Iowa State vs Syracuse Betting Preview: Vegas Showdown Picks, Odds & Player Props

• Undefeated Iowa State brings its explosive offense into Wednesday’s game against a Syracuse team struggling through a two-game losing streak
• Both teams are likely to be without their respective MVPs (Tamin Lipsey for ISU, Donnie Freeman so SU)
• See my Iowa State vs Syracuse picks and predictions, plus the betting splits and closing odds for Nov. 26

The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas plays host as the Iowa State Cyclones (6-0, 4-1-1 ATS, 4-2 O/U) aim to extend their perfect start to the season against the Syracuse Orange (4-2, 4-2 ATS, 2-4 O/U). Iowa State enters this neutral-site battle with a ton of momentum after pasting Creighton last night (78-60), while Syracuse lost by double-digits to Kansas (71-60) a day after dropping an OT heartbreaker to #3 Houston (84-80).

Tip-off is set for 1:00 pm ET with TNT carrying the broadcast nationally. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries already: Syracuse leading scorer Donnie Freeman (17.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.5 APG) a 6’9 forward, is in a walking boot and didn’t play Monday or Tuesday. ISU senior point guard, defensive stud, and leading scorer Tamin Lipsey (18.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 3.2 SPG) sat out Tuesday game with an injury suffered late in Monday’s game.

My Iowa State vs Syracuse analysis identifies where the statistical edges lie and which wagers offer the strongest value in this intriguing Big 12/ACC battle.

Iowa State vs Syracuse Predictions, Best Bets & Picks

The betting markets have correctly identified this as a mismatch between teams trending in opposite directions. Iowa State’s balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense create multiple advantages over a Syracuse squad still searching for consistent production beyond their injured primary scorer.

ATS Best Bet: Iowa State -9.5 (-115) at DraftKings

Double-digit road spreads on neutral courts typically warrant caution, but Iowa State’s offensive depth justifies this number. The Cyclones deploy four players averaging double-figure scoring, creating matchup nightmares that Syracuse lacks the personnel to address. Joshua Jefferson anchors this balanced attack with 18.3 points and 8.17 rebounds while shooting 56.3% from the field, providing consistent interior production.

The perimeter threats amplify Iowa State’s advantage significantly. Sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic adds another dimension, connecting on 46.5% of his three-point attempts while averaging over three makes per game.

Syracuse’s offensive limitations become apparent when examining their reliance on injured forward Donnie Freeman (17.8 PPG) for primary scoring. The Orange lack the depth to match Iowa State’s multi-faceted attack.

Iowa State is 4-1 ATS as favorites of 7+ points this season, demonstrating their ability to cover significant numbers against overmatched opponents.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 150.5 (-110) at FanDuel

Sharp action has driven this total down from its 155.5 opening, indicating professional money recognizes defensive factors that could limit scoring. Both teams feature elite individual defenders capable of altering offensive rhythm and creating deflections that disrupt possessions.

ISU center Blake Buchanan provides rim protection with 1.5 blocks per game, challenging interior attempts and forcing difficult shots. Syracuse counters with William Kyle III, who ranks 17th nationally with 2.5 blocks per contest, establishing himself as one of college basketball’s premier shot-blockers.

Neutral-site games often feature shooting inconsistencies as players adjust to unfamiliar environments and backgrounds. The afternoon tip-off adds another variable that can impact offensive rhythm. With elite defenders on both sides creating possessions that end in turnovers or contested attempts, this total appears inflated despite Iowa State’s offensive firepower.

Iowa State vs Syracuse Closing Odds

The Iowa State/Syracuse point spread still shows a one-point range less than three hours from tipoff. The Cyclones are listed as 9.5-point favorites at DraftKings and 10.5-point favorites at BetMGM. On the moneyline, DK also has the best moneyline price on ISU at -575, while bet365 has the best moneyline price on Syracuse at +450.

The total only varies by half-a-point: over bettors should take 150.0 (-110) at Caesars. Under bettors should take 150.5 (-110) at FanDuel.

Odds as of 10:33 am ET. Claim the latest offers from US online casinos if you’re interested in iGaming.

Iowa State vs Syracuse Betting Splits

At the time of publication, the college basketball public betting data did not show splits for Iowa State vs Syracuse. This section will be updated if and when it becomes available.

Team Stats: ISU vs SYR

The numbers paint a clear picture of Iowa State’s superiority across most meaningful categories. This statistical disparity explains the significant point spread and provides context for understanding why the Cyclones are positioned as overwhelming favorites in this neutral-site encounter.

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