The NBA point spread is a betting tool used to level the playing field between two teams by assigning a margin of victory. When wagering, the favored team must win by more than the spread for a bet on them to pay off, while the underdog can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread. This system adds excitement to games, as bettors not only root for their chosen team to win but also for the margin of victory to meet or exceed the spread. Understanding point spreads is essential for successful sports betting.