Men's college basketball picks today: Monday's best bets include Nicholls State vs. Lamar play [2/23/2026]

Lamar -3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 7.2%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Nicholls State vs. Lamar (7:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model has identified value on Lamar -3.5 at -105 odds. A 58.4% probability produces an edge of 7.2%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Lamar ML (-170)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 68.7%
• Matchup: Nicholls State vs. Lamar (7:00PM ET, Monday)

Lamar ML carries a 5.8% edge and a probability of 68.7% at -170 odds, according to our model.

Kansas +1.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Houston vs. Kansas (9:00PM ET, Monday)

Kansas +1.5 vs. Houston at -102 odds shows a 4.3% edge, supported by a 54.8% probability in simulations.

North Carolina +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Louisville vs. North Carolina (7:00PM ET, Monday)

A 3.4% edge and 55.8% probability make North Carolina +3.5 vs. Louisville at a value play in the Louisville vs. North Carolina matchup, per our model.

Mississippi Valley State vs. Grambling State over 136.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 53.9%
• Matchup: Mississippi Valley State vs. Grambling State (8:30PM ET, Monday)

Mississippi Valley State vs. Grambling State over 136.5 points at -105 odds presents a 2.7% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 53.9%.

Stephen F. Austin -11.5 (-108)

• Edge: 2.2%
• Probability: 54.1%
• Matchup: New Orleans vs. Stephen F. Austin (7:30PM ET, Monday)

Our model finds value on Stephen F. Austin -11.5 at -108 odds, supported by an edge of 2.2%.

NCAAM best bets summary: Monday, 2/23/2026

As of 5:32PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Nicholls State vs. Lamar	Lamar -3.5	-105 @ FanDuel	7.2%	58.4%
Nicholls State vs. Lamar	Lamar ML	-170 @ DraftKings	5.8%	68.7%
Houston vs. Kansas	Kansas +1.5	-102 @ DraftKings	4.3%	54.8%
Louisville vs. North Carolina	North Carolina +3.5	-110 @ BetMGM	3.4%	55.8%
Mississippi Valley State vs. Grambling State	Over 136.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	2.7%	53.9%
New Orleans vs. Stephen F. Austin	Stephen F. Austin -11.5	-108 @ DraftKings	2.2%	54.1%

List of upcoming men's college basketball games to bet on now

• Louisville vs. North Carolina (7:00PM ET, Monday)
• Texas A&M-CC vs. Southeastern Louisiana (7:00PM ET, Monday)
• Nicholls State vs. Lamar (7:00PM ET, Monday)
• New Orleans vs. Stephen F. Austin (7:30PM ET, Monday)
• Texas Rio Grande Valley vs. McNeese State (7:30PM ET, Monday)
• Mississippi Valley State vs. Grambling State (8:30PM ET, Monday)
• Houston vs. Kansas (9:00PM ET, Monday)

Using Dimebot for betting research

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for February 23, 2026, featuring plays such as Lamar -3.5 and Lamar ML. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate college basketball insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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