Men's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets highlight Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State play [12/18/2025]

Today’s men's college basketball picks for December 18, 2025 are here, with Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State among the top plays identified by our model across Thursday’s men's college basketball play.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest men's college basketball odds to unearth top betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NCAAM picks tonight [12/18, updated 8:34PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s top 10 men's college basketball bets, ranked by edge for Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Pepperdine +4.5 (-110)

• Edge: 6.1%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on Pepperdine +4.5 at -110 odds. A 58.4% probability produces an edge of 6.1%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Providence -2.5 (-104)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Seton Hall vs. Providence (6:30PM ET, Friday)

A 4.6% edge and 55.6% probability make Providence -2.5 vs. Seton Hall at a value play in the Seton Hall vs. Providence matchup, per our model.

Providence ML (-140)

• Edge: 3.7%
• Probability: 62%
• Matchup: Seton Hall vs. Providence (6:30PM ET, Friday)

Providence ML at -140 odds presents a 3.7% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 62%.

Villanova +4.5 (-108)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Villanova vs. Wisconsin (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Villanova +4.5 at -108 odds, supported by an edge of 3.6%.

Western Kentucky +2.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.2%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Tulsa vs. Western Kentucky (7:30PM ET, Friday)

Our model has uncovered value on Western Kentucky +2.5 at -110 odds. A 55.6% probability produces a 3.2% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

High Point -13.5 (-110)

• Edge: 2.6%
• Probability: 55%
• Matchup: La Salle vs. High Point (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 2.6% edge on a 55% probability makes High Point -13.5 at -110 odds a solid value play in today's La Salle vs. High Point matchup.

Southeastern Louisiana vs. LSU over 142.5 points (-115)

• Edge: 2.5%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Southeastern Louisiana vs. LSU (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model projects value on over 142.5 points at -115 odds. A 56% probability produces a 2.5% edge, making the over the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Seton Hall vs. Providence under 153.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 2.3%
• Probability: 54.7%
• Matchup: Tulsa vs. Western Kentucky (6:30PM ET, Friday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Seton Hall vs. Providence under 153.5 points at -110 odds shows a 54.7% probability and a 2.3% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Thursday, 12/18/2025

As of 8:34PM ET, here is our top men's college basketball bet by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State	Pepperdine +4.5	-110 @ BetMGM	6.1%	58.4%
Seton Hall vs. Providence	Providence -2.5	-104 @ FanDuel	4.6%	55.6%
Seton Hall vs. Providence	Providence ML	-140 @ FanDuel	3.7%	62%
Villanova vs. Wisconsin	Villanova +4.5	-108 @ DraftKings	3.6%	55.5%
Tulsa vs. Western Kentucky	Western Kentucky +2.5	-110 @ FanDuel	3.2%	55.6%
La Salle vs. High Point	High Point -13.5	-110 @ BetMGM	2.6%	55%
Southeastern Louisiana vs. LSU	Over 142.5 Points	-115 @ BetMGM	2.5%	56%
Seton Hall vs. Providence	Under 153.5 Points	-110 @ FanDuel	2.3%	54.7%

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

• Illinois State vs. Southern Illinois (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Dartmouth vs. Sacred Heart (11:00AM ET, Friday)
• South Dakota State vs. Milwaukee (5:00PM ET, Friday)
• Coppin State vs. Navy (5:00PM ET, Friday)
• Seton Hall vs. Providence (6:30PM ET, Friday)
• Mississippi Valley State vs. Florida State (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Eastern Michigan vs. Akron (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Mount St. Mary's vs. Drexel (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• La Salle vs. High Point (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for December 18, 2025, featuring plays such as Pepperdine +4.5. 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 grounded 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.

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