Reading the College Basketball Spread Line
A point spread levels the playing field between a heavy favorite and an underdog. If Duke is listed at -8.5, they need to win by nine or more for a spread bet on them to cash. Take the underdog at +8.5 and they just need to lose by fewer than nine — or win outright. Most college basketball spreads are priced at
-110 on both sides, meaning you risk $110 to return $100 in profit. Lines shift based on betting volume and injury news, so the number you see at open may not be the one that closes. Checking line movement before tip-off helps you understand where the sharp money has landed.