When you see a +5.5 point spread, it means that the underdog team starts the game with a 5.5 point lead.
In simpler terms, if a team has a +5.5 spread, they are the underdog and have been given a 5.5 point advantage before the game kicks off.
This implies that they can either win the game outright or lose by fewer than 6 points for a bet on them to pay off.
Impact on Your Betting Strategy
The +5.5 point spread can significantly shape your betting strategy.
It enables you to make an informed decision based on the expected performance of the teams.
This form of betting is particularly popular in basketball and football.
If you’re confident that the underdog will either win or lose by less than 6 points, you might choose to bet on them.
However, if you believe the favorite team will win by 6 points or more, then betting on them would be a sound choice.
Real-World Example
Let’s illustrate this with an example. Suppose you place a $100 bet on the underdog team with a +5.5 point spread.
If this team wins the game, or even if they lose by 5 points or fewer, you win your bet. But, if they lose by 6 points or more, you would lose your bet.
When to Consider This Type of Bet?
The +5.5 point spread bet is worth considering when you believe the game will be close-fought.
It’s also a good choice when you think the underdog team has a high chance of outperforming the predictions.
Finding the Best Point Spreads
To find the most profitable odds, it’s essential to compare odds from different bookmakers. A great odds comparison tool that can help you do this, is OddsJam.
OddsJam helps you compare odds from major sportsbooks, so you can easily find the best point spread for your chosen bet.
This strategy helps you find the best value for your bets and increases your chances of winning.