Which NBA Teams Have the Worst Record Against the Spread?

We’re over a quarter of the way through the NBA season, and the true contenders and pretenders are starting to take shape. 

However, not all good teams are good to bet on.

For example, the Phoenix Suns are 20-4 in the 2021-22 season, but they have covered the spread in only half of their games. The Brooklyn Nets, who are 16-7 straight up, are just 8-14-1 against the spread.

There are only 14 NBA teams that have covered the spread in at least 50 percent of their games, with the Cleveland Cavaliers (78.3 percent) and Golden State Warriors (73.9 percent) leading the way. 

But who are the worst teams against the spread this season? Here are the four worst teams at covering in the NBA through Dec. 6. 

Worst NBA Teams Against the Spread

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are the worst team in the NBA against the spread, going just 8-16 through their first 24 games. 

It is worth noting that Los Angeles has been without LeBron James for 12 of its first 24 games, but the Lakers still struggled to beat up on weak opponents. It’s rare that you’ll find the Lakers as an underdog with James, but they are 5-4 ATS in that spot this season.

As a favorite, Los Angeles is a putrid 3-12 ATS and is favored by 2.5 points at WynnBET on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics. 

Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard is hurt, but the Blazers were struggling with him posting a 9-16 record overall against the spread this season. 

Portland has been terrible in two scenarios this season: on the road and as an underdog. 

As an underdog, the Blazers are a league-worst 0-7 against the spread, and they’re also the worst team ATS (1-10) on the road. Portland is just 1-10 straight up away from Moda Center, and it’s hard to see the Blazers improving on this record without Lillard given their struggles as an underdog so far this season. 

Brooklyn Nets 

The Nets are a perfect case of a good team that is playing at an inflated number because of public backing and doesn’t end up covering. 

As mentioned earlier, the Nets are 16-7 on the season but just 8-14-1 against the spread. They have covered just one time in their last nine games despite going 6-3 straight up over that stretch. 

There just isn’t as much offensive firepower with this team with Joe Harris and Kyrie Irving both out. 

Denver Nuggets 

Denver can’t catch a break in the injury department, losing Michael Porter Jr. and PJ Dozier for the season with Jamal Murray already out. 

That has led to Denver going just 9-14 against the spread this season, and it’s struggled a little more on the road (4-8 ATS) than at home (5-6 ATS). 

Nikola Jokic is still dominant, but Denver is likely going to have to embrace an underdog role for a good chunk of the 2021-22 season.