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The Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-0) and the UNLV Rebels (4-1) meet Thursday at the Arizona Tip-Off in Tempe. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network) at Mullett Arena. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Mississippi State vs. UNLV odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
The Bulldogs have back-to-back wins against power conference teams, topping Utah (78-73 as 7.5-point favorites Nov. 17) and SMU (84-79 as 1-point favorites Nov. 22) in the past 2 outings. This offense has scored at least 78 points in all 5 of its games, while it ranks No. 33 in defensive rating and No. 27 in the KenPom rankings.
The Runnin’ Rebels have won 4 of 5 but are just No. 93 in the KenPom rankings. UNLV has been a bit banged up to start the season as G Jaden Henley, F Rob Whaley and G Jace Whiting remain out indefinitely. Dedan Thomas Jr. continues to hold down the fort, averaging 17.8 points and 3.8 assists per game. He had a game-high 22 points in the Rebels’ last game, a 72-65 home win vs. New Mexico State Saturday — they didn’t cover as 11.5-point favorite and the Under (141) cashed.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll
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Mississippi State vs. UNLV odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 3:48 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Mississippi State -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | UNLV +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
- Against the spread: Mississippi State -8.5 (-110) | UNLV +8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Mississippi State vs. UNLV picks and predictions
Prediction
Mississippi State 81, UNLV 69
Moneyline
Backing Mississippi State (-400) will cost 4 times the potential return. That’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward. Even as part of a multi-leg parlay on this holiday, it’s not a recommended strategy to include Mississippi State at this price. There just isn’t enough value.
PASS.
Against the spread
BET MISSISSIPPI STATE -8.5 (-110) as this team has already been tested in 2 tough games — against Utah and SMU.
For UNLV, it’s only loss to date is to Memphis, who did very well at the Maui Invitational in reaching the championship game. However, all 4 wins for the Runnin’ Rebels are of the quad-4 variety, so the jury is still out on their impressive record and start.
Over/Under
OVER 146.5 (-110) is worth a look in this neutral floor battle in the desert.
The Over has cashed in 4 of 5 games for Mississippi State so far. While the Bulldogs are a solid team defensively, offensively they’ve gotten loose for some big-time totals. As mentioned, Mississippi State has scored 78 or more points in all 5 of its games.
For UNLV, the Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings, with the offense scored 80 or fewer points in 4 in a row.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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