NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
DePaul vs Chicago State Week 1 Betting Preview
DePaul opens its 2025-26 campaign Monday night at Wintrust Arena in Chicago against in-city foe Chicago State. Chris Holtmann’s second season with the Blue Demons begins with optimism and experience after a 14-win year that exceeded expectations.
DePaul returns its top scorers CJ Gunn (12.9 ppg), NJ Benson (9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg), and Layden Blocker (9.5 ppg). They’ll try to maintain momentum after a postseason appearance in the College Basketball Crown. Holtmann stressed leadership and consistency over hype, saying the team must “build off the competitiveness of last year’s group.”
Chicago State enters a new era under first-year coach Landon Bussie, who takes over a program looking to reset after a 4-28 season. Bussie brings an up-tempo system and several transfers, including senior guard Marcus Tankersley, to spark a turnaround.
For bettors tracking season-opening matchups, head to the NCAA basketball previews section for more opening-week analysis.
Dominate the Sportsbook with Proven Picks
All Sports, One Winning Strategy
Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college basketball odds DePaul opened around a 21-point favorite, with the total set near 147.5. Early betting has leaned heavily toward DePaul, with public money on the home side and sharp bettors confirming value up to -22.
Moneyline markets list DePaul between -1500 and -1800, while Chicago State sits near +950. If the total moves below 145, it may reflect expectations of slower tempo and defensive focus from both squads.
Check back with the Handicapper Leaderboard for expert consensus and daily performance trends.
Matchup Breakdown
DePaul brings depth and cohesion that should translate immediately. The Blue Demons averaged 72.4 points per game last season and improved their rebounding margin in Big East play. Their interior strength, led by Benson, should give them control on both ends.
Chicago State’s offense ranked near the bottom nationally in efficiency last year, scoring 62.5 ppg while allowing close to 79. Bussie’s focus on tempo and guard penetration will test DePaul’s defensive rotations early.
Key matchup: DePaul’s frontcourt vs. Chicago State’s rebounding unit. If DePaul wins the paint, this could get out of hand by halftime. You can explore more team breakdowns and stats in the college basketball picks
Injuries and Conditions
DePaul Blue Demons
- Guard CJ Gunn (probable, minor leg tightness)
- Forward NJ Benson (questionable, ankle)
Chicago State Cougars
- Guard Marcus Tankersley (probable, shoulder)
- Forward transfer X (day-to-day, conditioning)
See full team updates via the DePaul page and Chicago State page
The game is indoors, so no weather factor.
Best Bets and Prediction
DePaul has won all 17 meetings between these programs, averaging more than 23 points per victory. With the Blue Demons’ balance and experience, they should cover again if they control pace and limit turnovers.
Projected score: DePaul 84, Chicago State 58
Best bet: DePaul –22.5
Secondary lean: Under 147
You can find supporting data and model trends in the expert betting guide
Unlock 5,000+ Winning Picks Every Season
Bet Smarter, Across Every League
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Compare professional selections on the Service Plays page and follow hot streaks through the Handicapper Leaderboard. For long-term betting improvement, review the Bettors Handbook
Stay sharp this college season and track every edge with ScoresAndStats.com.
