Basketball is hands down one of the most popular sports in the US and with more and more states legalizing sports betting, NBA betting sites are becoming more readily available. So, to help you find the best ones, we created this guide.
Here, we take a deep dive into online NBA betting, covering the various betting lines, promotions and strategies available. We also rank and review the five best basketball betting sites – all of which are licensed and safe to play – to help you find the one that most meets your needs. So, let’s get started.
Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses
Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses
Up To $500 Second Chance Bet
Up To $500 Second Chance Bet
Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5
Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5
Bet $5, Get $150
Bet $5, Get $150
5 x 2nd Chance Bets Up To $250
5 x 2nd Chance Bets Up To $250
The more NBA betting grows in popularity, the more state-regulated sportsbooks that appear. However, only some offer competitive odds and diverse betting lines and cover all the top NBA events. So, to help you find the ones that do, our experts have tried them all and leave you with the list below detailing their top NBA betting picks.
Now that we have our list of the top five state-regulated NBA betting sites, it is time to take a closer look at the features of each, their offerings and why they stand out by browsing our mini-reviews.
Unquestionably, one of the best NBA betting sites in the US, BetMGM sits at the top of our list. But, while the sportsbook is known for its extensive coverage of basketball events, it also provides a diverse range of other sports markets. As a result, bettors can wager on NASCAR, F1, the MLB, NHL, and UFC. Further, it ranks as one of the best rugby betting sites in the country.
Besides diverse sports offerings, BetMGM has varied betting lines, including spreads, props, parlays, futures, totals, and moneylines. However, bettors can also enjoy pre-game or live sports betting and even stream NBA games in real-time on the sportsbook website.
Continuing its efforts to provide an outstanding betting experience, BetMGM offers bettors various promotions and bonuses that they can unlock using BetMGM promo codes. Further, transacting on the betting site is quick and easy since BetMGM accepts several payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
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Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. MI, NJ, PA or WV only. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA & WV).
When it comes to diverse and exciting promotions, no sportsbook quite raises the bar like BetRivers. In addition to catering to all bettors, new and old, the NBA betting site ensures that these rewards are diverse and generous. Further, bettors can easily claim them without hassle by entering BetRivers promo codes when funding their accounts. Because BetRivers accepts several payment options like Discover, PayNearMe, PayPal, eCheck, Visa, MasterCard and Play+, the processes of making deposits and claiming rewards become even easier.
However, BetRivers extends its diverse offerings to its sports markets, where bettors can discover over 20 options, including outstanding NBA wagering and betting on the NHL, NFL, MLB, golf, rugby and cricket. Furthermore, it ranks as one of the best UFC betting sites. Additionally, bettors can wager on these sports using betting lines like spreads, totals, moneylines, props, parlays and even enjoy in-game action by visiting the sportsbook’s live betting suite.
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One of the first things to look out for when choosing an NBA betting odds site is the range of betting lines offered. As a result, FanDuel is one of our top NBA betting picks since it features a diverse selection of betting styles. As a result, bettors can wager spreads, totals, moneylines, parlays, futures and some of the most exciting game and player props. Further, bettors can enjoy these lines whether they place pre-game or in-play wagers.
Although FanDuel ranks as a leading DFS site, it is also one of the best sportsbooks in the US, offering exceptional NBA wagering options. Besides the NBA, the sportsbook covers betting on rugby, baseball, hockey, Aussie Rules, soccer, motorsports, collegiate sports, and tennis. Further, it ranks as one of the best NFL betting sites.
Transacting on FanDuel is quick and easy, and bettors can use several options to deposit and withdraw funds, including credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak, PayNearMe, money orders or checks, and bank wire transfers. Further, NBA bettors can boost their betting funds using FanDuel promo codes to unlock generous and exciting rewards.
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NBA betting fans who enjoy placing wagers on the go should give DraftKings a try. In addition to providing a fantastic desktop website, the sportsbook also offers a downloadable app that allows bettors with iOS and Android devices to place wagers, fund their accounts, and live-stream NBA games from just about anywhere. Further, the app is easy to use, quick to download, and works with various devices.
While DraftKings launched originally as a Daily Fantasy Sports betting site, it has expanded to become a top sportsbook offered by states across the US. As a result, bettors can enjoy over 20 sports markets, including less common options like Esports, darts, and snooker. Further, it ranks as one of the best NHL betting sites. Besides sports markets, bettors can enjoy several betting lines and take part in live NBA betting.
DraftKings provides exciting options for bettors looking for bonuses and makes them simple to claim by providing several DraftKings promo codes. Finally, bettors have several ways to fund their sportsbook accounts, including bank wire transfers, MasterCard and Visa credit cards, DraftKings gift cards, eWallets like PayPal, and cash payments bettors can make at select locations. However, these are rather limited compared to the offerings of competitors.
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The second best thing to watching an NBA game live, in person and placing wagers, is live-streaming the game at home and placing bets while the game is in play. If this sounds like your kind of NBA betting, head to Pointsbet. Besides streaming matches live, the sportsbook allows bettors to wager on games already in play. Further, bettors can enjoy betting lines like spreads, totals, moneylines, futures, parlays, and props.
Additionally, if you’re a high roller, this sportsbook is for you, since Pointsbet accepts maximum bets that sit in the thousands. Further, all bettors can feel like high rollers by cashing in on the generous rewards offered by the site. All you need to do is input a Pointsbet promo code when funding your account.
Pointsbet offers bettors convenience by accepting a range of payment methods, like PayNearMe, eCheck, online banking with Trustly, and a debit or credit card from Visa or MasterCard. When it comes to sports, Pointsbet features several markets, including the NBA and rugby, the NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, Aussie Rules, and cricket, and provides in-depth stats and news on current teams and events. Finally, it also ranks as one of the top MLB betting sites in the US.
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One of the quickest ways to pinpoint the perfect NBA betting site for your needs is by comparing the features of each option side-by-side. So, to help you do this, we created the comparison table below:
Sportsbook | Sport Bonus | Parlays | Live NBA Betting | Live NBA Streaming |
BetMGM | First Bet Offer up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
BetRivers | Free Bet up to $500 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
FanDuel | FanDuel No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
DraftKings | 20% up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
PointsBet | $500 in Free Bets | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Yes, NBA betting is legal in the US. However, this is limited to specific states. In 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States repealed PASPA, allowing individual states to establish their own laws on sports betting. Following this, more than 30 states introduced legal sports wagering, and it is here that bettors will find legal NBA wagering.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that of these states, some only offer in-person legal sports betting, while others only provide online sports betting. Further, it is prohibited to wager on the NBA in states that are yet to legalize sports wagering.
So, if you visit a state with authorized sports betting, you’ll find various online sportsbooks like those on our list. The state regulates each of these to ensure bettors enjoy fair odds and safe betting options.
If you aim to find an exceptional NBA betting site that offers diversity, convenience, and exciting betting options, you may want to consider several aspects before merely picking a site. Below, we look at the criteria our experts use to rank their top NBA betting picks, to help you do the same.
Signing up with an NBA betting site that only offers moneyline bets is pointless if you’re a fan of props, spreads, and totals. As a result, we recommend researching the types of betting lines a sportsbook provides and diving into how many types of additional props and futures bets the site offers. The more options there are, the more ways there are to win. An NBA betting forum can also be useful in passing on handy NBA betting tips for different types of markets.
Again, before signing up with an NBA betting site, make sure it covers all the events you’re hoping to wager on, from March Madness to the NBA Championship and conference and division matches and finals. Joining a sportsbook that doesn’t cover these events will only lead to disappointment.
Another aspect to consider when signing up with an NBA betting site is the selection of bonuses and promotions offered. Since claiming a promotion can help a bettor place larger wagers and try out options they wouldn’t usually opt for, they can be advantageous. However, it is always best to read the terms and conditions of promotions before claiming them to ensure they have fair and achievable wagering requirements.
When creating and then funding an online account with an NBA betting odds site, bettors must input personal and banking details. As a result, it is always best to sign up with a sportsbook that uses security measures like SSL encryption that safeguard your details from hackers. Additionally, opting for a licensed sports betting site will ensure you experience fair play, prompt payouts, and a high standard of betting.
The more payment methods an NBA betting site accepts, the easier it is for bettors to deposit and withdraw funds from their accounts. In turn, this encourages bettors to wager more frequently as it is convenient to do so. As a result, we recommend joining a betting site that covers several payment options, like eWallets, bank wire transfers, checks, credit cards, and online banking. Additionally, ensure that the sportsbook offers swift payouts and has low transaction fees.
Lastly, but equally as important as our other criteria, is the level of customer support an NBA betting site offers. For example, if you have a pressing issue, like funds you have deposited are not reflecting, chances are you’ll want an immediate response to what the problem is. In other words, opting for a sports betting site that offers a live chat or a 24-hour phone line that provides instant assistance is far superior to one with an email-only policy or a ticketing system that offers delayed responses.
NBA betting odds sites are generally simple to use. However, new bettors may like a little assistance with their registration. In that case, follow the quick steps below, which will guide you through signing up right through to funding your account and placing your first wager.
Begin by launching the BetMGM website. Then, select the state you are located in. Next, click the gold “Register” button on the top right of the home page. Lastly, complete the registration form that opens before hitting the “Continue” button.
Following registration, you’ll need to verify your BetMGM account. So, open your email inbox and the mail sent to you by the sportsbook. Then, click the link inside to verify your new account before signing back into BetMGM with your new username and password.
The next step is to deposit funds into your BetMGM account. So, click the green “Deposit” button on the top right of the home page (this will only come up when you are signed in). Then select your preferred payment method from the options provided and type in the amount you wish to deposit. Don’t forget to input your bonus promo code before clicking “deposit.” Finally, follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Once your funds reflect in your BetMGM account, it’s time to start the fun part – wagering. So head to the sportsbook tab and find the NBA game you want to wager on. Then, type in your bet amount onto the bet slip on the right of the screen. Lastly, hit “Place Bet.”
When NBA betting, bettors can place several types of wagers. For example, they can bet on the outcome of a game, the total points scored by both teams collectively, or predict by how much a team will win or lose.
When wagering on basketball, bettors refer to the odds offered by a sportsbook. The odds, set by each individual betting site, outline how much the sportsbook will pay a bettor if they win their wager.
Generally, a betting site has several ways in which they display their odds, including Fractional, American, and Decimal. But American odds are typically the default format. In this case, the sportsbook indicates the favorite (team expected to win) with a minus (-), followed by the amount of money a bettor must wager to win $100. However, a plus (+) sign represents the underdog, followed by the amount a bettor could win off a $100 wager.
For instance, if BetMGM offered NBA betting odds of -110 for the Chicago Bulls and +200 for their opponents, the Atlanta Hawks. In that case, if you were to wager $110 on the favorites, the Bulls, and they won, you’d receive $100. However, if you bet $100 on the Hawks, and they won, you’d win an additional $200 on a $100 wager.
When visiting sportsbooks to wager on basketball, bettors will discover several NBA betting lines to enjoy. Below we take a closer look at each one in detail, we’ll show you how each works and offer an example.
One of the most common bets wagered on the NBA is the moneyline, where a bettor backs the team they predict will win the game. Generally, NBA betting odds sites indicate moneyline odds using a three-digit number (American odds) displaying the payout a bettor will receive should that team win. The team with a plus (+) sign next to the moneyline odds is the underdog, while a minus (-) sign denotes the favorite (the team predicted to win). When wagering on the favorite, the number indicates how much you’ll need to put down to win $100, while the number displayed next to the underdog shows how much you’ll win back if you wager $100 on the team.
Example:
Team | Odds |
Atlanta Hawks | +200 |
Chicago Bulls | -110 |
Another of the more popular NBA betting lines is spreads or point spread bets. In this case, the sportsbook sets a line for how many points they expect the favorite to win by, called the points spread. As with moneylines, a minus (-) sign indicates the favorite, and a plus (+) designates the underdog. If you back the favorite, you’ll win if the team wins and they score more points than predicted by the points spread (So if the Chicago Bulls score seven points or more in the example below). However, if you bet on the underdog, you win if the team wins, ties, or if the favorite wins, but their score is less than that predicted by the points spread. Being alert to key NBA betting trends can be useful for this type of betting.
Example:
Team | Odds |
Atlanta Hawks | +6 -110 |
Chicago Bulls | -6 -110 |
Another of the NBA betting lines is Totals, often called over/under bets. In this instance, a bettor predicts the total number of points scored by both teams combined at the end of the game. Further, the bettor must wager whether they believe the total points will fall above that predicted by the sportsbook (over) or whether the total will sit below what the bookie set out (under).
Example:
Team | Odds |
Atlanta Hawks | (O) 109.5 -110 |
Chicago Bulls | (U) 109.5 -110 |
Unlike more traditional NBA betting lines, prop bets do not focus on the outcome of a game. Instead, they allow bettors to place wagers on aspects within the game. Further, prop bets come as game props that focus on happenings within the game, like which team will score ten points first, and player props that focus on individual athletes, like how many points Zach LaVine may score in the game. It could be worth checking out an online NBA betting forum for prop pointers before a big game.
In contrast to most betting lines which focus on instant results, Futures are long-term bets wagered on outcomes that are yet to happen. For instance, which team will win the NBA Championship next year, or will the Chicago Bulls make the playoffs? Additionally, NBA betting sites launch these odds in the off-season and adjust them throughout the year according to results, injuries, and betting action. Then, the sportsbook will close the bets just before the wager’s outcome.
Although lucrative, parlay bets are some of the riskiest NBA betting lines, especially if you’ve spotted several key NBA betting trends to put into one bet. In this case, a bettor places two or more wagers on a game (same game parlay) or spans several matches. Should the bettor win all the legs of their parlay; they win their bet. However, losing just one leg of the parlay cancels out the entire wager, and the parlay is a loss.
Generally, NBA betting odds sites offer bettors pre-game wagers. However, the best sportsbooks (like those on our list) allow bettors to place bets on NBA games already in play in a style of wagering called live or in-play betting. Typically, bettors can place several types of bets when live betting, from spreads, props, and moneylines.
Further, the top NBA betting sites will live-stream these events on their websites and apps, making it easy for bettors to catch the game and place more accurate in-play bets.
When NBA betting, having a few systems to help you make more accurate predictions and more profitable wagers is always a bonus. So, let’s look below at five of the best NBA betting strategies available.
A point spread usually predicts by how many points the favorite will win. As a result, going against the spread means that you’re backing the underdog instead. So, to win, you need the underdog team to win or lose by less than the point spread given. Many bettors prefer ATS (against the spread) bets as should you win; you win back your original wager and your winnings, making this a far more lucrative wager that is less risky than parlay betting.
When a team consistently scores over the total, the NBA betting public remembers this – not many NBA betting trends go under the radar with technology and data around these days. As a result, the public is more likely to wager in favor of the team having the same result in the next match. However, because bookies anticipate this they inflate the over/under betting line. But by wagering on the under, bettors can gain an edge. But, keep in mind this strategy is most valuable when both teams are playing are on short rest.
In NBA public betting, the “public,” refers to recreational bettors who wager for fun. Generally, the public bets with the majority. For example, always on the favorite, a home team, or over rather than under. Since bookies come to anticipate this, they inflate the betting line minimizing the edge on the favorite. As a result, the only way to gain an edge and make a profit is by betting on the team the public isn’t backing, known as fading the public or betting against the public.
Another common, but somewhat advanced NBA betting system is hedge betting. In this case, a bettor wagers against their original bet if they are unsure of the likelihood of their original bet winning. In other words, they back both teams. However, remember that this system minimizes your earnings as you will have to spend twice as much to place the hedge bet.
Scalping is another strategy bettors use where, if the odds allow it, they wager on both sides of the same matchup, guaranteeing them a profit no matter which way the game swings.
Finally, progression systems are also popular when NBA betting. Firstly a positive progression system sees a bettor increase their stakes when they win or decrease them if they lose. Generally, the theory here is that by doing this, a bettor can maximize their profits on a winning streak and keep losses at a minimum on a losing streak.
In contrast, a negative progression system sees bettors increase their stakes when they lose and decrease their stakes when they win. Here, the theory suggests that a bettor will eventually win and come at higher stakes than the loss, earning them profits overall.
In addition to NBA betting strategies and systems, a few tricks and things to look out for can also help improve your betting power. So, take a look below at our five top NBA betting tips.
Generally, the public sees a home advantage as an excellent way to wager, hoping a home team will win on its own courts. As a result, NBA betting sites often shade the lines towards the home team (also usually the favorite), overpricing their numbers and narrowing the edge. As a result, bettors will find a better edge on the “away” team. Further, stats show that home teams don’t always win their games.
Although referees generally remain unbiased, they are still human. As a result, they may lean towards particular teams unintentionally or favor a home or away team, producing some interesting NBA betting trends. So, understanding the calls of a particular ref makes it easier to predict outcomes. However, we do not recommend basing your wager solely on this.
While picking the right side helps, finding the best number is also beneficial. As a result, we recommend reviewing the odds offered by several NBA betting sites before placing your bet. For example, while most sportsbooks offer +6.0 on the Chicago Bulls, another may offer +6.5, thus going with the latter is a far more profitable option. It’s also worth visiting an NBA betting forum to get a feel for a game and who bettors are favoring.
Another top tip is to stay in-tune with the latest happenings throughout the season. For instance, follow injuries, wins, losses, and stats. When doing this, bettors can make more accurate predictions and earn greater profits. For example, if a team’s star player is having hamstring issues, you’ll want to know as a potential mid-match injury could swing the game.
The NBA season is long with several games played daily. So, keep tabs on your budget to ensure you have sufficient funds to wager when a worthwhile opportunity presents itself. Additionally, if you want to wager on most games, flat betting is an excellent strategy. In this case, you wager the same amount on each game. Further, we recommend avoiding parlays, which are high-risk and will cost you more if you lose.
The NBA takes on a unique structure that comprises 30 teams, divided into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Further, the Eastern Conference then splits into the Atlantic, Central, and Southeast Divisions, while the Western Conference splits into three divisions: The Northwest, Southwest, and Pacific. As a result, the NBA season is rather complex with several events to bet on. So, let’s look:
The NBA begins in the last week of October with the regular season. Further, this sees each team play 82 games against the other teams in its division and then against the other teams in its conference. Finally, the regular season concludes in mid-April.
A pause in the regular season in February makes way for the annual NBA All-Star Game.
Following the Regular Season, the Playoffs begin in late April, with the top eight teams in each conference, irrespective of divisional alignment, competing for the league’s championship title, the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
With the NBA retaining its popularity – in the 2022 NBA Finals, an average of 13.99 million viewers in the US tuned in during game six to watch the Warriors emerge victorious – it’s easy to see why so many sportsbooks are offering promos and bonuses.
The top NBA betting sites offer bettors, new and existing, a selection of bonuses and promotions to encourage them to visit the sportsbook. However, there is more than one type of reward bettors can enjoy. While some boost a bettor’s bankroll, others offer free wagers on specific sports. Further, there are several ways for bettors to access these promos. So, let’s look at the best bonuses offered.
One of the most common promotions offered by NBA betting sites is sign-up deposit bonuses or matched deposits. In this case, the sportsbook rewards bettors for funding their accounts for the first time by matching their deposit up to a specific amount. For example, a sportsbook offering a 100% matched deposit of up to $800 will give a bettor depositing $600 an additional $600 to spend.
Unlike a deposit bonus, the no deposit bonus rewards bettors for merely creating an account with the NBA betting site without having made a deposit. In this case, the sportsbook gives a bettor complementary site credits, allowing them to place free bets. However, bettors often deposit funds once the credits run out to continue wagering, earning a new bettor for the betting site.
Free bets are another type of promotion offered by NBA betting sites to new and existing bettors. In this case, the sportsbook gives a bettor site credits, coupons, or vouchers that allow them to place a bet for free. In other words, if the bettor places a free bet and loses, they won’t lose any of their own funds, and if they win, they can keep the earnings. For example, BetMGM may offer a $50 free bet on the next NBA game.
While sign-up rewards target new bettors, reload bonuses are offered by NBA betting sites to existing players to thank them for their loyalty. Generally, the best reload bonuses come as match deposits or lifetime reloads that see the sportsbook matching a bettor’s deposit up to a specific amount each time they fund their account.
Generally, insurance bets are the same as free bets. In this case, the NBA betting site allows a bettor to place a wager up to a specific amount. However, should they lose the bet, they don’t lose any of their own funds.
The best NBA betting sites (we are talking about the ones on our list here) provide several ways for bettors to deposit and withdraw funds from their betting accounts. In addition to offering convenience, this allows bettors to choose the method that most suits their needs and budget. So, let’s review the most commonly accepted payment options.
When funding their NBA betting accounts, bettors typically opt for the option that provides the most security. Since eWallet systems act as intermediaries between a bettor’s bank and online sportsbook accounts, they offer increased fraud protection. As a result, this makes them popular with bettors and sportsbooks, and so bettors can use options like PayPal, PayForIt, EcoPayz, Skrill, and Neteller to fund their accounts. So, for the best PayPal betting sites, visit DraftKings, BetRivers or FanDuel.
Although eWallets are gaining popularity, many bettors prefer using traditional payment methods. As a result, the best NBA betting sites accept several options, including credit cards, debit cards, online banking, bank wire transfers, and checks. However, keep in mind that these usually have higher transaction fees and extended payout times.
In addition to offering bettors online desktop websites, leading NBA betting sites also provide wagering on the go through mobile-optimized websites or downloadable apps. However, it is important to note that whether using the best sports betting apps or mobile-optimized sites, bettors enjoy the same experience offered on desktop, making it easy to place wagers from just about anywhere.
Generally, these apps and optimized sites offer compatibility with iOS and Android operating systems and function seamlessly on various devices, including tablets, iPads, and smartphones. As a result, bettors can enjoy mobile wagering no matter what device they own.
An aspect essential to NBA betting is knowing when each event will take place. So, to help you stay up to date on all the happenings in the NBA calender, we have put together the schedule below:
Date | Tournament | Venue | Location |
Oct 19, 2022 – April 12, 2023 | Regular Season | Varied | USA |
Feb 19 2023 | 2023 All-Star Game | Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City | Utah, USA |
April 2023 – May 2023 | Playoffs | Varied | USA |
June 2023 | Championship | TBA | USA |
March 14 2023 – April 3 2023 | March Madness 2023 | TBA | USA |
Like most sports, NBA betting has its own terminology. So, to make it easier to understand, we created a glossary of all the necessary basketball betting lingo below.
Over 30 states in the US offer legal sports betting. While most offer in-person and online wagering, others limit their offerings to only online or only retail. As a result, when visiting a state that permits sports wagering, it is always best to determine first what sports betting it allows. For instance, basketball fans can place wagers in person at the best NJ sports betting sites or the top Mississippi sports betting establishments. Alternatively, bettors can also visit Illinois sportsbooks or Iowa sports betting facilities.
As America expands its selection of states offering legal sports betting, it welcomes more and more regulated sportsbooks. However, only some provide an outstanding NBA betting experience. So, to help you find those options, we have detailed them in this guide.
But, if you are still deciding which sportsbook to sign-up with, we recommend BetMGM as the best NBA sports betting site in the US. Besides offering generous promotions, the sportsbook offers fast payouts, extensive betting lines, and competitive odds. So, don’t miss out on the upcoming season. Instead, sign up with BetMGM and back your favorite team.