 = 3 points

Your bet wins because the victory margin is within 1–5 points.

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Example 2 — Bet Loses

Final Score:

Lakers 110 – 101 Celtics

Margin:

9 points

Your bet loses because the winning margin is greater than 5.

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Example 3 — Overtime Included

End of Regular Time:

95 – 95

Game goes to overtime.

Final Score After OT:

Celtics 108 – 104 Lakers

Margin:

4 points

Bet wins because overtime counts and the final margin is still between 1–5 points.

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Why Bettors Like This Market

This market is popular because:

• You don’t need to predict the exact winner.
• Close basketball games happen often.
• Good option when teams are evenly matched.
• Strong for derby games, playoffs, and defensive matchups.

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Betting Tips for 1–5 Winning Margin

1. Target Balanced Teams

Look for games where bookmakers give similar odds to both teams.

Example:

• Team A → 1.80
• Team B → 2.00

These games usually finish close.

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2. Use Playoff Games

Playoff basketball often has:

• slower pace
• stronger defense
• tighter scores

This increases chances of a 1–5 point finish.

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3. Avoid Huge Favorites

If one team is heavily favored, blowouts are more likely.

Avoid odds like:

• 1.20 vs 4.50

The stronger team may win by 10+ points.

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4. Check Recent Head-to-Head Results

If previous meetings ended:

• by 2 points
• by 4 points
• by 5 points

then the matchup may again be competitive.

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Best Situations to Use This Bet

Good for:

• NBA rivalry games
• EuroLeague tight contests
• Playoff matches
• Defensive teams
• Matches with low total points

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Risk Level

• Medium to High Risk
• Higher odds than normal match winner bets
• Requires a close finish

Because of the difficulty, bookmakers usually offer attractive odds.