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Georgia Bulldogs vs Bellarmine Knights Week 1 Betting Preview
Georgia opens its season Sunday night in Athens against Bellarmine, a matchup that marks the start of a new-look Bulldogs roster. After being picked 14th in the 16-team SEC, Georgia enters 2025-26 looking to prove the experts wrong.
Coach Mike White’s group finished 20-13 last year before falling to Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Most of the top production is gone, but guard Blue Cain returns after averaging 9.6 points and hitting 34 percent from deep. Forward Kanon Catchings, a 6-9 transfer from BYU, has impressed in preseason with his length and rim protection.
Bellarmine, meanwhile, comes off a 5-26 campaign and begins a new era under Doug Davenport, who takes over for his father, longtime coach Scott Davenport. The Knights were picked near the bottom of the Atlantic Sun and feature nine new players.
For more opening-week matchups and previews, visit the college basketball previews page
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Line Movement and Odds
Early market numbers list Georgia as a heavy favorite, opening around -22 with the total near 147. The spread has inched higher as bettors lean toward the Bulldogs, while totals have tightened slightly.
Sharp action supports Georgia’s athletic edge, but public money is nearly all on the home side. You can monitor updated numbers on the NCAA basketball odds board
Matchup Breakdown
Georgia Outlook: The Bulldogs’ backcourt is inexperienced but quick. Expect them to push tempo and rely on spacing to generate open threes. Defensive rebounding remains a concern after losing their top two big men, but White’s teams typically defend well at home.
Bellarmine Outlook: The Knights rely on ball movement and half-court sets but struggled on both ends last season, allowing over 78 points per game. Their pace control could help slow this contest, but talent depth remains limited.
Key angle for bettors: Georgia’s athleticism and bench length should overwhelm late. Bellarmine’s lack of rim defense could inflate Georgia’s efficiency in transition.
If you’re planning wagers this weekend, check our college basketball picks page for expert analysis.
Injuries and Conditions
Georgia Bulldogs: No reported injuries entering the opener. Returnees have been full participants in practice. For updates, visit the Georgia team page
Bellarmine Knights: No listed absences; several newcomers are expected to rotate early. See the Bellarmine team page for roster notes.
Game is indoors at Stegeman Coliseum, so weather is not a factor.
Best Bets and Prediction
Georgia has covered five of its last seven home openers. Bellarmine has failed to cover in seven straight against Power Six programs. Expect an early run from the Bulldogs to set the tone.
Projected Score: Georgia 84, Bellarmine 62
Best Bet: Georgia -23
Secondary Lean: Under 147
See the Bettors Handbook for strategy on totals and market timing.
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