Memphis vs. Iowa State Betting Preview: Odds, Props and Prediction for Monday

Memphis faces an immediate test of its offensive discipline when it opens against Iowa State on Monday night.

The teams meet at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, giving both programs a neutral-site assignment before they have established regular-season rotations.

Iowa State has an important source of continuity in Tamin Lipsey. The Cyclones officially announced his return to their roster in September, restoring an experienced organizer and defender to the backcourt.

My lean is Iowa State −13.5 or better, with the Cyclones’ ability to pressure the ball and organize possessions providing the foundation for a double-digit victory.

Game Information

Category Details Matchup Memphis Tigers vs. Iowa State Cyclones Date Monday, November 2, 2026 Tipoff 7:00 p.m. ET Arena Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls, South Dakota TV / streamingFS1 / FOX One Site Neutral Records Both 0–0

The neutral-site opener and broadcast are confirmed by the teams’ schedules and FOX’s listing.

Memphis vs. Iowa State Betting Odds

Market Memphis Tigers Iowa State Cyclones Moneyline +650−1000 Point spread +13.5−13.5 Total Over 155.5 Under 155.5

Published consensus snapshot retrieved November 1. Individual sportsbook prices vary; confirm the current line before betting.

Memphis Tigers Betting Analysis

Memphis’ first priority should be avoiding the possessions that make a substantial underdog’s task even harder.

A difficult shot at the end of an organized possession is manageable. A careless pass that produces an uncontested basket is considerably more damaging.

The Tigers need reliable outlets against pressure, timely cuts and enough movement to prevent the ballhandler from becoming isolated.

They also must distinguish between playing quickly and playing hurriedly. Attacking an advantage is useful; forcing an early shot simply to avoid defending again is not.

The spread gives Memphis room for an uneven performance. To use that cushion, however, the Tigers must limit extended scoring droughts and prevent Iowa State from building runs through turnovers.

My concern is whether Memphis can maintain that discipline for the full game.

Iowa State Cyclones Betting Analysis

Lipsey gives Iowa State a clear starting point for organizing an opening-night game.

He averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists last season, according to the school’s announcement of his return. His experience should help the Cyclones handle possessions when their initial action does not produce an immediate opening.

The larger question is how effectively the surrounding rotation functions together. Iowa State cannot rely on its reputation or ranking to cover a large spread.

The Cyclones need to create pressure without committing unnecessary fouls, rebound misses and turn stops into productive possessions.

I prefer Iowa State because its potential advantage in possession quality can accumulate. A succession of small advantages—an extra rebound, a forced turnover, a better late-clock shot—could eventually produce the separation needed to cover.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

These are suggested alternate-line targets, not verified posted markets. Confirm availability, player status, expected minutes and prices. Treat overlapping selections as alternatives.

1. Tamin Lipsey — 10+ Points

A modest double-figure scoring threshold is my preferred Iowa State player target. Lipsey’s experience supports expecting meaningful involvement, but a comfortable lead could reduce his late minutes. The price needs to reflect that possibility. I would favor this over chasing a large opening-night scoring total.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Tamin Lipsey 10+ Points

• Preferred Iowa State scoring target
• Confirm expected workload
• Check the current price

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2. Tamin Lipsey — 4+ Assists

Lipsey’s ability to organize the offense makes a modest assist threshold worth considering. The wager still depends on teammates converting the opportunities he creates. This is an alternative to his points prop, especially if Memphis’ defensive approach encourages him to distribute rather than finish.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Tamin Lipsey 4+ Assists

• Alternate playmaking target
• Teammate conversion matters
• Compare points and assist prices

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3. Blake Buchanan — 4+ Rebounds

Buchanan is listed on Iowa State’s current roster and offers a potential alternate rebounding option. The selection depends on his expected rotation role and available minutes. Four rebounds is a target to investigate rather than a confirmed value position; pass if his workload is unclear.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Blake Buchanan 4+ Rebounds

• Alternate rebounding target
• Verify rotation role
• Confirm market availability

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4. Jaquan Johnson — 3+ Assists

Johnson provides another potential playmaking market if his expected involvement is confirmed. Three assists is the threshold I would examine, with particular attention to how ballhandling duties are divided alongside Lipsey. Without a clear minutes expectation, this remains a watch-list option rather than a bet to force.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Jaquan Johnson 3+ Assists

• Secondary playmaking option
• Confirm ballhandling role
• Check minutes and price

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Players to Watch

• Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State: Offensive organization and defensive pressure.
• Jaquan Johnson, Iowa State: Creation alongside the other guards.
• Blake Buchanan, Iowa State: Rebounding and interior positioning.
• Memphis’ primary ballhandlers: Their response to pressure could determine whether the Tigers remain within the number.

Iowa State’s current roster confirms Lipsey, Johnson and Buchanan.

Keys to the Game

Protect the ball. Memphis must avoid allowing Iowa State to score without facing a set defense.

Keep pressure legal. The Cyclones cannot turn aggressive defense into repeated trips to the foul line.

Maintain execution after halftime. A large spread can be decided by rotation minutes and the trailing team’s ability to sustain offense.

Memphis vs. Iowa State Betting Prediction

I am backing Iowa State −13.5 or better.

The Cyclones have a credible path to controlling possession quality, with Lipsey providing experience at the point of attack. Memphis can cover if it handles pressure and makes Iowa State work for every basket, but that is a demanding opening assignment.

My secondary lean is under 155.5. I expect Memphis’ scoring consistency to be the biggest obstacle to an over.

I would pass rather than chase Iowa State if the spread moves substantially beyond two touchdowns.

Final Betting Verdict

Prediction: Iowa State 82, Memphis 66 — the Cyclones control the game and cover.