Men's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets include SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois play [12/18/2025]

SIU-Edwardsville ML (-285)

• Edge: 7.7%
• Probability: 81.7%
• Matchup: SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on SIU-Edwardsville to defeat Eastern Illinois at -285 odds. A 81.7% probability produces an edge of 7.7%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

SIU-Edwardsville -6.5 (-110)

• Edge: 7.4%
• Probability: 59.8%
• Matchup: SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

SIU-Edwardsville -6.5 carries a 7.4% edge and a probability of 59.8% at -110 odds, according to our model.

Pepperdine +3.5 (-108)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Pepperdine +3.5 vs. Long Beach State at -108 odds shows a 6.5% edge, supported by a 58.4% probability in simulations.

Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State over 144.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 57.8%
• Matchup: Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State (8:30PM ET, Thursday)

A 5.9% edge and 57.8% probability make Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State over 144.5 points at a value play in the Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State matchup, per our model.

Charleston Southern -10.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 58.2%
• Matchup: North Florida vs. Charleston Southern (11:00AM ET, Thursday)

Charleston Southern -10.5 at -110 odds presents a 5.9% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 58.2%.

Coastal Carolina ML (+184)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 36.4%
• Matchup: Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model finds value on Coastal Carolina to win at +184 odds, supported by an edge of 5.1%.

Western Carolina +33.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Western Carolina vs. Georgia (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has uncovered value on Western Carolina +33.5 at -105 odds. A 56% probability produces a 4.8% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Jackson State vs. Hampton over 139.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Jackson State vs. Hampton (5:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 4.8% edge on a 56% probability makes over 139.5 points at -105 odds a solid value play in today's Jackson State vs. Hampton matchup.

Bradley vs. Indiana State over 147.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.5%
• Probability: 55.7%
• Matchup: Bradley vs. Indiana State (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model projects value on over 147.5 points at -105 odds. A 55.7% probability produces a 4.5% edge, making the over the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Lafayette +10.5 (-102)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 54.3%
• Matchup: Western Carolina vs. Georgia (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Lafayette +10.5 at -102 odds shows a 54.3% probability and a 3.8% edge.

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

As of 9:33AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois	SIU-Edwardsville ML	-285 @ BetMGM	7.7%	81.7%
SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois	SIU-Edwardsville -6.5	-110 @ BetMGM	7.4%	59.8%
Pepperdine vs. Long Beach State	Pepperdine +3.5	-108 @ DraftKings	6.5%	58.4%
Tennessee-Martin vs. Tennessee State	Over 144.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	5.9%	57.8%
North Florida vs. Charleston Southern	Charleston Southern -10.5	-110 @ FanDuel	5.9%	58.2%
Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State	Coastal Carolina ML	+184 @ FanDuel	5.1%	36.4%
Western Carolina vs. Georgia	Western Carolina +33.5	-105 @ DraftKings	4.8%	56%
Jackson State vs. Hampton	Over 139.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	4.8%	56%
Bradley vs. Indiana State	Over 147.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	4.5%	55.7%
Lafayette vs. Charlotte	Lafayette +10.5	-102 @ FanDuel	3.8%	54.3%

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

• North Florida vs. Charleston Southern (11:00AM ET, Thursday)
• Jackson State vs. Hampton (5:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• SIU-Edwardsville vs. Eastern Illinois (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Western Carolina vs. Georgia (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Bradley vs. Indiana State (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Temple vs. Davidson (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• American University vs. Virginia Commonwealth (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Lafayette vs. Charlotte (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Fairfield vs. Central Connecticut State (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for December 18, 2025, featuring plays such as SIU-Edwardsville ML and SIU-Edwardsville -6.5. 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 based on 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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