A teaser is one of the more complicated types of NBA bets. If we have moneylines, spread points and totals we have single, individual bets on a particular category (win/lose, points difference, total number of points scored) and if we have parlays that are combinations of more than one particular bet, with the teasers the things are bit more complicated. In fact, it can be said that a teaser is a special kind of parlay, with particular rules and specifications.
A teaser is a bet that is consisted of no more than ten and no less than two individual bets. So far it sounds just like a parlay with a limitation. But, when it comes to teasers, you have an opportunity to adjust the betting lines. You can actually change the spread point line drawn by the sportsbook, or the total points number in a total bet.

The Basics of Teasers

At this point, if you haven’t been previously familiarized with teaser bets, this may seem a bit complicated and perhaps incomprehensible. Don’t worry, things will get clear. There are three types of teasers, 4 point, 4.5 and 5 point teasers. This means that you would be able to adjust the line by 4, 5 or 4.5 points. But if you choose more games that you will be able to play the so called ‘sweetheart’ teasers, which are set at 8 and 10.
The best way to explain this is by examples. Let’s say that the Atlanta Hawks are hosting the New York Knicks and the point spread is set at -3.5 for the Hawks and +3.5 for the Knicks. The same night the Utah Jazz are hosting the Cleveland Cavs and the spread is -7.5 in favor of the Cavs. At the game between Golden State and the Clippers the total is set at 193.5 and you are certain that both teams will score more than that. Now, you want to combine these three games and you believe that the outcome will be in your advantage, i.e. that the Hawks will win with at least 4 point difference, that the Cavs will win with at least 8 point difference and that Golden State and Cleveland will score at least 194 points. But, you want to make sure that no upsets will happen and you place a 5 point teaser. By doing this, you would still win even if the Hawks lost by a point, since the point spread would move from -3.5 to +1.5, even if the Cavs win by only 3 points, since the -7.5 point spread will move to -2.5; and even if the Clippers and Golden State score only 189 points, since the total will be moved from 193.5 to 188.5. With teasers it is even possible to combine a total and a point spread bet on the same game in combination with other games.

What’s the price?

Now, teasers sound great and you may wonder why anyone would want to play parlays, if with the teasers you’re allowed to adjust the betting lines in your favor and thus increase your chances of winning. Well, the teasers have smaller payouts and you’ll win less. That’s the price of being more comfortable, and ultimately more likely to win. So, let’s assume that have a parlay on a selection of games that pays +270, or 2.7 times the amount wagered. If you win you would get $270 with a wager of $100. Placing a four point teaser on the bet will only get you an even pay-out, or you’ll get only $100 with the same bet. You should make careful calculations and see if opting for a teaser is the best option.