A Beginner’s Guide to NBA 2K18 Betting

The NBA 2K franchise — a popular series that encompasses twenty-five installments and several spinoffs — is among the top-rated and best-selling basketball simulators ever. Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K18 is a basketball simulation video game and one of the most popular franchise installments, boasting over 10 million units sold. In this guide to NBA 2K18 betting, we’ll briefly cover the game’s basics, discuss the main types of bets, and delve deeper into tips and tricks that will help you boost your winning chances.

NBA 2K18: Basic Rules

In NBA 2K18, the goal is to score more points than the opposing team by shooting 2-pointers, 3-pointers, or free throws within the set time. The game is divided into four quarters, which typically last between 5 and 12 minutes per quarter, although the length is customizable. Some main rules include a 24-second shot clock and violations like traveling and double dribbling. Although having extensive basketball knowledge is not necessary, it’s certainly helpful to have a grasp of basic game jargon and mechanics. Keep in mind that each new installment, at its core, is quite similar; the main difference lies in slight improvements, graphical updates, and new mechanics. If you’re new to the NBA 2K franchise, expect some early-on learning curve and adjusting to the game mechanics.

Top NBA 2K Tournaments

Considering that the competitive scene has moved to the newer versions of the game, you’re unlikely to see high-profile events dedicated separately to the older series. Luckily, the newer versions spawned numerous events, including PlayStation and Xbox tournaments, 2K Pro-Am competitive community-driven matches, and a range of international e-sports events, like ESL and DreamHack, that occasionally include the popular franchise in their lineup. Although NBA 2K doesn’t rival e-sports like League of Legends or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it has managed to carve out its lucrative niche.

Main Bet Types

Wagers on sports simulators often resemble traditional sports betting; basketball is no exception. If you’re new to betting on NBA 2K, here’s a quick compilation of the most popular wager types you’ll encounter.

• Outrights. This beginner-friendly bet requires you to predict whether a team wins or loses a game.
• Handicap. Aimed to level the playing field, handicap bets grant underdogs a head start and saddle the team, which is perceived to be more skilled, with a virtual disadvantage.
• Total. Predict whether the total points in the game go over or under a specific number.

Betting Tips and Tricks

Although you can go in completely blind, relying on sheer luck will only get you so far. If you want to consistently predict the outcome of any match or even an entire tournament, you need to take your research seriously. Here’s a quick compilation of the best tips and tricks that will help jumpstart your betting journey:

• Players and Teams. Match outcomes depend on players’ proficiency and skill sets. When researching top teams, pay attention to their stats, playstyle, recent performances, and team cohesion.
• Game Modes. From Pro-Am featuring unique 3v3 and 5v5 experiences to MyTEAM, different modes come with various dynamics.
• Head-to-Head. Research previous matchups between the same opponents and analyze their performances. If one team has a history of outperforming the other, then it’s highly probable they will continue to dominate them.
• Bankroll. Adequate management of a bankroll — an initial amount of money you want to dedicate to betting — is part of the success. Avoid the gambler’s fallacy, never chase losses, and always stick to your initial budget.

Before making any NBA 2K18 bets, dedicate time to research and comb through the NBA 2K League Official Site, 2KRatings, separate Reddit communities, and content creators and influencers. Being on top of the latest basketball news will help you make better predictions.