In the NBA, where giants meet smaller giants, some games are so one-sided that even the point spreads seem to yell, “We already know who’s going to win!”
These NBA betting matchups show not just the favorites but also the high hopes (and shattered dreams) of sports bettors.
From the Nuggets making the Heat feel a chill with a -27.5 spread to the Lakers nearly halving the Cavaliers’ score in a 55-point massacre, these games remind us why the underdog story is always a crowd-pleaser—because occasionally, they manage to defy the odds.
Biggest Betting Spreads in NBA History
Here we are, diving into the top 7 largest NBA betting spreads in history, where the underdogs weren’t just expected to lose—they were expected to be embarrassed.
1. Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat – 2008
- Spread: Nuggets -27.5
- Game Result: Nuggets 139 – Heat 123
Carmelo Anthony led the scoring with 35 points and 8 rebounds, supported by Allen Iverson’s 20 points and 12 assists.
Their Batman and Robin efforts showcased the Nuggets’ offensive firepower against a depleted Heat roster.
2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – 2011
- Spread: Lakers -22.5
- Game Result: Lakers 112 – Cavaliers 57
Pau Gasol was the man of the night with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Kobe added 13 points and 6 assists.
The duo led the Lakers to one of the most lopsided wins in NBA history, utterly smashing the Cavaliers.
3. Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls – 1998
- Spread: Pacers -21.5
- Game Result: Pacers 115 – Bulls 104
Reggie Miller’s 30 points and 5 assists were big for the Pacers, though the Bulls, led by Toni Kukoc’s 22 points and 7 rebounds, kept the game tighter than expected.
The Bulls’ prevented the Pacers from covering the spread, and obviously this was post the Jordan, Pippe and Rodman era.
4. Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors – 2003
- Spread: Raptors -20.5
- Game Result: Raptors 84 – Warriors 75
Vince Carter scored 27 points and pulled down 7 rebounds, driving the Raptors’ offense.
Despite their efforts, the Warriors, led by Antawn Jamison’s 25 points and 9 rebounds, managed to hold the Raptors to a single-digit win, defying the large spread.
5. Utah Jazz vs. New York Knicks – 2000
- Spread: Jazz -20.0
- Game Result: Jazz 97 – Knicks 73
Karl Malone’s huge 29 points and 12 rebounds, alongside John Stockton’s masterful 12 assists and 5 steals, underscored the Jazz’s dominant win over the Knicks.
6. Boston Celtics vs. Vancouver Grizzlies – 1999
- Spread: Celtics -19.5
- Game Result: Celtics 96 – Grizzlies 64
Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker came up big in the Celtics’ win, with Pierce scoring 23 points and Walker added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Their play on both ends of the court ensured a big win over the Grizzlies.
7. Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 1993
- Spread: Rockets -19.0
- Game Result: Rockets 126 – Clippers 85
Hakeem Olajuwon’s 31 points and 11 rebounds, backed up by Vernon Maxwell’s 25 points and 7 assists, led the Rockets to cover the huge -19.0 line.
Their outing on this night showed the Rockets’ ability to make the best of their strengths (namely one of the best NBA centers of all-time) against lesser opponents.
There we have it, the 7 largest betting spreads in NFL history. Check out our biggest betting spreads in NFL history for some more examples of big bookie lines.
Love this stuff? Check out our 7 most lopsided wins in sporting history.
