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Basketball is surely one of the most popular sports for betting at the moment, with big money being invested across the world, from the NBA or the Euroleague to the Philippines or the Australian leagues. As a punter, it is always a good idea to get as much insight over a sport as you possibly can, as statistics and numbers can only do the job until a certain point.

With this in mind and looking to get further edge over the bookies, Betdistrict approached a professional player to provide useful insight over the particularities of basketball and shed some light over how the sport is played, how the players act and think on the court. Of course, we`ll keep the guy anonymous, as there is no point in causing him any potential problems – after all, we`re a betting website, so pretty much gangsters in the public eye :). That is why we`ll also keep the interview more “casual”, with little reference to match fixing and more accent on the sports’ particularities and the players’ mindset. What I can tell you is that the interview is with an active point guard with national team history and with a solid career in the first two levels of a particular European league. We`ll call him “V”. Enjoy!

Rostick: Can you share with us some insides of a basketball game, unknown details that can make the difference in a match?

V: I can tell you that coaching is underrated and is a huge aspect of the game: the quick decisions that the coach makes in the match are often the difference between winning and losing. Coach`s gameplan in relation to the matchup and the chemistry between the staff and the players are key in basketball.

What would you say are the most important factors in deciding a winner?

Leaving aside the obvious quality factor (team tradition, budget and so on), short term form and match`up are the most important. But home court advantage can also count a lot depending on the teams.

On the court, do you have knowledge about the betting lines, like handicaps and under/overs? For example, do you ever think “man, let`s cover this spread”?

I can speak for myself: if I can win by 40, I`ll go for it. We generally know the odds … I remember a game in which a team with very low odds decided to purposely lose in order to get a worse playoff spot (and an easier playoff opponent).

I think our readers will be interested in what goes on in your mind when they`re praying for that final run to cover the spread. If the winner is virtually decided, is there any motivation for you to win by 20 instead of 10 (or lose by 10 instead of 20)?

Like I told you at the previous question, for me there is motivation. Players usually fight with the same energy until the end, but of course in the end it all depends on the character of every individual and also the morale of the team.

Generally speaking, would you say outsiders are more profitable to bet on?

I can`t really say since I do not really bet aside for a few bucks now and then for fun.

Do you have knowledge about fixed matches in the leagues you activated?

I`ll answer short: Yes!

Do you think fixed matches are also common in the NBA or Euroleague?

My input is that there are fixed matches even at the highest levels. If there are fixed matches at lower levels, I can`t see why it couldn`t happen even in the NBA or top European competitions, where of course the big money is.

Any other suggestions that could help punters take the right decision when betting?

I`d say instinct is very important when all is said and done.

A prediction for the NBA final this year?

Prediction is too much said, but I`d like to see Indiana, Miami, Oklahoma or New York (wishful thinking) there.

Thanks for the interview mate and best of luck

Thank you too, good luck.