Butler Bulldogs betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Big East Tournament: Butler vs. St. John’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Butler vs. St. John’s odds, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Butler Bulldogs (14-17, 6-14 Big East) and St. John’s Red Storm (17-14, 7-13) meet Wednesday in a 1st-round matchup in the Big East Tournament. Tip from Madison Square Garden in New York is at 3 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Butler vs. St. John’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Butler closed out the regular season with 4 losses in the final 5 games, although setbacks against ranked teams Marquette and Xavier is nothing to be ashamed about.

The Over cashed in the final game for the Bulldogs against the Musketeers, and that snapped an impressive 9-0 Under run for Butler, including the most recent meeting with St. John’s Feb. 7.

The Bulldogs topped the Johnnies 68-66 in the Feb. 8 matchup at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, avenging a 77-61 drubbing in NYC on Jan. 10. The Under cashed in each of the regular-season meetings.

St. John’s also lost its final 2 regular-season games and 3 of its last 4, although all 3 setbacks were against ranked teams. The Red Storm enters 4-2 ATS in the last 6 games after going 0-6 ATS in the previous 6 outings.

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Butler vs. St. John’s odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11:33 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board (OTB)
Against the spread: Butler +6.5 (-115) | St. John’s -6.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Butler vs. St. John’s picks and predictions

Prediction

St. John’s 72, Butler 63

Moneyline

The game was OTB at the time of publishing, but it will be too expensive to bet St. John’s when a moneyline comes online, anyway.

PASS, and look to the spread instead.

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Against the spread

ST. JOHN’S -6.5 (-105) has the home-crowd advantage playing in New York City, and it served the Johnnies well at Carnesecca Arena in mid-January when it pasted Butler 77-61.

Neither team has played particularly well at any point, especially down the stretch, which is why they both find themselves in the opening game of the conference tourney on Wednesday. Still, the Red Storm has Posh Alexander, David Jones and Joel Soriano, a solid trio which should be enough to advance St. John’s at least 1 game in this tourney.

St. John’s has covered 3 of the last 4 meetings in this series, and for what it’s worth, the home side has won 6 of the last 7 in this series. While, true, this is technically a neutral-site event, it is in New York City, just miles from its campus, while Butler isn’t likely to travel well from Indianapolis, especially for a likely 1-and-done scenario for a sub-.500 team.

Over/Under

UNDER 144.5 (-110) is the best play on the board in this Big East Tourament opening matchup.

The Under was 9-1 in the final 10 regular-season games for Butler, including the most recent meeting against St. John’s. In fact, both games with the Red Storm cashed Under, and neither game was particularly close to threatening to go high.

The Red Storm scored plenty during the regular season at 77.6 PPG, while they were one of the worst defensive teams in the league, allowing 75.7 PPG. It isn’t a slam-dunk play by any means, but Butler’s offense is also brutal, going for just 65.3 PPG, and it is one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the conference, while doing a solid job defensively to mitigate the risk.

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Butler at Xavier odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Butler at Xavier odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Butler Bulldogs (14-16, 6-13 Big East) look to end a disappointing season on a high note against the No. 17 Xavier Musketeers (22-8, 14-5) at the Cintas Center Saturday at 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Butler vs. Xavier odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Despite the high-powered offense, which ranks 9th in the nation at 82.3 points per game, Xavier found a difficult challenge in Butler during the first meeting between these teams. A 69-67 Butler win after entering as 7-point underdogs was the result. With this game being on Cincinnati’s home court, the results could be very different as these teams have gone in different directions this season.

With Butler struggling to a below .500 record, the Musketeers will be able to push the pace. Something it will need to do in order to outscore Butler.

While Xavier ranks top 10 in offense, this has manifested in a below-average defense for the Musketeers, who rank 309th at 74.8 points. This should allow the Bulldogs to easily get to its season average of 65.3, which is good for only 329th.

In a battle of the dismal units, Butler will score more than its average. But Xavier will also score. This will be a higher scoring game but maybe not particularly close.

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Butler at Xavier odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Butler +625 (bet $100 to win $625) | Xavier -950 (bet $950 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Butler +13.5 (-115) | Xavier -13.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Butler at Xavier picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 80, Butler 68

Moneyline

PASS.

Xavier -950 is not worth the money it would cost to wager it and with Butler looking to finish its season and go home, the +625 is not a risk worth taking either.

If you want to wager this game, do so on the spread and leave the line alone.

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Against the spread

Take XAVIER -7.5 (-105).

Xavier and its offense have the ability to run Butler out of the gym.

With the Musketeers being 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games, a cover here is also a good wager against an overmatched Butler team. Scoring will be tough for a Butler team that has not been able to score all year. This will lead to a comfortable double-digit win for Xavier to close the season and head into the Big East Tournament as the No. 2 seed.

Over/Under

Take the OVER 142.5 (-115).

Xavier has gone Over the total in 6 of 8 games following a contest in which it scores 90. It is also 8-2 to the Over in its last 10 Saturday games.

As the Musketeers gear up for March, Butler will be the final sacrificial lamb for the offense.

While the offense is great, the defense is similarly as bad ranking 309th in the nation. While this will not mean Butler scores 80, it does give the Bulldogs the ability to score enough to get this one Over the 142.5 total being offered. Butler will let it all hang out, and nothing will be left behind on the floor in Cincinnati. Expect plenty of shots to go up and enough to go in for the Over to hit.

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Marquette at Butler odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Marquette at Butler odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 6 Marquette Golden Eagles (23-6, 15-3 Big East) and Butler Bulldogs (14-15, 6-12) meet Tuesday at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Marquette vs. Butler odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Golden Eagles swoop in on a 4-game win streak and have alternated non-covers and covers across their last 5 outings. Marquette failed to cover as a 14.5-point favorite in a 90-84 victory against DePaul Saturday as the Over (153.5) cashed.

The Bulldogs picked up a win at DePaul in their most recent game, too, edging the Blue Demons 59-58 at Wintrust Arena Wednesday. Butler has won 3 of the past 5 games while going 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in the previous 6 outings.

The Under has cashed in 8 straight games for Butler, including the 1st meeting with Marquette in Milwaukee on Feb. 4 as the Bulldogs covered as 15-point underdogs in a 60-62 setback.

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Marquette at Butler odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Marquette -370 (bet $370 to win $100) | Butler +270 (bet $100 to win $270)
Against the spread (ATS): Marquette -7.5 (-115) | Butler +7.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Marquette at Butler picks and predictions

Prediction

Marquette 74, Butler 68

Moneyline

Marquette (-370) will cost you nearly 4 times your potential return, and that’s just too much risk for not enough reward. Even as part of a multi-team parlay, including the Golden Eagles sucks all of the value out of your ticket.

AVOID.

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Against the spread

BUTLER +7.5 (-105) covered in the first meeting on Feb. 4, and the Bulldogs have covered 2 of the past 3 as a ‘dog by 7 or more points — including a straight-up win at Xavier against a ranked opponent (69-67 on Feb. 10).

Marquette is just 1-3 ATS in the past 4 outings when favored by 6.5 or more points. The Golden Eagles are also 1-4 ATS in the past 5 following a straight-up victory.

Over/Under

UNDER 142.5 (-110) is the lean, go play a half-unit at best.

While the Over is 8-2 in the past 10 games for Marquette following a non-cover, the total trends for the Golden Eagles are rather mixed.

However, the trends strongly point to an Under for the Bulldogs. The Under is 18-7-1 in the past 26 games for Butler, while cashing in each of the past 5 at Hinkle. The Under is also 13-3-1 in the past 17 games against teams with a winning percentage greater than .600.

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Xavier at Butler odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Xavier at Butler odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 15 Xavier Musketeers (19-5, 11-2 Big East) take on the Butler Bulldogs (12-13, 4-10) Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Xavier vs. Butler odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Musketeers cruised to a 96-71 win over St. John’s Saturday to cover as 9.5-point favorites at home. Xavier is on a 2-game win streak and has won 8 of its last 10 outings.

The Bulldogs also beat St. John’s last time out, winning 68-66 Tuesday to cover as 1.5-point favorites at home. Butler ended a 5-game losing skid with the victory.

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Xavier at Butler odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Xavier -310 (bet $310 to win $100) | Butler +225 (bet $100 to win $225)
Against the spread (ATS): Xavier -6.5 (-115) | Butler +6.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Xavier at Butler picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 82, Butler 70

Moneyline

AVOID.

Betting on Xavier (-310) to win at the current odds isn’t advised despite that they should win on the road. The risk isn’t worth the reward.

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Against the spread

BET XAVIER -6.5 (-115) given how the Musketeers have been playing recently. There is also a chance that Butler is without its 2nd-leading scorer, G Chuck Harris, due to a concussion.

The Musketeers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a win. The road team is also 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings between these Big East programs.

Over/Under

Xavier is scoring with ease so OVER 145.5 (-110) is the ideal choice on the total. The Musketeers average 83.8 points per game (6th in the nation), while they also give up 76 points per game (322nd).

Xavier is 4-1 to the Over in its last 5 games overall. Butler has gone Over in each of its last 4 games against a team with a winning record.

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Butler at Providence odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Butler at Providence odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Butler Bulldogs (11-10, 3-7 Big East) will attempt to start a late-season surge at the No. 21 Providence Friars (15-5, 7-2) Wednesday. Tip from Amica Mutual Pavilion is at 8:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Butler vs. Providence odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Bulter was dismantled 86-56 by UConn Sunday, failing to cover as a 15.5-point road underdog. This loss dropped Butler to 3-7 in Big East play and at this point in their season, the Bulldogs are now looking to play spoiler for those teams ranked above it in the conference.

One of those teams is the Friars who are 11-0 at home despite losing their top 5 scorers from last season. This team has gelled together quickly under coach Ed Cooley and a win here would keep them within arm’s length of the top teams in the conference.

The best unit in this game is the Providence offense which ranks 40th in the country with 78.8 points per game. This will be the key to this matchup as the Bulldogs’ (67.5 points allowed per game) will be forced to try and hold down another offense. Something they were unable to do in giving up 86 to the Huskies. If the same happens here, another 30-point loss could be in store.

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Butler at Providence odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:36 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Butler +375 (bet $100 to win $375) | Providence -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Butler +10.5 (-120) | Providence -10.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -105 | U: -110)

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Butler at Providence picks and predictions

Prediction

Providence 79, Butler 66

Moneyline

AVOID.

Butler is not likely to upset the No. 21-ranked Providence as it comes off a 30-point loss to UConn over the weekend, but risking 5 1/2 your potential return on Providence (-550) is not a good wager. Even in a parlay this wouldn’t add significant value.

Against the spread

PROVIDENCE -10.5 (+100) makes the most sense in this game.

Not only is the Providence offense the best unit in this game, but Butler has struggled to score in recent games. The 56-point performance on Sunday came fresh on the heels of a 52-point output against Creighton on Jan. 17. The Bulldogs have been a bad team this season while Providence has outperformed expectations. The Friars will get out to an early lead, push the pace and hand Butler its 3rd double-digit loss in a row against 3 of the better teams in the Big East.

Over/Under

OVER 138.5 (-105) is the side to play on the total.

This will be the classic game in which the better offense on the better team is able to set the pace and drag the other team along. Butler will attempt to slow things down, but we have seen of late its inability to do so against better teams. UConn was able to get into the mid-80s against this defense and Providence will do the same here. Butler should score a bit more than it did on Sunday and this means the Over should be in play. I would be willing to take it up to 141.

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Butler at UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Butler at UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Butler Bulldogs (11-9. 3-6 Big East) battle the No. 14 UConn Huskies (15-5, 4-5) Sunday. Tip from the XL Center is set for noon ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Butler vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bulldogs lost at home to Creighton 73-52 Tuesday, failing to cover as a 7-point underdog. Butler is 9-9-2 against the spread (ATS) this season. It is 1-3-1 ATS over its last 5. The Bulldogs’ defense ranks 107th in the nation in opponents’ points per game (66.6).

The Huskies lost to Seton Hall 67-66 on the road Wednesday, failing to cover as a 5-point favorite. UConn has struggled as of late, losing 5 of its last 6 games. It is 12-7-1 ATS on the season, but just 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games. UConn ranks 41st in points per game (79) and 45th in points allowed (63.9).

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Butler at UConn odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Butler +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | UConn -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Butler +14.5 (-115) | UConn -14.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Butler at UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 76, Butler 60

Moneyline

PASS.

Simply, it’s not worth playing.

Against the spread

BET UCONN -14.5 (-105).

The Huskies, at home, should dominate. UConn is 7-3-1 ATS at home.

Although UConn hasn’t performed well in conference play for bettors, Butler is coming off a debilitating home loss against Creighton. The Bulldogs are 1-3 ATS in their last 4 and have lost 3 of their last 4 games by 15-plus points, all against teams that are unranked.

UConn beat the Bulldogs 68-46 at Butler on Dec. 17.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 136.5 (-105).

The Bulldogs have been awful offensively as of late, scoring 61 or fewer in 3 of their last 4. They scored 52 at home against Creighton. They scored 61 and 51 in their last 2 road games. Their defense is also capable, allowing just 66.6 points per game.

UConn also ranks in the top 50 in opponents’ points per game, opponents’ FG percentage and 3-point FG percentage. Considering it all, back the UNDER 136.5 (-105).

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Villanova at Butler odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Villanova at Butler odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Villanova Wildcats (8-9, 2-4 Big East) and Butler Bulldogs (10-8, 2-5) clash in a showdown of usual conference contenders off to slow starts in Big East play. The opening tip at Hinkle Fieldhouse will be at 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Villanova vs. Butler odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Villanova was dumped at DePaul 75-65 as a -6.5 favorite Tuesday and has lost 2 in a row straight up (SU)and against the spread (ATS). Recent offensive struggled have the Wildcats logging a 1-4 SU record in their last 5 games and in jeopardy of posting their 1st under-.500 season since 2011-12.

The Bulldogs are also 0-2 SU and 0-2 ATS over their last 2 games. Shooting woes and significant rebounding deficits have driven Butler into a 2-5 mark since Dec. 17. Over that span, the Bulldogs have filed a 38.7% mark from the floor while logging a minus-8.2 in average rebound margin.

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Villanova at Butler odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:04 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Villanova -110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Butler -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +1.5 (-125) | Butler -1.5 (+105)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Villanova at Butler picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 63, Butler 61

Moneyline

In a match-up that won’t likely be rife with offensive rebounds and trips to the free-throw line, this game will be greatly influenced by shooting.

VILLANOVA (-110) is the pick based on some expected regression in the way the frequent-3-launching Wildcats bounce back from a recent slump. Villanova’s shot frequency from beyond the arc is the 5th highest in the nation, so when it struggles from 3-point-land (30.2% last 5 games), the ripples through its offense are severe.

Even with its shooting issues, ‘Nova did have solid recent performances against well-regarded UConn and Marquette. Butler’s forays into that top-40 territory have not gone well, producing multiple losses of 15 points or more.

The last time they were in Hinkle Fieldhouse (March 5), the Wildcats went 11-of-24 from distance. Peg this as a close game, but one controlled at the end by a Villanova team that has had some unlucky results based on its scoring.

Against the spread

Take the better value on the ML play.

Over/Under

This match-up figures to churn out a low number of possessions. Other factors point to a low score, but some 3-pointer resurgence by the Wildcats (and more 3s by a trailing Butler team?) counteract that. PASS.

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Butler at Georgetown odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Butler at Georgetown odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Butler Bulldogs (8-6, 0-3 Big East) take on the Georgetown Hoyas (5-9, 0-3) Sunday. Tip from Capital One Arena is at 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Butler vs. Georgetown odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Things have not gone as planned in coach Patrick Ewing’s 6th season at the helm of the Hoyas. Georgetown is on its way to once again finishing at the bottom of the Big East in 2022-23.

While Georgetown continues its struggles, the challenges are relatively new for Butler. This season has been trying as it is just 0-3 in conference play, most recently a 72-52 loss to Providence Thursday. The Bulldogs need this game if they want to be competitive in the Big East.

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Butler at Georgetown odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Butler -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Georgetown +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread (ATS): Butler -3.5 (-110) | Georgetown +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Butler at Georgetown picks and predictions

Prediction

Butler 75, Georgetown 67

Moneyline

PASS.

Butler (-175) is not a bad number, but it is too high to make a straight wager on in this case. Georgetown is not a good team and I do not see them winning, but I would rather take the Bulldogs ATS for a better value.

Against the spread

BET BUTLER -3.5 (-110).

People are betting on Butler in this game and for good reason. Coach Ewing may have been a talented player at Georgetown, but the time of the Hoyas has passed and this team is not as good as they had hoped. Butler has been a steady team in the Big East despite being 0-3 so far this season but it will finally get in the win column Sunday.

BUTLER -3.5 (-110) is my favorite play in this game.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 144.5 (-115).

Neither of these teams is dynamic on offense. Butler is a slow-paced squad and Georgetown will not hit enough shots to push this game Over the number. Although Georgetown does not have a good defense, Butler does not have the firepower to exploit this weakness.

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Butler at Creighton odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Butler at Creighton odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Butler Bulldogs (8-4, 0-1 Big East) and Creighton Bluejays (6-6, 0-1) tangle in a pre-holiday Big East game Thursday in Omaha. Opening tip at the CHI Health Center will be at 8 p.m. ET (FSI). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Butler vs. Creighton odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Butler was a 7.5-point underdog but lost by 22 in its Big East opener, a 68-46 setback vs. UConn Saturday. Two systemic problems reared their ugly heads in the loss. The rebound-deficient Bulldogs logged only 3 offensive rebounds (they have only 8 across their last 3 games and average just 5.7 per contest), and they got to the free-throw line just 13 times.

The Bluejays came up short in their conference opener as the +3.5 Creighton squad lost by 11 at Marquette 69-58, the team’s 6th consecutive loss and 4th straight against the spread (ATS). The Bluejays have had the same rebounding and free-throw frequency issues as the Bulldogs: CU had 3 OR and 5 FT attempts at Marquette.

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Butler at Creighton odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:46 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Butler +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Creighton -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Butler +8.5 (-115) | Creighton -8.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Butler at Creighton picks and predictions

Prediction

Creighton 75, Butler 65

Moneyline

A talented team on a skid, the Bluejays are in buy-low territory. For large-purse bettors, there is some slim value in the area of Creighton -330. But a move drifting that low does not seem likely: PASS.

Against the spread

The home team is 14-2 ATS in the last 16 BU-CU meetings.

The perimeter game will loom large for Creighton. Defending 3s has been a Bulldogs strength (29.9%, 51st NCAA-I), but that strength is likely due some regression. Expect the home team to get a better inside-outside mix of looks in this match-up.

Butler owns a 59.8% effective field-goal percentage at home. That figure drops off to 48.4% away from Hinkel Fieldhouse.

The Bluejays laid an egg in their last home game, falling to Nebraska 63-53 on Dec. 4. Expect a bounce-back and the losing skid being put in the rearview mirror. And by a margin approaching double digits.

BET CREIGHTON 8.5 (-115).

Over/Under

No lean either way on what looks like a solid number. And the 2 sides here have been alternating in plusses and minuses to their game that pull them to 1 extreme or the other. PASS.

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Butler vs. Tennessee odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Butler vs. Tennessee odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Butler Bulldogs (3-1) are in Nassau, Bahamas, for a showdown with the No. 21 Tennessee Volunteers (2-1) in the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis tournament Wednesday. Tip-off from Imperial Arena is at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Butler vs. Tennessee odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Tennessee is well-rested as it hasn’t played since an 81-50 win against Florida Gulf Coast last Wednesday. The young season has seen wins against Florida Gulf Coast and Tennessee Tech and a loss against an uneven Colorado team that was coming off a loss to the Grambling Tigers in its prior game.

Butler comes in after crushing Citadel 89-42 in its last game Saturday. The only loss for the Bulldogs was a 68-62 road defeat at Penn State Nov. 14. The Bulldogs have scored at least 89 points in each of their 3 other games while winning by an average of 37 points.

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Butler vs. Tennessee odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:17 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): Butler -7.5 (-110) | Tennessee +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Butler vs. Tennessee picks and predictions

Prediction

Butler 76, Tennessee 73

Moneyline

Off the board.

Against the spread

BET TENNESSEE +7.5 (-110).

Despite not playing in a week, the Volunteers should not be underdogs by more than 7 points in this matchup.

The Volunteers — ranked No. 21 in the nation — took a tough loss against Colorado but came back win an emphatic win against Florida Gulf Coast. While I do not feel the Vols have the offensive firepower to hang with Butler, they will score enough to make it a game in the end. I will take TENNESSEE +7.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET OVER 135.5 (-115).

Butler has scored 89 or more points in 3 of its 4 games this season. Tennessee scored 90 in its last outing against Florida Gulf Coast and will need to score again here to keep up with Butler.

While Butler will not get to 89 against Tennessee, it should be able to get close to 80 and so should Tennessee. The 135.5 number is about 5 points too low and is an excellent value. The OVER 135.5 (-115) is my favorite play in the game.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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