How Player Prop Betting Works (Simple Examples)

The Two Main Formats

Player props come in two main formats: over/under totals and yes/no outcomes. Both work the same way as other bets (the book sets odds, you pick a side), but they're tied to individual stats or milestones instead of team results.

Let's break down how each one works with real examples.

Example 1: Over/Under Points (NBA)

Market: Nikola Jokic points total 29.5, with odds of -110 on both over and under.

If you bet the over, you need Jokic to score at least 30 points. If he finishes with 30 or more, you win. If he scores 29 or fewer, you lose.

If you bet the under, you're betting he stays at 29 points or below. Simple call based on matchup, usage, and recent form.

This is the most common player prop format. The sportsbook picks a number right in the middle of expected performance, and you decide which side is more likely. The odds are usually -110 on both sides (like a spread), but they can shift based on betting action or news like injuries.

Want everything you need for player props in one place? Use Shurzy's Player Props tool to track trends, compare categories, and build prop parlays directly on the bet slip.

Example 2: Touchdown Scorer (NFL)

Market: "Player X to score a touchdown – Yes +120 / No -150."

A Yes bet wins if the player scores at least one touchdown at any point in the game, regardless of the final score. The plus-money price (+120) reflects that it's less likely than not.

A No bet wins if they don't score a touchdown. The minus price (-150) means you're laying juice because the book thinks "no TD" is more probable.

This format is popular for skill position players in football and goal scorers in soccer. It's binary (yes or no), which makes it easy to understand, and the odds reflect how likely the event is based on usage, role, and matchup.

Read More: Player Props Explained: What Is a Player Prop Bet?

Example 3: Over/Under Assists (Basketball or Soccer)

Market: Player Y assists over/under 1.5 at +140 / -175, respectively.

Taking the over at +140 means you expect at least 2 assists. Your payout is based on the plus-money price, so you're getting paid more because it's less likely.

The under is favored at -175, reflecting the book's view that 0–1 assist is more likely. You're laying heavy juice because the market expects lower assist volume.

This example shows how odds move based on probability. The book isn't always setting -110 on both sides. Sometimes one side is clearly favored, and the odds reflect that. Your job is to decide if the market is pricing it correctly.

How Odds Are Set and Adjusted

Sportsbooks don't just pull numbers out of thin air. Odds for player props are influenced by several factors:

• Recent form – Is the player on a hot streak or slumping?
• Projected usage – Is a teammate out, increasing the player's role?
• Opponent strength – Does the defense give up a lot in this stat category?
• Pace of play – Faster games mean more possessions and more opportunities to hit stats.
• Injuries – Is the player dealing with anything that limits their ceiling?

Books continuously adjust these markets as news breaks and betting action comes in. If everyone hammers the over on a certain prop, the line might move up to balance the book. That's why timing matters. Shopping lines early or waiting for injury news can give you better numbers.

Parlays and Multi-Leg Props

Many sportsbooks allow you to parlay multiple player props from the same game or across different games into same-game parlays or multi-leg prop parlays. This trades lower win probability for higher potential payouts.

For example, you could parlay:

• Giannis over 28.5 points
• Harden over 9.5 assists
• Embiid over 11.5 rebounds

If all three hit, your payout is much higher than betting them individually. If even one misses, the entire parlay loses. It's a risk/reward decision, but it's also why props are so popular. You can stack multiple reads into one bet slip.

Want everything you need for player props in one place? Use Shurzy's Player Props tool to track trends, compare categories, and build prop parlays directly on the bet slip.

How Props Are Settled

Most player props are graded based on official league statistics after the game. If a player doesn't play or leaves early, different books have different house rules:

• Some void the bet entirely if the player logs zero minutes or snaps.
• Others treat the bet as action if the player enters the game at all, even for one play.

It's important to understand the specific rules at your sportsbook. Most display this info in the bet slip or terms and conditions. If you're unsure, check before placing the bet.

Read More: Player Prop Trends Explained for Beginners

FAQ

What does -110 mean on a player prop?

It means you need to bet $110 to win $100. This is standard juice, similar to spread betting. Both sides are usually -110 unless the book favors one outcome.

Can I parlay player props from the same game?

Yes. Most sportsbooks offer same-game parlays, which let you combine multiple player props from one game into a single bet with higher odds.

What happens if a player gets ejected mid-game?

The bet is usually still live if the player entered the game, and it's graded based on their stats at the time of ejection. Check your book's specific rules.

Do player props settle based on overtime stats?

Yes. Unless otherwise noted, player props include overtime. If a player racks up stats in OT, those count toward the total.

Why are some player props listed at +150 or -200 instead of -110?

The odds reflect probability. If the book thinks an outcome is more likely, the price will be negative (you lay juice). If it's less likely, the price will be positive (you get paid more).