The slate is rather thin in college basketball on Thursday, but that doesn't mean there isn't betting value.
In fact, we have a trio of picks for you to choose from for your Thursday NCAAB betting card.
Read below for college basketball best bets, including NCAAB picks and predictions for Thursday, December 4.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Rider vs. Merrimack
By Evan Abrams
It's been a rough start to the season for Rider, but losses to Rutgers, Virginia, Texas and Houston were excusable.
However, the most recent defeat against Coppin State was not, and that signals a bit of a code red for this squad.
On the flip side, Merrimack already has six losses, but it also has a victory over La Salle after difficult tests against Florida and Auburn, among others.
Based on the early-season results, we're not going to get cute with this play, especially when I have a system — "Opening Home Favs" — that says to target Merrimack.
This system targets opening home favorites in college basketball, focusing on teams playing their first game of their conference season.
The idea is that early in the season, oddsmakers may undervalue programs that posted fewer than 20 wins last season, especially against teams with more established reputations. Remember, Rider has been successful playing the MAAC and Merrimack just joined the league a couple of years ago.
Playing at home offers a comfort advantage, and being listed as a favorite or pick implies early market confidence despite modest prior results.
With totals capped at one 149.5, this typically captures games expected to be moderately paced rather than high-scoring shootouts. The Warriors are typically known for their slow tempo and strong defense.
Historically, these home teams tend to outperform the spread as they seek to set the tone for a bounce-back season and reward early bettors backing them in their conference opener.
Pick: Merrimack -8.5
Utah State vs. USF
By Sean Paul
My pick here is on Utah State to cover the small 2.5-point spread. KenPom gives the Aggies a five-point edge, and I expected the line to be a bit closer to the -4/-5 range.
What have the Bulls shown to prove they can hang with a team of Utah State's caliber? To me, nothing is the answer.
South Florida can't shoot, and I don't see it becoming a good team in that area in a night. And since USF can't shoot, I'm not sure where the scoring comes from.
The only way to get to this Aggies defense is by shooting the ball well, and this isn't the team to expose that.
Pick: Utah State -2.5 (Play to -4.5)
Cal State Bakersfield vs. Cal State Northridge
It's been a rough year for Cal State Bakersfield. Former assistant coach Kevin Mays was charged with several felonies, including child pornography, pimping and pandering. Athletic Director Kyle Conder and head coach Rod Barnes also are out at the school.
Interim head coach Mike Scott is the head man for the remainder of the season, and given the circumstances, things haven't gone too poorly on the floor for the Roadrunners.
While they're 261st in KenPom, they do have a victory over Fresno State and are 4-4 entering Big West play.
On the flip side, Cal State Northridge has lost two straight games and is under .500 (3-4) on the season. While Bakersfield was projected to finish last in the league this season, the Matadors were picked only ninth (out of 11 teams).
Ultimately, this is too many points, and that's especially the case when looking at our Action PRO projections.
Our projections say this line should be closer to +3.5, giving us a nice one-point edge. I liked this pick a lot more at the opening line of +5.5, but I still believe in Scott's team to keep this game within striking distance, even on the road.
Pick: Cal State Bakersfield +4.5 (Play to +4)
