Maximizing NBA Parlays with Triple-Double Bets

Betting on parlays can be an exciting and potentially lucrative way to engage with sports wagering, especially in basketball. A parlay is a type of bet where multiple individual wagers are combined into a single bet, with all outcomes needing to hit for the parlay to win. While parlays offer the chance for high payouts due to their riskier nature, they also require strategic choices to maximize the chances of success.

Why Should Your Parlays Focus More on Stat Doubles and Triples?

When it comes to sports betting, there’s no shortage of options for putting together a successful parlay. But if you’re looking to add some extra excitement and potential value to your bet, consider including a triple double.

The triple double is one of the most elusive feats in basketball, and betting on it can offer enticing odds. But it’s not as simple as just picking the player with the most star power — successful triple double bets require strategy, insight, and understanding the dynamics of the game.

For those looking to take on more risk for higher reward, a triple double is an exciting option. Achieving a triple double—where a player records double digits in three statistical categories—is far rarer, but it offers the potential for huge payouts in a parlay. By strategically adding these player-focused bets into your parlays, you can take advantage of both predictable outcomes and game-changing performances, enhancing both the excitement and the profitability of your betting experience.

But which is a better option for your betting picks?

Triple-Doubles vs Double-Doubles

When considering parlay betting, both triple-doubles and double-doubles are intriguing options, but each comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. To determine which is the "perfect" option for parlay betting, it's essential to weigh their likelihood of occurring and the potential payouts.

A double-double occurs when a player records at least 10 points and 10 rebounds, 10 points and 10 assists, or 10 of any other statistical combination in a game. Double-doubles are fairly common, especially among elite players, making them a popular and relatively safer betting choice in basketball.

A triple-double is when a player records at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a single game (or any other combination of three statistical categories). Achieving a triple-double is much more rare than a double-double, making it a high-risk, high-reward betting option.

So which is the better option between the two?

Top 10 NBA Seasons with Most Triple-Doubles

Most triple doubles in a season image

Rank	Season	Total Triple-Doubles
1	2020-21	142
2	2023-24	137
3	2021-22	130
4	2018-19	127
5	2022-23	119
6	2016-17	117
7	2017-18	108
8	2019-20	100
9	2024-25	98*
10	1988-89	78

*2024-25 season totals updated as of February 11, 2025

Based on this data, it does seem that triple-doubles have become quite common in the 2020’s with the 2020-21 season peaking as the most with 142 triple-doubles. On top of that, all of the seasons beyond 2020 have logged 100 or more triple-doubles, with the 2024-25 season already on its pace to deliver more than the said number.

It is worth noting that triple-doubles have become much more frequent than in the 2010s, which makes it an even better pick for parlays, and this does seem to be a great choice considering how many players have become quite skilled enough to tally a triple-double at this point in time. There have been a total of 98 triple-doubles alone in the 2024-25 season, and it is safe to say that the trajectory is expected to exceed the 2020-21 season total at this point.

If you take off the first 70 years of the NBA, there have been a total of 2,215 triple-doubles in that span, which accounts for 68.4% of the triple-doubles so far. But if you count the last 10 years including this season’s triple-double totals – that is a whopping 1,121 triple-doubles alone, which accounts for nearly 40% of the triple-doubles today.

Top 10 Players with the Most Triple-Doubles All-Time

Most triple doubles all time image

Rank	Player	Triple-Double Total
1	Russell Westbrook*	202
2	Oscar Robertson	181
3	Nikola Jokic*	154
4	Magic Johnson	138
5	LeBron James*	122
6	Jason Kidd	107
7	Luka Doncic*	80
8	James Harden*	79
9	Wilt Chamberlain	78
10	Domantas Sabonis*	66

*denotes that player is still active as of the 2024-25 NBA Season

Based on the data, Russell Westbrook is the leading player for the most triple-doubles accumulated in the NBA with a whopping total of 202 as of the time of writing. It is also worth noting that six of the top 10 players with the most triple-doubles are still active, meaning that there is a big chance that they will add more to that tally.

This season alone, Nikola Jokic (3rd overall) has amassed a total of 24 triple doubles, and LeBron James (5th overall) comes second with a total of 10 this season. Domantas Sabonis, who leads the NBA in double doubles with 68 this season, has tallied eight triple-doubles of his own so far. There’s also been an instance when two players have tallied a triple-double in the same game (Nikola Jokic & Russell Westbrook), which just shows you how frequent triple-doubles have become so far.

Why Should You Bet Parlays on Triple-Doubles?

Betting on triple doubles can be a fun and rewarding part of your parlay strategy, but it requires a deep understanding of the players involved, their role on the team, and the game context. By carefully analyzing player stats, recent performances, matchups, and trends, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success.

Here’s why betting on a triple-double can be rewarding for a smart bettor:

High Value Betting

Triple double bets generally come with long odds because it’s a relatively rare occurrence. This means you can score big payouts if your parlay hits. Parlays are already a fun way to bet, as they combine multiple selections into one wager. By adding a triple double to your parlay, you increase the excitement, especially if you're betting on a star player to achieve that rare milestone. It's a perfect way to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the game.

Consistency of Superstars

With the way most elite stars are performing right now, there is indeed high expectation that triple-doubles would be much more frequent than it used to be back then. Certain players are more likely to hit a triple double because of their all-around skills and involvement in every aspect of the game. These players are often the focal point of their teams, which means they’re likely to log heavy minutes and contribute in multiple areas of the game — points, rebounds, and assists.

Domantas Sabonis image

How to Play it Smart in Triple-Double Betting?

While betting on players can be a straightforward means, triple-doubles require a little bit of smart tips and tricks, which should give you an insight as to how triple-doubles would be really fun to wager on, especially if it leads to huge winnings in the long run.

Here’s what you should consider in betting on triple-doubles.

Game Context

Not all matchups are created equal when it comes to triple doubles. A player might be more likely to hit a triple double against a fast-paced team or one that doesn’t have strong defensive players to limit their stats. Teams that allow a lot of points in the paint or struggle with rebounding can give a star player more opportunities to rack up those numbers. Be sure to factor in the pace of play and the defensive ratings of both teams.

Player Form and Pace

A player’s recent performance should always be part of your evaluation. If a player has been on a triple double tear or consistently putting up high rebound or assist numbers, they might be a solid bet. Injuries or rest days also play a huge role—make sure to double-check player availability before locking in your bet. Some players tend to thrive when playing a larger role due to injury to other teammates, so their triple double odds might be boosted during such times.

The Odds

Watch for market shifts on triple double betting odds. If a particular player has had a standout performance recently, or if there’s been a change to the lineup (such as a key player being out), sportsbooks may adjust their odds. Getting in early before the odds move can give you better value on your bet.

Make the Most of Your Sports Betting with Triple-Doubles

Incorporating triple-doubles into your parlays can elevate your sports betting strategy, offering a mix of excitement and high-value payouts. While they carry a higher risk compared to more common bets, the frequency of triple-doubles in recent seasons and the rise of elite, all-around players make them a compelling choice. With careful analysis of player form, matchup details, and game context, you can increase your chances of success.

As you build your parlays, keep in mind that the key to successful triple-double betting lies in combining the consistency of double-doubles with the high-reward potential of triple-doubles. By staying informed on player stats, trends, and odds movements, you can strategically pick the right moments to capitalize on this exciting bet.

Luka Doncic image

Make sure to consult our Gamble AI if you have some concerns in your betting plans or in need of a new betting strategy. The more well-thought your wagers are, the bigger your chances of winning in each of your wagers!

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