In terms of NBA, college games or other forms of basketball, a common basketball betting strategy is quarter betting, which allows players to bet on whatever happens in the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, or 4^th quarter of a game. The most popular of these options is First Quarter betting, when the wager is to estimate the total number of points which will be scored by both teams combined in the opening 12 minutes.

As a basketball betting strategy this has a lot of merit. Most of the best NBA teams, like the Celtic, Rockets and Warriors, for example, have very good starting squads (5 – 7 players), and almost invariably play their best players at the start of the game. It is a common tactic for these teams to try and win games early, so they can give their stars a rest later on in a match and bench them in favour of less experienced or skilled squad members. A basketball season is long and there are many road trips to be made, so as much rest as a team can give its players in-game time the better, as they will be stronger when it comes to the end of season play-offs.

But what basketball betting tips should be adopted when betting on the First Quarter? To start with, it is necessary to understand how the bookmakers operate. Typically a betting house will use statistical criteria and analysis to determine the likely total number of combined points that will be scored in a match and then divide it by four, to give a quarterly score. Players can then bet Under, or much more commonly, Over this line. The betting house, therefore, does not take into account the fact that the starting quintet of one team is much stronger than the other, or the fact that one squad may be weakened by injuries. So, in theory, it is easy for the gambler to find value in this market.

What are the drawbacks to betting Over in the First Quarter? Firstly, it should be remembered that basketball is a rhythm game and sometimes players will need more than 12 minutes to connect and play well with their teammates. Also, in some instances, teams can spend the first quarter or so feeling each other out, and play within themselves, so the score will reflect that at the end of the first 12 minutes. The final reason is that even a team with a weaker starting squad can hold their own for the first quarter, before being overwhelmed later in a game when superior fitness and skill take their toll.

Here are some useful basketball betting tips for betting Over in the First Quarter. Research teams in the league and determine those which have strong starting squads but weaker benches. These teams will, invariably start with their strongest quintets. Also look for teams that play with attack and little or no defence. These teams will always look to put points on the board but, by their very nature, leave themselves vulnerable at the back for the other team to score points as well. Analyse the amount of shots they take, and also the number of 3-pointers they attempt.

Monitor injuries as well, particularly those teams with weak squads that are on the road. An away team forced from the outset to play some of their back-up players can quickly be overwhelmed in such circumstances, as the home team looks to rack up the points early.

First Quarter Betting is a valid basketball betting strategy, and betting Over offers good opportunities for bettors provided that they do their research and keep up to date with team news and their injury situation.