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Texas Tech vs Lindenwood Week 1 Betting Preview
The No. 10 Texas Tech Red Raiders open their season Tuesday in Lubbock against the Lindenwood Lions. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at United Supermarkets Arena.
Texas Tech enters the season with high expectations after reaching the Elite Eight last March. Coach Grant McCasland returns the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, JT Toppin, and adds Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year LeJuan Watts. The Red Raiders are projected among the conference favorites, behind Houston, in most college basketball previews
Lindenwood, now in its third Division I season, looks to build on a 16-17 record. The Lions return their top two scorers, Anias Futrell and Jadis Jones, and recently added Maine transfer Milos Nenadic, who shined in an exhibition with 21 points.
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Line Movement and Odds
Texas Tech opened as a heavy favorite, sitting near -24 with a total around 142 at most college basketball odds boards. Early money has come in on the Red Raiders, with sharps leaning toward the under given their defensive focus.
Texas Tech was 20-15 ATS last year and 12-4 ATS at home. Lindenwood struggled against Division I programs, going 3-10 ATS as double-digit underdogs.
For line tracking and public vs. sharp splits, keep an eye on updated numbers on the NCAA basketball picks page
Matchup Breakdown
Texas Tech outlook: Toppin averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds last season, earning All-American honors. Watts adds scoring versatility and perimeter defense, while returner Christian Anderson stretches the floor at 38 percent from deep. McCasland’s focus this offseason was improving defensive efficiency, particularly rotations and rebounding.
Lindenwood outlook: The Lions’ strength lies in their backcourt continuity. Futrell and Jones can shoot, but the team struggled with turnovers and transition defense last season. Facing one of the best defensive frontcourts in the Big 12, they’ll need hot perimeter shooting to stay close.
Expect Texas Tech to control tempo with rebounding and interior scoring. The Red Raiders’ pressure defense should create extra possessions, limiting any upset potential.
Injuries and Conditions
Texas Tech: No key injuries reported.
Lindenwood: No significant injuries entering the opener.
Get updated player availability via the Texas Tech injury page and Lindenwood team page
Game will be indoors, so weather is not a factor.
Best Bets and Prediction
Texas Tech has covered in five of its past six home openers. The Red Raiders’ defensive edge and bench depth should overwhelm Lindenwood after halftime.
Projected score: Texas Tech 85, Lindenwood 61
Best bet: Texas Tech -24
Secondary lean: Under 142
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ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Follow top cappers on the Handicapper Leaderboard and explore premium Service Plays before tipoff. For free analysis, visit our NCAA basketball picks
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