Memphis vs Missouri Odds, Pick
| Memphis Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 159.5 -115o / -105u | +120 |
| Missouri Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 159.5 -115o / -105u | -145 |
Memphis and Missouri meet in Columbia as both aim for an early NCAA Tournament resume-boosting victory. The tournament included the pair of Tigers last year — Missouri bowed out in the Round of 32, while Memphis blew a late lead to eventual Final Four-bound FAU.
Let's preview for Memphis-Missouri on Friday night with our Memphis vs Missouri prediction and picks tonight.
Memphis Tigers
Memphis took down Jackson State, 94-77, showcasing an improved offense in the win despite turning the ball over 16 times — a consistent trend under coach Penny Hardaway that's hindered offensive flow.
That'll have to change in this one. Otherwise, Missouri's goal of running in transition will come to fruition.
The 2023-24 Tigers are a veteran bunch, as all five starters are either seniors or super seniors. Plus, there's plenty of shot-creation ability between Caleb Mills, Jahvon Quinerly, David Jones and Jaykwon Walton. All four can go off for 20+ on any given night — that's balanced scoring at its finest. It's not just one guy who needs to go off or else Memphis is in trouble — it can be any of them.
I've yet to mention post-presence Jordan Brown who won the 2023 Sun Belt POY at Louisiana. Brown could feast on the flimsy Missouri frontline sans Connor Vanover.
I'm expecting the offense to run through Brown in this one. He's no stranger to getting double-teamed in the post, so allowing him to establish his position to eventually open up shooters could benefit Memphis in this one. The guards just have to stay patient and not force the issue when it doesn't need to be forced.
Lastly, rebounding should be a huge advantage in Memphis's corner. Hardaway has a plethora of reliable rebounding options between Brown, Nick Jourdain and Malcolm Dandridge against Missouri's smaller size. Creating second-chance opportunities is in Memphis's favor.
Missouri Tigers
Missouri comfortably blew past Arkansas-Pine Bluff on opening night, 101-79. The Tigers' go-to trio of guards Sean East, Nick Honor and Caleb Grill each scored 15+ points in the win. Plus, Indiana transfer Tamar Bates added an extra surge of bench shooting with 21 points and three triples. (The Hoosiers could sure use him right now.)
Honor and Grill can single-handedly carry Missouri to victory due to shooting prowess. Grill averaged 9.5 points and shot 36.8% from deep at Iowa State last year, and Honor started for Missouri, averaging 7.9 points with 39% shooting from deep. Increased roles are much-needed from both in order to achieve a similar level of success to last season.
That shooting was Missouri's calling card in coach Dennis Gates' first season at the helm. It looks like Gates doesn't want to change much in terms of offensive philosophy — and who could blame him? It worked!
Additionally, I have some concerns about Missouri's lineup construction against Memphis's lengthy lineup. The yellow-uniform Tigers continue to play small lineups under Gates and it paid off handsomely last season. But that team had an NBA player in Kobe Brown.
There are no NBA players on this year's Missouri roster, so the starting front-court duo of Noah Carter and Jesus Carralero Martin draws some concerns. Carralero Martin has some strengths in his game in the IQ and passing departments, but he's not a match for the physical Memphis bigs.
Missouri has a clear identity — fast-paced play and shooting. That's the exact way it has to play to beat Memphis. It's great when teams can shoot the ball at high levels, but when it's your only way to win, it can backfire quickly.
Memphis vs. Missouri
Betting Pick & Prediction
I'm backing the blue Tigers in this one. Despite taking the road for the first time, the veteran leadership of Memphis makes that a non-issue.
From a pure talent standpoint, Memphis takes the cake. Snagging the Memphis moneyline is the play for me. I totally get it if you feel more comfortable taking the +2 points to avoid any late-game shenanigans. That said, it's all moneyline for me.
Pick: Memphis Moneyline
