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NBA Playoffs Betting Advice: Zig-Zag Theory for Wagering Explained

by - 4/12/2016

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson

The idea behind the NBA zig-zag theory is a simple, yet powerful concept: in any playoff series bet on the team that lost the last game because they are more likely to cover the next spread. The zig-zag theory first came into prominence in the 1980s and was a moneymaker for bettors for quite some time. But, of course, like any good theory, the sportsbooks eventually caught on and adjusted their lines to take that concept into account.

However, the general idea remains the same. When a team loses during a playoff game, the onus is on them to make the proper adjustments, and many times those moves will result in a closer game at the very least. The zig-zag theory isn't necessarily a profitable play over the long term, but taking the concept into account during your handicapping process can lead to improved betting. Since the 2016 NBA playoffs are set to start on Saturday, let's take a closer look at the zig-zag theory and how to use it during a seven-game playoff series.

NBA Zig-Zag Theory Stats and Trends

Historically the zig-zag theory has seen its biggest edge come in Games 2 and 3, where the wager has covered 54.7 and 55.1 percent of the time since 1991, while the other games all hover around the break-even mark. The idea is that the home team typically wins Game 1, the lower seed will make an adjustment and keep the next game close (even if they lose) and they will come back strong for Game 3 when the series moves to their city. Teams rarely come back from a 3-0 deficit, which makes Game 3 a must-win for a lower seed that has already lost the first two games in a series.

Those numbers, however, have taken a sharp decline since 2001 when the oddsmakers really started to adjust their spreads because of the theory. Over the last 15 years the zig-zag theory has essentially been a break-even wager for every game in a series. However, according to various online stats, the one area where the zig-zag theory remains profitable is with a second-round double-digit underdog coming off a SU or ATS loss. Those situations have gone 33-18-2 for a 64 percent win rate since 1991, which also means they happened twice every postseason (53 times in a 25-year span), so keep a look out for those spots.

NBA Zig-Zag Theory Tips and Conclusion

There are no foolproof and 100 percent profitable theories or systems in sports, otherwise everyone would be rich and the sportsbooks out of business. The best way to wager on the NBA playoffs is with solid handicapping, studying, and a bit of good fortune. However, understanding which situations could be profitable is also a huge key to success. The zig-zag theory might not be a perfect system, but understanding its concepts, particularly lower seeds playing better in Games 2 and 3 after a loss, is something we can all factor into our betting.

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