Welcome to On the Docket: CBB Picks and Odds. Here, the Judge gives you his picks for the college basketball season. The number of gavels beside each pick equates to the number of units the Judge decrees. More gavels = more confidence. That means more times you get to scream “BANG!” when the bet hits.
Here are your CBB picks and odds for Saturday, December 10th. Court is once again in session.
Arkansas vs. Oklahoma, 1:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
The big news coming out of Fayetteville involves losing freshman star Trevon Brazile for the year to a torn ACL. Obviously, that is bad news for the Razorbacks who will be traveling to Tulsa for this matchup against the Sooners. Take the Sooners against an Arkansas team that has not beat any team of note in regulation.
The Judge’s Pick: Oklahoma +3.5 (2 Gavels)
Cincinnati vs. Xavier, 3:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
This day keeps on delivering with the Crosstown Shootout in Cincinnati as the Bearcats will host the Musketeers. There is serious bad blood between these two programs, so keep your head on a swivel if you’re in the 513-area code on Saturday. Xavier coach Sean Miller knows just what this is all about and will have his team prepared to snatch a road win.
The Judge’s Pick: Cincinnati +3.5 (4 Gavels)
Wake Forest vs. LSU, 2:00 PM ET (ESPNU)
These two teams met last year in the title game of the Emerald Classic, with LSU prevailing 75-61. These are new days in Baton Rouge as the post-Will Wade era is underway. Look for Wake to rebound from its conference loss to Clemson and pull out a win over an LSU squad that has played a Charmin-soft schedule to this point.
The Judge’s Pick: Wake Forest -1 (2 Gavels)
Houston vs. Alabama, 3:00 PM ET (ABC)
You may remember this one from last year. There was a disputed goaltending call that went in favor of the Crimson Tide at the end of the game and Kelvin Sampson was none too pleased. Expect that bad blood to carry over into this game against an Alabama team that hasn’t seemed to find its footing just yet.
The Judge’s Pick: Houston -8 (1 Gavel)
Memphis vs. Auburn, 5:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
We get Tigers vs. Tigers, Part II in Atlanta on Saturday. Whenever you can get the styles of Penny Hardaway and Bruce Pearl on the court at the same time, you take it. These two teams have only met once before in 2020, with Auburn taking a close victory. Look for Auburn’s frontcourt to give them the edge in this one.
The Judge’s Pick: Auburn -1 (3 Gavels)
Missouri vs. Kansas, 5:15 PM ET (ESPN)
How about a throwback to the old Big 12 days for a Border War? First-year coach Dennis Gates and his Mizzou squad will host the defending national champions in what is sure to be a rowdy environment. The Jayhawks have played a much tougher schedule to this point and are seasoned for this moment, even if it is their first true road game.
The Judge’s Pick: Kansas -3 (3 Gavels)
Indiana vs. Arizona, 7:30 PM ET (FOX)
The game of the week will take place in Las Vegas between the Hoosiers and the Wildcats, each ranked in the top 15. Look for the PAC-12 to get a statement win against one of the Big Ten’s best. The Wildcat offense is already humming and will be too much for the Hoosiers to keep pace with.
The Judge’s Pick: Arizona -1.5 (1 Gavels)