Men's college basketball picks today: Monday's best bets include Illinois vs. Missouri play [12/22/2025]

Missouri +8.5 (-105)

• Edge: 6.0%
• Probability: 57.3%
• Matchup: Illinois vs. Missouri (8:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model has identified value on Missouri +8.5 at -105 odds. A 57.3% probability produces an edge of 6.0%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Missouri ML (+360)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 25.3%
• Matchup: Illinois vs. Missouri (8:00PM ET, Monday)

Missouri ML carries a 5.9% edge and a probability of 25.3% at +360 odds, according to our model.

Denver vs. Tulsa over 164.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 56.2%
• Matchup: Denver vs. Tulsa (3:00PM ET, Monday)

Denver vs. Tulsa over 164.5 points at -105 odds shows a 5.0% edge, supported by a 56.2% probability in simulations.

Saint Joseph's (PA) -8.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Coastal Carolina vs. Saint Joseph's (PA) (7:00PM ET, Monday)

A 4.6% edge and 57% probability make Saint Joseph's (PA) -8.5 vs. Coastal Carolina at a value play in the Coastal Carolina vs. Saint Joseph's (PA) matchup, per our model.

Bethune-Cookman +39.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Bethune-Cookman vs. Arizona (9:00PM ET, Monday)

Bethune-Cookman +39.5 at -110 odds presents a 4.6% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 57%.

American University vs. Virginia under 152.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.2%
• Probability: 55.4%
• Matchup: American University vs. Virginia (6:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model finds value on under 152.5 points in American University vs. Virginia at -105 odds, supported by an edge of 4.2%.

Eastern Washington +35.5 (-104)

• Edge: 4.0%
• Probability: 55%
• Matchup: Eastern Washington vs. BYU (9:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model has uncovered value on Eastern Washington +35.5 at -104 odds. A 55% probability produces a 4.0% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Rhode Island -10.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.0%
• Probability: 56.4%
• Matchup: Northeastern vs. Rhode Island (7:00PM ET, Monday)

A 4.0% edge on a 56.4% probability makes Rhode Island -10.5 at -110 odds a solid value play in today's Northeastern vs. Rhode Island matchup.

Sacramento State vs. Cal State Northridge under 164.5 points (-106)

• Edge: 3.9%
• Probability: 55.4%
• Matchup: Sacramento State vs. Cal State Northridge (10:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model projects value on under 164.5 points at -106 odds. A 55.4% probability produces a 3.9% edge, making the under the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

N.J.I.T. +31.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 55%
• Matchup: Eastern Washington vs. BYU (2:00PM ET, Monday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, N.J.I.T. +31.5 at -105 odds shows a 55% probability and a 3.8% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Monday, 12/22/2025

As of 2:32AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Illinois vs. Missouri	Missouri +8.5	-105 @ BetMGM	6.0%	57.3%
Illinois vs. Missouri	Missouri ML	+360 @ FanDuel	5.9%	25.3%
Denver vs. Tulsa	Over 164.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	5.0%	56.2%
Coastal Carolina vs. Saint Joseph's (PA)	Saint Joseph's (PA) -8.5	-110 @ BetMGM	4.6%	57%
Bethune-Cookman vs. Arizona	Bethune-Cookman +39.5	-110 @ DraftKings	4.6%	57%
American University vs. Virginia	Under 152.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	4.2%	55.4%
Eastern Washington vs. BYU	Eastern Washington +35.5	-104 @ FanDuel	4.0%	55%
Northeastern vs. Rhode Island	Rhode Island -10.5	-110 @ BetMGM	4.0%	56.4%
Sacramento State vs. Cal State Northridge	Under 164.5 Points	-106 @ FanDuel	3.9%	55.4%
N.J.I.T. vs. Butler	N.J.I.T. +31.5	-105 @ DraftKings	3.8%	55%

List of upcoming men's college basketball games to bet on now

• Sacred Heart vs. Towson (2:00PM ET, Monday)
• N.J.I.T. vs. Butler (2:00PM ET, Monday)
• Seattle vs. UTSA (3:00PM ET, Monday)
• Denver vs. Tulsa (3:00PM ET, Monday)
• South Carolina State vs. South Carolina (4:00PM ET, Monday)
• SIU-Edwardsville vs. Western Illinois (4:30PM ET, Monday)
• Portland vs. UC Santa Barbara (5:00PM ET, Monday)
• Abilene Christian vs. Texas Southern (5:00PM ET, Monday)
• Siena vs. Indiana (6:00PM ET, Monday)
• American University vs. Virginia (6:00PM ET, Monday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for December 22, 2025, featuring plays such as Missouri +8.5 and Missouri ML. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate college basketball insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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