Jimmy V Classic Picks, Predictions, Odds

It’s time for the annual Jimmy V Classic and this year’s edition includes three teams ranked in the Top 25 and an Iowa squad that is right on the cusp of joining the group. Madison Square Garden in New York will be buzzing on Tuesday Dec. 6, 2022 and we've got all the betting angles and best bets covered for the nationally televised double-header.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Illinois vs. Texas
Iowa vs. Duke

Updated on 12/24/2024

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Illinois vs. Texas

• Venue: Madison Square Garden
• Location: New York, New York
• TV-Time: ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET
• Matchup
• Expert Picks

The night starts with the 6-2 (5-3 ATS) Illini matching up with an undefeated Longhorns team that is 3-3 when the point spread is involved. Illinois heads to this one after losing a game at Maryland 71-66 in a final that was the third under in their last four contests. Those 71 points were the most Coach Underwood’s team has allowed this season.

Texas is perfect on the season but has lost two of its last three against the spread. They’ve had four of their last five stay under the number which is unusual considering they’ve put up at least 66 shots in four of that quintet. Holding your opponents to 36% from the floor will normally help to cash those under tickets and five of their six opponents have scored 67 points or less.

Last game we had Texas in a game they won by five giving a bucket more than that but we’re coming right back with them.

Score Prediction: Illinois 64 vs Texas 73
Best Bet: Texas

Iowa vs. Duke

• Venue: Madison Square Garden
• Location: New York, New York
• TV-Time: ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET
• Matchup
• Expert Picks

Tuesday’s nightcap includes a couple of clubs that have great-looking records unless you’re betting them ATS.

Iowa is 6-1 but a little less profitable 5-2 since they’ve been the favorite in all but one of their early-season schedule. One thing the Hawkeyes have given their fans this year, something that you don’t see often in college hoops, is not one but two games where they scored 100 or more points.

Duke is 8-2 but just 5-5 against the spread, but as with all big-name programs in any sport, you’re always going to lay a few more points than you’d like to because the house knows they’ll still get that action even with the additional spread. Duke’s only losses this year were to #4 Purdue in the Phil Knight Legacy championship game and to #6 Kansas in their third start of the season.

Score Prediction: Duke 77 Iowa 69
Best Bet: Duke