NCAA basketball betting picks for Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas on their opening night games

The NCAA basketball season kicked off last night, and there were some pretty exciting games. Unfortunately, for today, I can't say we have a ton of great games on the schedule. Most of them are between top-level squads and some lower-level clubs. That doesn't mean we can't make the games entertaining with some sports betting. 

We won our game last night, so let's get another one or two here as we put a play on a few of tonight's games.

Let me spoil this one a bit for you; it would take everything going correctly for Wofford to pull off a victory against the Volunteers. That doesn't mean it is impossible. If movies like "The Little Giants" have taught us anything, it is that there is always that one time when the underdog can come out on top. It won't happen tonight, though. Tennessee lost a bunch of guys to the NBA and to the transfer portal, but they rest their team with eight transfers and top-tier freshmen. Their transfer class was ranked second in the nation. The question will be about how quickly this team can gel and get everything connected. Wofford is in the same boat, bringing in nine new players. There are some key returning players, which might give them the edge in the first half of the game. I don't expect Wofford to win, or this to end closely, but I do think the first half could be one the Terriers cover because of the continuity of their team compared to what Tennessee will have. Take the +14.5 in the first half.

NO. 1 FLORIDA GATORS FACE NO. 14 MIAMI HURRICANES IN TOP MATCHUP AS COLLEGE BASKETBALL TIPS OFF

One of the things most people don't realize about the transfer portal is just how much it impacts the lower-level colleges. Sam Houston and programs like theirs tend to lose anyone who has a breakout year. Their team has some pretty good players still, but depth might be an issue. Alabama has a solid returning core of four guys, and Aden Holloway will lead the offense again. Amari Allen will get more exposure after earning minutes last year. 

This is a talented Alabama team, and they've added some good pieces. This game is being played in Tuscaloosa, so they will have a nice home-court advantage as well. I think the Crimson Tide will take this game and cover the big spread. Give me Alabama -26.5. Their pace and Holloway give me confidence that this offense should look good.

SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY OUTKICK NEWSLETTER

I won't pretend I know much about Arkansas-Pine Bluff. I know about as much as you do, and that's all thanks to the AI of your choice giving you details. However, I do know a bit about Arkansas and what they are looking to do. This is yet another Coach Cal team, so you know that it will focus on high-upside freshmen. Gone is Darius Acuff Jr., who is shooting a million shots per night in the NBA. Billy Richmond III is back and should be a nice combo forward. They have a solid center in Paulo Semedo, who will bring rim protection and get some easy buckets. Miikka Murrinen should be similar to Lauri Markkanen, and not just because they are both Finnish. I think Arkansas will rack up points, but asking them to put up 105 points seems like a big ask for the first game of the season. I expect Cal to work on key plays and things in the game rather than just run the pace up. Go under 104.5 for the Razorbacks team total.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024