Memphis vs. Iowa State Prediction and Odds: Bet Cyclones to Cover

Iowa State scored a statement win over Xavier in the first round of the NIT Tip Off and now faces a loaded Memphis team that disposed of Virginia Tech on Wednesday and figures to be in the mix for a No. 1 seed come Selection Sunday. How should we bet this early season matchup with one team set to dominate and another on the upswing?

Here are the odds for the Finals, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, with Memphis as a prohibitive favorite.

Iowa State vs. Memphis Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Iowa State: +11.5 (-110)
• Memphis: -11.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Iowa State: +500
• Memphis: -700

Total:

• 140.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Iowa State vs. Memphis Prediction and Pick

I like the Cyclones to hang around in this matchup. First year head coach T.J. Otzelberger has ISU playing inspired ball early in the season, namely on the defensive end, where they are turning opponents over 25% of the time.

Despite being the No. 1 defensive team by KenPom's standards, Memphis has struggled protecting the ball, posting the 348th best turnover rate in the country. Not to mention, they are outside the top 300 in defensive rebounding rate, so Iowa State may be able to generate second chances to stay within single digits.

Keep an eye on Tyrese Hunter for Iowa State. The freshman point guard is dynamite with the ball in his hands and is contributing more than a third of the assists for the Cyclones. Against a turnover-driven Memphis defense, Hunter is going to be key to this one. If he can protect the rock and find the likes of Izaiah Borckington and Tre Jackson on the perimeter, the Cyclones can be live with Memphis' shaky ball handling.

This spread seems inflated based on Memphis' name and not the on-court matchup. Iowa State can hang around in this one based on the early returns this season.

PICK: Iowa State +11.5, play to +11