-3 would be the point spread, and is one of the most popular betting markets for anyone betting basketball. Point spreads are created to encourage equal betting on both teams. -3 means a team is a 3-point favorite. Let’s say the Boston Celtics are a -3-point favorite against the Los Angeles Lakers. This means the Celtics have to win by more than 3 points in order to “cover the spread”. On the other hand, if the Lakers win or lose by 3 or less, a wager on them at +3 will cash (a 3-point win would be a push).