The world of NBA betting is filled with stories of massive stakes and even bigger rewards.
From last-second three-pointers to huge underdog victories, the drama of the NBA offers fertile ground for some of the most incredible betting wins in sports history.
Here are some of the most most jaw-dropping NBA betting wins that we at TheMidfield have come across.
1. $375,000 win on the Warriors – A Faithful Leap
In 2015, an anonymous bettor placed a $20,000 bet on the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA championship at odds of 18-1 early in the season.
This bet was made before the Warriors’ dominance had fully revealed itself to the world, making it a very risky wager at the time.
The Warriors, led by Steph Curry, went on to win 67 games in the regular season and capped it off with their first NBA title in 40 years.
The bettor walked away with a staggering $375,000, proving that sometimes, early faith in a team can lead to massive rewards.
2. $1.5 Million on the Lakers – High Stakes in the Bubble
During the 2020 NBA season disrupted by the pandemic, a known professional gambler placed a $500,000 bet on the Lakers to win the NBA Championship at odds of 3-1.
The bet was placed while the season was suspended, and the outcome of the season was uncertain due to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 “bubble.”
The Lakers, rejuvenated by the leadership of LeBron and Anthony Davis, ultimately triumphed. The gambler’s faith in the team’s resilience under unprecedented conditions netted him $1.5 million.
3. Turning $5 into Over $100,000 – The Perfect Parlay
In an almost mythical tale of betting, a punter turned a huge $5 NBA parlay bet into over $100,000 during the 2016 NBA playoffs.
The final leg of the parlay rested on Cleveland winning a game against the Golden State Warriors by a specific point range—a long shot that incredibly paid off.
The precise combination of outcomes and the sheer improbability of the bet’s success made this win one for the ages.
4. $76,000 on a Hunch – Rookie of the Year Bet
In a recent example from 2019, another daring bettor placed $10,000 on Ja Morant to win the NBA Rookie of the Year at odds of 7.5-1.
This wager was made before the season started, based on the bettor’s conviction that Zion Williamson, the heavy favorite, might face injuries, and Ja Morant’s consistent play for the Memphis Grizzlies would outshine his peers.
As the season unfolded, Williamson did indeed struggle with injuries, and Morant’s stellar performance led him to clinch the award.
The bet paid out $76,000, showcasing the potential returns of betting on promising rookies.
5. $500,000 on the Heat – Defying the Odds
One of the largest known single NBA bets occurred in 2013 when Floyd Mayweather, the legendary boxer known for his love of sports betting, placed $5.9 million on the Heat to beat the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Mayweather’s massive bet at nearly 1-1 odds reflected his supreme confidence in LeBron James and the Heat’s ability to perform under pressure.
The Heat won the game 99-76, and Mayweather reportedly cleared around $500,000 from this single game.
There’s Been Some Big Winners In NBA Betting
These stories not only highlight the unpredictability and excitement in NBA betting but also illustrate how a bit of daring, and sometimes a good hunch can lead to extraordinary windfalls.
Whether it’s a strategic play on future odds or a high-stakes bet on a crucial game, the NBA continues to be a thrilling arena for bettors seeking the thrill of a big win.
