Wichita State vs Memphis Odds and Picks
- Wichita State Shockers ride two-game win streak into Memphis as betting underdogs
- Tigers return to action in just their second game since late December riding a seven-game ATS losing streak
- We’ve got you covered with all the odds and trends ahead of Thursday night’s AAC clash at FedExForum
The Wichita State Shockers will be gunning for a third straight victory on Thursday when they visit the Memphis Tigers as 2.5-point underdogs. The Shockers recorded a decisive 72-53 win over Tulsa to remain in control of second place in the AAC conference standings.
Memphis looks to rebound from a narrow 58-57 road loss to the Golden Hurricane last weekend that dumped the Tigers to 2-3 SU in their past five outings.
Here’s a look at all the odds and trends ahead of Thursday night’s matchup at FedExForum.
Wichita State vs Memphis Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State Shockers | +2.5 (-105) | +132 | O 138.5 (-112) |
| Memphis Tigers | -2.5 (-115) | -156 | U 138.5 (-108) |
*Odds taken at FanDuel on 01/20/2021.
Well-Rested Shockers On A Tear
The Shockers should be well rested entering Thursday night’s matchup in Memphis after enjoying a weekend off due to the postponement of their road date with the SMU Mustangs because of COVID-19. WSU last saw action in last Wednesday’s win over Tulsa and has now played just four total games so far in the month of January. The light schedule has not slowed down the Shockers, who have gone 7-1 in their past eight contests, and covered the spread in seven straight.
Wichita State sweeps the season series over the defending conference champions.
Shockers defeat Tulsa 72-53.
Morris Udeze posts a career-high 20 points along with eight boards. Udeze was also a difference maker at the free throw line shooting 8-of-9.
Tyson Etienne scores 20.
— Joe Baker (@JoeBakerrrrrr) January 14, 2021
Wichita State has powered its current tear with steady offense. While the Shockers rank 132nd in the nation in points per game, they have upped their offensive output since conference play began.
The team has scored at least 81 points in four of six outings, including recent road wins over Mississippi and South Florida, and currently sits at No. 58 at Kenpom in adjusted offensive efficiency. In addition to powering the Shockers’ current run of success ATS, the team’s improved offense has also generated a steady 4-2 run for the OVER in totals betting.
A sleeper candidate for AAC Player of the Year will take the floor Thursday at FedEx Forum and he doesn't play for Memphis. Who is it? Wichita State's Tyson Etienne. Remember the name.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 20, 2021
Sophomore guard Tyson Etienne continues to be a difference maker for the Shockers. Etienne enters Thursday’s game as the only WSU player averaging double-digit points per game, with a team-best 17.9 PPG. The 21-year-old has been particularly dominant in recent outings, scoring 25 or more points in three of his past six outings, and also averaged 5.5 rebounds per game over that stretch. However, Etienne went scoreless from the field while playing 24 minutes in his last visit to Memphis last March, a 68-60 loss to the Tigers.
Tigers Shaking Off Rust From Layoff
As the Shockers aim to keep pace with first-place Houston in the AAC standings, the Tigers look to rediscover their offensive touch following this past weekend’s defeat in Tulsa. With their 58-57 loss as 2.5-point road chalk, the Tigers have now averaged fewer than 55 points per game over their past three contests. That power outage has helped to extend the squad’s current 0-7 ATS run and woeful 2-9 ATS record on the season.
Saturday’s Memphis Tigers men’s basketball game at Temple has been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 case and the ensuing contact tracing of student-athletes at Temple.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) December 31, 2020
The recent swoon has also impacted the Tigers’ recent performance on home court. Memphis has lost outright in two of their past three home dates, including a crushing 56-49 loss to the Golden Hurricane while favored by 9.5. However, maintaining a regular schedule has been a massive problem for the Tigers. Last weekend’s date with Tulsa marked the Tigers’ first game since edging South Florida 58-57 on December 27.
The University of Memphis, despite being armed with a new offensive philosophy, succumbed to a second-half Tulsa rally in a 58-57 loss Sunday at Reynolds Center. https://t.co/BXndY5ekT6 pic.twitter.com/uM6jnLLyEs
— The Daily Memphian (@DailyMemphian) January 17, 2021
The upside for the Tigers is good health. The recent postponements were related to COVID-19 among their opponents, with Memphis avoiding any disruptive outbreaks. However, it remains to be seen whether the long layoff will have lingering effects that impact the team’s performance on Thursday.
The Tigers have enjoyed moderate success in recent dates with WSU, winning SU and ATS in three of four meetings including a pair of home victories, and the total topping 140 in five straight clashes. But with Memphis still shaking off the rust, the timing is right for WSU to claim an upset win.
The Picks: Shockers to win (+132); OVER 138.5 (-112)
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
