College Basketball Picks for Week 1: Odds & Against the Spread Picks

NCAA Best Bet Today #1: ⭐ Georgia +5.5 (-110) at FanDuel

The Georgia Bulldogs will have a new look after going 16-16 last season. Georgia added five contributors through the transfer portal and returned four players from its rotation to create a buzz around the program. 

We're going to back the new-look Georgia in the opening game of the season against Oregon with Georgia +5.5 (-110) at FanDuel. Former Niagara guard Noah Thomasson adds support in the backcourt with Justin HIll, who returned from last year's team. Georgia coach Mike White also added starters from other programs, including R.J. Melendez (Illinois), Jalen DeLoach (VCU) and Russel Tchewa (South Florida). White also brought in R.J. Sunahara, who was the Division II National Player of the Year at Nova Southeastern. 

The Ducks will be without its top recruit, Mookie Cook, who is out until December with an injury. Cook's absence leaves the Ducks without much shooting on the perimeter, which will allow Georgia to clog the lane and prevent consistent dribble drives for the Ducks. 

So far, this new Georgia group has had success in the preseason. Georgia defeated North Carolina State 80-72 in a scrimmage and then defeated Eastern Kentucky by 17 in an exhibition. We're going to back this new-look Georgia against Oregon considering the early returns from this group.

Betting Pick: Georgia +5.5 (-110) at FanDuel

NCAA Best Bet Today #2: ⭐  Kansas State +3 (-110) at BetMGM

Kansas State was able to land one of the top transfer guards from the mid-majors when Tylor Perry of North Texas committed to the Wildcats. Last year, Perry averaged 17.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists while making 41% of his attempts from 3. 

The addition of Perry is why we like Kansas State +3 (-110) at BetMGM. Getting Perry to replace Markquis Nowell, who led the Wildcats to an Elite Eight appearance last year, was pivotal for Kansas State coach Jerome Tang. Kansas State also secured Arthur Kaluma, a top forward from Creighton. 

Those two additions should allow Kansas State to continue its momentum from last season. USC also has a veteran group led by Boogie Ellis and added Isaiah Collier, one of the top recruits in the country. But the Trojans will be missing Bronny James, who is still out due to injury. With the returners on both sides and the new additions, this seems more like a coin-flip contest, so we'll gladly take the +3 on Kansas State. 

Betting Pick:  Kansas State +3 (-110) at BetMGM

NCAA Best Bet Today #3: ⭐  Michigan State -16.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Michigan State has national title expectations and is favored in all the futures markets. We're going to look to back the Spartans in their first matchup against James Madison. 

We like Michigan State -16.5 (-110) at BetMGM. The Spartans are 17th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 10th in adjusted defensive efficiency in KenPom's preseason ratings, while the Dukes are 129th and 151st in those same categories. 

The Spartans also bring back a veteran backcourt with Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard, which is ideal when looking to back favored teams working in new pieces. Jaden Akins also returns to solidify the guard rotation. 

Considering Michigan State's experience, we like the Spartans to cover this large number to start the season against an unproven James Madison group.

Betting Pick:  Michigan State -16.5 (-110) at BetMGM

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