Men's college basketball picks today: Saturday's best bets include Portland State vs. Tulane play [12/20/2025]

Portland State +3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 7.2%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Portland State vs. Tulane (7:30PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on Portland State +3.5 at -105 odds. A 58.4% probability produces an edge of 7.2%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Chicago State +35.5 (-104)

• Edge: 7.0%
• Probability: 58%
• Matchup: Chicago State vs. Indiana (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

Chicago State +35.5 carries a 7.0% edge and a probability of 58% at -104 odds, according to our model.

Louisiana-Lafayette ML (-118)

• Edge: 6.7%
• Probability: 60.8%
• Matchup: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Louisiana-Monroe (3:00PM ET, Saturday)

Louisiana-Lafayette ML at -118 odds shows a 6.7% edge, supported by a 60.8% probability in simulations.

Kentucky +3.5 (-118)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 60.7%
• Matchup: St. John's vs. Kentucky (12:30PM ET, Saturday)

A 6.5% edge and 60.7% probability make Kentucky +3.5 vs. St. John's at a value play in the St. John's vs. Kentucky matchup, per our model.

Kent State vs. Massachusetts under 168.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 6.2%
• Probability: 57.4%
• Matchup: Kent State vs. Massachusetts (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Kent State vs. Massachusetts under 168.5 points at -105 odds presents a 6.2% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 57.4%.

Nevada +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 6.0%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Boise State vs. Nevada (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model finds value on Nevada +3.5 at -110 odds, supported by an edge of 6.0%.

North Carolina Central +4.5 (-112)

• Edge: 5.6%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Longwood vs. North Carolina Central (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has uncovered value on North Carolina Central +4.5 at -112 odds. A 58.4% probability produces a 5.6% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

North Carolina Central ML (+180)

• Edge: 5.4%
• Probability: 41.1%
• Matchup: Longwood vs. North Carolina Central (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

A 5.4% edge on a 41.1% probability makes North Carolina Central to win at +180 odds a solid value play in today's Longwood vs. North Carolina Central matchup.

Memphis +3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.3%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Memphis vs. Mississippi State (4:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model projects value on Memphis +3.5 at -102 odds. A 55.8% probability produces a 5.3% edge, making Memphis the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

South Dakota vs. Kansas State under 170.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 56.3%
• Matchup: Longwood vs. North Carolina Central (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, South Dakota vs. Kansas State under 170.5 points at -105 odds shows a 56.3% probability and a 5.1% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Saturday, 12/20/2025

As of 2:04AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Portland State vs. Tulane	Portland State +3.5	-105 @ BetMGM	7.2%	58.4%
Chicago State vs. Indiana	Chicago State +35.5	-104 @ FanDuel	7.0%	58%
Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Louisiana-Monroe	Louisiana-Lafayette ML	-118 @ BetMGM	6.7%	60.8%
St. John's vs. Kentucky	Kentucky +3.5	-118 @ DraftKings	6.5%	60.7%
Kent State vs. Massachusetts	Under 168.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	6.2%	57.4%
Boise State vs. Nevada	Nevada +3.5	-110 @ BetMGM	6.0%	58.4%
Longwood vs. North Carolina Central	North Carolina Central +4.5	-112 @ DraftKings	5.6%	58.4%
Longwood vs. North Carolina Central	North Carolina Central ML	+180 @ DraftKings	5.4%	41.1%
Memphis vs. Mississippi State	Memphis +3.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.3%	55.8%
South Dakota vs. Kansas State	Under 170.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	5.1%	56.3%

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

• Montana vs. Louisville (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Oakland vs. Michigan State (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• South Dakota vs. Kansas State (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• St. John's vs. Kentucky (12:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Liberty vs. Dayton (12:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Buffalo vs. Western Michigan (1:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Georgia State vs. Appalachian State (1:00PM ET, Saturday)
• USC Upstate vs. Youngstown State (1:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Robert Morris vs. St. Francis (PA) (1:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Chicago State vs. Indiana (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

AI betting support with Dimebot

Learn how Dimebot uses Dimers’ data to deliver quick answers and insights, helping you make faster, more informed decisions.

Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for December 20, 2025, featuring plays such as Portland State +3.5 and Chicago State +35.5. 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 rooted in 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.

Note: Clicking links to our sportsbook partners may earn us a referral fee. Learn about how we review products and services.