Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
The 2022-23 college basketball season is finally here.
We have a full day of season openers around the country. Below is my favorite bet for the opening day slate. Let’s have some fun.
Memphis vs. Vanderbilt
(DraftKings Total, 139)
All signs point to offense being a huge struggle early for both of these squads, especially to start the season. Memphis loses six of their top seven leading scorers from a year ago in an offensive system that has really struggled to generate anything in the half court and relies a ton on transition under Penny Hardaway. The addition of all-world point guard Kendric Davis should ease the offensive woes a bit, but Davis may not be 100%, as he’s been dealing with an ankle injury recently and reportedly hasn’t been practicing all week. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, will be trying to fill a massive offensive hole left by the departure of do-it-all point guard Scottie Pippen Jr. That leaves a huge weight on role players from a year ago to take huge leaps offensively for the Dores.
Both Memphis and Vanderbilt hung their hats on defensive efficiency over the last few years (finishing Top 40 in defensive efficiency in 2022 per KenPom). Taking a look at early scrimmages, Vanderbilt reportedly struggled mightily to generate offense against Georgia Tech’s morphing zone and pressure, while Memphis shot 15% from three in their two scrimmages, only putting up 69 points against Christian Brothers. Pace is the only thing to worry about here, but look for Vanderbilt to pack it in defensively and funnel drivers into their 7-footer Liam Robbins – and look for Memphis to extend pressure against this inexperienced Commodore backcourt. I expect this game to be very sloppy with a ton of turnovers and low shooting percentages across the board. I’ll be on the under.
The Pick: Under 139
