What is The Zig-Zag Theory in the NBA Playoffs and How Do I Apply it to My Betting?

Submitted by Tony Caliente on

Written by :

Tony Caliente

Published on :

The Zig-Zag Theory in the NBA Playoffs

What on Earth is the Zig-Zag Theory when it comes to the NBA Playoffs?  It's actually among the more proven betting trends in all of sports, with key components being the 2-2-1-1-1 format, previous game performance and a home court advantage.

If the road team wins Game 1, we typically see an upset.

One needs to only look at the recent Nets-76ers Playoffs series to see this theory in action and come to fruition.

Brooklyn came to Philadelphia as a +6.5 road dog and beat the Sixers 111-102.

We here at Gambling911.com were all over Philadelphia to dismantle the Nets in the next game, especially having watched the action come in on Brooklyn and the books encouraging more of it.  They knew about the Zig-Zag Theory!

Sure enough, Philadelphia crushed Brooklyn 145-123 as an -8.5 home favorite.  Notice the two-point jump for this one?

Historically the home team wins 75% of the time in this scenario.

A higher-seeded team that comes into Game 3 2-0 will typically not play as well as the lower-seed team at home since "desperation mode" sets in with the knowledge that no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to go onto win an NBA Playoffs series.  That lower-seeded team wins around 60% of the time in this scenario.

The Zig-Zag Theory can be used for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs series as well.

It's a proven winner.  Speaking of winners, our friends at Doc’s Sports have been winning big this NBA season.  Check out the latest plays from Scott Spreitzer and good luck with your plays.

- Tony Caliente, Gambling911.com

Related Content

 Lille v PSG Betting Odds - Ligue 1 28 August

Lille v PSG Betting Odds - Ligue 1 28 August

Lille promises a payout of $420 for every $100 bet should they go on to beat the -160 favorite PSG. The draw pays out $320 for every $100 bet.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City Betting Odds - Premier League 28 August

Crystal Palace v Manchester City Betting Odds - Premier League 28 August

Crystal Palace face Manchester City in a Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park, England, scheduled for 2026-08-28 GMT.
Bayern Munich v Stuttgart Betting Odds - German Bundesliga 28 August

Bayern Munich v Stuttgart Betting Odds - German Bundesliga 28 August

Bayern Munich have claimed one victory in two home league matches, while Stuttgart are coming off two draws from their last three away fixtures
Arthur Gea v Nishesh Basavareddy Betting Markets - US Open August 28

Arthur Gea v Nishesh Basavareddy Betting Markets - US Open August 28

Arthur Gea takes on Nishesh Basavareddy in a highly anticipated match Friday with live betting available. This one was set to get underway at 11 am EDT.