Vanderbilt at Memphis Prediction, Picks, and Odds Movement for December 17 2025

By: Kyle Kargel Published 12/17/2025, 09:10 AM ET
Vanderbilt vs Tennessee Prediction
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The non-conference showdown between Vanderbilt and Memphis features two fast-paced offenses and has quickly become one of the more intriguing matchups on the slate for college basketball picks. With both teams thriving offensively and willing to push tempo, this game has bettors paying close attention to the total.

Quick Picks and Prediction

  • Spread: Vanderbilt +7.5
  • Total: Over 158.5
  • Projected Final Score: Memphis 84, Vanderbilt 79

Odds and Line Movement

Opening Odds

Team Spread Total
Vanderbilt +7.5 (-110) Over 159 (-110)
Memphis -7.5 (-110) Under 159 (-110)

Current Odds

Team Spread Total
Vanderbilt +7.5 (-110) Over 158.5 (-115)
Memphis -7.5 (-110) Under 158.5 (-105)

Line Movement - Spread

Date Vanderbilt Memphis
12/16 +7.5 (-110) -7.5 (-110)
12/16 +8 (-104) -8 (-118)
12/16 +8 (-110) -8 (-110)

Line Movement - Total

Date Over Under
12/16 159 (-110) 159 (-110)
12/17 158.5 (-115) 158.5 (-105)

Key Matchups and Handicap

If you would have said ten years ago that Vanderbilt would have both a football team and a men’s basketball team flirting with the top-10, most people would not have believed it. Yet here we are, with Mark Byington building one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball.

Vanderbilt’s offense currently ranks top-10 nationally in offensive efficiency, effective field goal percentage, turnover rate, and two-point shooting percentage. While the Commodores have not faced an overly demanding schedule, they have dominated nearly everyone in front of them. Their four top-100 wins over Central Florida, VCU, Saint Mary’s, and SMU came by margins of 12, 15, 25, and 19 points, respectively. Nine of Vanderbilt’s ten wins have been by double digits.

Memphis presents a different challenge. Penny Hardaway’s teams are built around ball pressure and forcing turnovers, and the Tigers have finished top-75 in turnover rate in each of the last five seasons. However, when Memphis fails to generate takeaways, its defense can be vulnerable.

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This is where Vanderbilt’s profile becomes especially important. The Commodores rank sixth nationally in turnover rate, meaning they rarely give opponents the extra possessions Memphis relies on. If the Tigers cannot disrupt Vanderbilt’s ball movement, they will be chasing shooters all night.

Both teams prefer to play fast. Memphis has finished top-30 in adjusted tempo in each of the last three seasons, and Vanderbilt is using just 15.5 seconds per possession, which ranks top-35 nationally. That number is likely somewhat suppressed by game state, as Vanderbilt has spent plenty of time slowing games down late while protecting large leads.

With two efficient offenses and a pace that should remain high throughout, this matchup sets up as one of the more entertaining and high-scoring games on the board.

  • Vanderbilt has won nine of its ten games by double digits
  • Vanderbilt’s offense ranks top-10 nationally in efficiency and shooting metrics
  • Memphis has finished top-30 in adjusted tempo in three straight seasons
  • Memphis relies heavily on turnovers to fuel its defense

Key Injuries and Notes - VAN and MEM

  • No major injuries were listed for either team entering this matchup
  • Both teams are expected to use their standard rotations

ATS and Total Picks

  • Against the Spread: Vanderbilt +7.5
  • Over Under: Over 158.5

Final Score Prediction

This game profiles as a track meet between two teams that want to push tempo and score efficiently. Vanderbilt’s ability to protect the ball should limit Memphis’ defensive strengths, while the Tigers’ pace and athleticism should still generate plenty of scoring opportunities.

Final Score: Memphis 84, Vanderbilt 79

How to Bet on Vanderbilt vs Memphis

High totals like this one require shopping around for the best number. Before placing a wager, check the latest sportsbook promo codes and compare prices across the best sportsbooks.

If you prefer alternative wagering options, social sportsbooks provide additional flexibility. Bettors can also maximize value with offers such as the bet365 bonus code or the fliff promo code before tipoff.

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