The Tennessee Volunteers (27-8) will face off against the Purdue Boilermakers (32-4) in an Elite Eight matchup on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:20 PM ET with the game televised on CBS.

Purdue is currently a 3.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 147.5 points. This betting line has moved towards Matt Painter’s team after opening with the Boilermakers as shorter -2 favorites.

Let’s further examine the Tennessee vs Purdue odds as we make our prediction for this Elite Eight showdown.

Tennessee vs Purdue Odds

In the Tennessee vs Purdue odds, the Boilermakers are narrow -160 favorites on the moneyline, giving them an implied win probability of 61.5%.

These two teams met earlier this season in the Maui Invitational with Purdue prevailing 71-67. It was a defensive slugfest, with both teams shooting under 40% from the field and 30% from deep.

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Tennessee Betting Trends

Tennessee advanced to the Elite Eight by defeating Creighton 82-75 in their Sweet Sixteen matchup. The Volunteers trailed 35-34 at halftime but erupted for 48 second-half points to pull away for the victory. Tennessee shot 41.8% from the field and made 11 three-pointers in the win.

Previously, the Vols beat Texas 62-58 in the Round of 32 and St. Peter’s 83-49 in the first round. On the season, Tennessee is averaging 79.1 points, 39.1 rebounds and 16.7 assists per game, while allowing 67.3 points per contest.

walked off the floor and into the Elite 8

our PG pic.twitter.com/J6bmA8ul5K

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 30, 2024

The Volunteers are led by guard Dalton Knecht who is putting up 21.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. As a team, Tennessee is shooting 44.4% from the field, 74.9% from the free throw line and 34.2% from three-point range.

However, the Vols could be without starting guard Santiago Vescovi who missed the Creighton game with an illness and is questionable to play against Purdue.

While the Vols have some offensive playmakers, Tennessee’s defense is their calling card. The Volunteers are 3rd in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. Their perimeter defenders can make life difficult for Purdue’s guards like Loyer and Braden Smith.

Purdue Betting Analysis

Purdue punched their ticket to the Elite Eight with an impressive 80-68 victory over Gonzaga. The Boilermakers led 40-36 at the half and pulled away after the break, shooting a scorching 57.1% from the field while winning the rebounding battle by 7.

Purdue steamrolled their first two opponents, crushing Utah State 106-67 and Grambling 78-50. The Boilermakers are averaging 83.8 points, 40.6 rebounds and 19 assists per game this season, while giving up 69.4 points per contest.

Purdue’s offense revolves around 7’4″ center Zach Edey who is nearly averaging a double-double with 24.6 points and 12.1 rebounds to go along with 2.1 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. Edey is shooting 62.4% from the field, including 82.1% at the rim.

The Boilermakers are an elite shooting team, making 48.8% of their field goals, 72.1% of their free throws and 40.8% of their three-pointers.

Purdue’s biggest strength is their size and interior scoring prowess with Edey. The Boilermakers rank 2nd nationally in opponent rebounds per game (29.2) and 65th in opponent field goal percentage (41.9%).

Tennessee vs Purdue Prediction

Purdue is the more talented and complete team, as exemplified by the spread for this game. They have Edey, the best player on the floor, and more scoring options to surround him with. The Boilermakers are on a mission to reach their first Final Four under coach Matt Painter and shed their label as March underachievers.

Purdue’s experience in close games, such as its Maui win over Tennessee and recent victories against Marquette and Gonzaga, should serve them well if this is a tight contest down the stretch. The Boilermakers are 7-1 this season in games decided by five points or less.

The Vols will put up a fight with their tough defense and gritty style of play. But unless they shoot significantly better from the field and from three than they did in the first meeting, it’s hard to see them generating enough offense to win.

Expect another hard-fought, physical battle, but for Purdue to make just enough plays to cover the 3.5-point spread. The under also looks appealing given the defensive nature of the matchup.

TEN vs PUR Picks

• Purdue -3.5 (-105)
• Under 147.5 (-110)

The post #2 Tennessee vs #1 Purdue Odds, Prediction & Picks (Mar. 31) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Boston Celtics (57-16) travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans (45-28) at Smoothie King Center on Saturday evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET and the game will be televised on NBA TV, BSNO, and NBCS-BOS.

The Celtics enter as 6-point road favorites with the over/under set at 223 points, according to Bet365. Player props have also been released, with Jayson Tatum and Zion Williamson sporting the highest point totals on the board.

Let’s delve into our Celtics vs Pelicans prediction as we analyze the odds and determine the best player props to wager on.

Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds

In the Celtics vs Pelicans odds, Boston is a -245 road favorite, giving them 71% implied win probability. Check out our NBA odds page for moneylines and spreads for all of Saturday’s games.

In the updated NBA Championship odds, Boston is the favorite at +212 average odds, while New Orleans is a +7000 longshot.

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Celtics Betting Trends

Boston enters this contest looking to bounce back after suffering consecutive road losses to the Atlanta Hawks. In their most recent defeat on Thursday, the Celtics fell 123-122 in overtime as heavy 16-point favorites.

It marked a rare non-cover for a Boston team that has been one of the best bets in the NBA this season, going 38-32-3 against the spread (ATS) overall and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.

Offensively, the Celtics have been virtually unstoppable lately, eclipsing the 117-point mark in each of their past 11 outings dating back to March 9th. As usual, the catalyst has been All-Star forward Jayson Tatum. The 25-year-old is in the midst of another MVP-caliber campaign, ranking 6th in the league in scoring at 27.3 points per game while also contributing 8.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

Tatum’s partner in crime, Jaylen Brown, has also elevated his play this season. The versatile wing is posting 23.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest. His ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions makes him the perfect complement to Tatum.

From a betting perspective, there are a few key trends to note. The Celtics have been a solid bet as a road favorite this season, going 17-16-3 ATS in that spot. They have also been a strong over team lately, with the over hitting in five straight and seven of their last eight games overall.

Pelicans Betting Trends

New Orleans comes in playing some of their best basketball of the season. The Pelicans have won six of their last eight games overall, going 5-3 ATS during that stretch. Their most impressive performance came on Thursday when they took down the Milwaukee Bucks 107-100 as short 2-point home underdogs.

For the season, New Orleans has been a boon for bettors, compiling a 40-31-2 ATS record. As usual, the Pelicans are led by Zion Williamson’s freakish talents. The third-year forward is putting up 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting an absurd 58% from the field.

Zion Williamson in his last 3 games for the Pelicans 🔥

28 PTS – 5 REBS – 2 ASTS – 9-of-15 FG
29 PTS – 5 REBS – 10 ASTS – 10-of-17 FG
36 PTS – 7 REBS – 6 ASTS – 13-of-14 FG pic.twitter.com/FPRWZzMrtt

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 29, 2024

Williamson is flanked by veteran guard CJ McCollum, who has provided a steadying presence in his first full season with the team. The 31-year-old is averaging 18.8 points and 4.5 assists per game, giving New Orleans a reliable secondary creator and floor spacer.

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they will once again be without the services of another one of their top players in Brandon Ingram. The skilled forward has been sidelined since March 15th with a knee injury and remains out indefinitely.

Celtics vs Pelicans Player Props

NBA player props have been released for the Celtics vs Pelicans showdown, with oddsmakers forecasting big nights from each team’s star player. Taum and Williamson both have a projected point total of 25.5, while CJ McCollum is also sitting above 20 (22.5).

Player prop odds as of March. 30, at Caesars Sportsbook.

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Tatum over 25.5 points is a solid bet considering the Pelicans allow the 8th most points to opposing small forwards. Tatum is averaging 27.3 points per season, and his road production is identical to his production at TD Garden. Following a 31-point showing vs Atlanta, Tatum should stay hot as he aims to will Boston back into the win column.

On the New Orleans side, we think McCollum cashes the over on his point total in what should be a high-scoring game. The shooting guard is only averaging 18.8 points on the year, but with Ingram sidelined, he’s scored over 23 points in four straight games. Boston ranks just 18th in opponent three-point percentage, and McCollum has been on fire from deep.

Celtics vs Pelicans Prop Picks:

• Jayson Tatum Over 25.5 Points (-127)
• CJ McCollum Over 22.5 Points (-109)

Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

When breaking down the matchup, it’s hard not to give the Celtics a significant edge on paper. They have more top-end talent with Tatum and Brown, a deeper roster of complementary pieces, and a championship pedigree having made the Finals last season. The absence of Ingram only tilts the scales further in Boston’s favor.

However, the Pelicans have proven time and again that they are a tough out on their home floor. With Williamson leading the charge and a raucous New Orleans crowd behind them, they certainly have the ingredients to keep this game competitive.

Ultimately, I do expect the Celtics to emerge victorious and continue their march toward the top seed in the East. But I think the Pelicans put up a strong fight and keep it within the 6-point spread. I also lean towards the over given how explosive Boston’s offense has been lately and the potential for a fast-paced, high-scoring affair.

BOS vs NOP Picks:

• Pelicans +6 (-110)
• Over 223 (-110)

The post Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 30) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers will face off against the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide in an intriguing Elite Eight matchup on Saturday at 8:49 p.m. EDT at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game will be televised on TBS.

Alabama enters as a slight 3.5-point favorite despite Clemson dominating the recent head-to-head. The over/under has been set at 163.5 points for a matchup featuring the Tide’s top-ranked offense.

Let’s get into our Clemson vs Alabama prediction, as we analyze the odds and determine the best picks to make for the Elite Eight.

Clemson vs Alabama Odds

In the Clemson vs Alabama odds for Saturday, the Crimson Tide are -175 moneyline favorites, giving them an implied win probability of 63%.

These two teams last met in November, with Clemson pulling out an 85-77 victory in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers have won five of the last six meetings dating back to 2008.

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Clemson vs Alabama Head-to-Head Stats

Clemson Betting Analysis

Clemson (24-11, 11-10 ACC) is making its first Elite Eight appearance since 1980 after upsetting No. 2 seed Arizona 77-72 in the Sweet 16. The Tigers were led by Chase Hunter, who scored 18 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. PJ Hall also had a strong game with 17 points and 8 rebounds.

Clemson’s defense has been stifling in the tournament, holding opponents to just 41% shooting. The Tigers rank 33rd in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency. While their opponent Saturday plays at a fast pace, the Tigers rank 267th in the country in adjusted tempo.

The moment we went from Sweet to Elite 😎 pic.twitter.com/dMFWjtGbNH

— Clemson Basketball (@ClemsonMBB) March 29, 2024

On the season, Hall leads Clemson in scoring (18.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.5 rpg). Hunter is the team’s second-leading scorer at 14.8 ppg over the last 10 games. As a team, the Tigers are averaging 73.3 points on 46.5% shooting over their last 10 contests.

Clemson will need its defense to continue to shine against Alabama’s high-powered attack. The Tigers have allowed just 56 points to New Mexico, 64 to Baylor and 72 to Arizona so far in the tournament. The Tigers have been betting underdogs in all three games thus far.

Alabama Betting Analysis

Alabama (24-11, 13-6 SEC) punched its ticket to the Elite Eight for just the second time in program history by knocking off No. 1 seed North Carolina in the Sweet 16. The Crimson Tide were paced by a season-high 24 points from Grant Nelson, while Rylan Griffen and Aaron Estrada each chipped in 19.

For the season, Alabama boasts the nation’s top-scoring offense at 90.7 points per game and has outscored opponents by an average of 9.6 ppg. Mark Sears is the Tide’s leading scorer at 21.4 ppg while shooting 42.9% from three-point range. Estrada is averaging 15.1 ppg over the last 10 games on 48.9% shooting.

Mark Sears delivered for the Crimson Tide 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/F4KAgEq472

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 25, 2024

Alabama plays at one of the fastest tempos in the country, averaging 76.7 possessions and ranking 9th in Ken Pom’s adjusted tempo metrics. Their ability to score in bunches has led to the “over” hitting in 12 of their last 14 contests.

The Crimson Tide have been turning a profit for bettors this season, covering the number in 20 of their 35 games so far. They’ve also covered in all three games of the tournament, including as 4.5-point underdogs against UNC.

Clemson vs Alabama Prediction

This game will likely come down to whether Clemson’s stingy defense can disrupt Alabama’s rhythm just enough. The Tide want to speed up the pace and score in transition, while the Tigers prefer a slower, more methodical approach.

If Clemson can control the tempo and get enough offense from Hall and Hunter, the Tigers could be headed to their first Final Four in program history. But if Alabama is clicking on all cylinders, the Tide’s firepower may simply be too much to overcome.

For our Clemson vs Alabama prediction, we like the under in this game. The regular-season meeting resulted in an 85-77 final score, but there is a key difference in playstyle between the regular season and the Elite 8.

The under has hit in eight of the Tigers’ past 10 games, and we expect this trend to continue as Clemson aims to slow this game down. Bet on the two teams falling under the posted total of 163.5 points.

CLEM vs ALA Pick:

• Under 163.5 Points (-105)

The post Clemson vs Alabama Prediction, Odds & Picks for Elite Eight Matchup appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

No. 11 seed NC State (24-14) and No. 2 seed Marquette (28-9) will meet in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 29th at 7:09 PM ET on CBS. The game will take place at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Marquette is currently a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5 points, according to ESPN Sportsbook Sportsbook. NC State has been on a remarkable underdog run, but will it continue against the Wolfpack?

Let’s further breakdown the NC State vs Marquette odds, as we provide our prediction and best March Madness picks.

NC State vs Marquette Odds

In the NC State vs Marquette odds at ESPN, the Golden Eagles are 275 favorites on the moneyline, giving them an implied win probability of 73%.

The latest 2024 March Madness odds show the Golden Eagles as +1600 to win the entire tournament while the Wolfpack are +10,000 longshots (worst odds of any remaining team).

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NC State Betting Trends

NC State enters on a remarkable 5-game winning streak, including winning 5 games in 5 days to capture the ACC Tournament title as a double-digit seed. In the NCAA Tournament, they defeated No. 6 Texas Tech 80-67 in the first round and No. 14 Oakland 79-73 in overtime in the second round.

The Wolfpack have been underdogs in four straight games but keep finding ways to win. Forward DJ Burns Jr. is the engine that makes the offense go, averaging 16.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. He scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against Oakland.

don't waste your time trying to steal the ball from DJ Burns Jr. in the paint @PackMensBball pic.twitter.com/XS8GOgixAd

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 23, 2024

The key for NC State in this game is getting production from their supporting cast like guards Jarkel Joiner and Terquavion Smith to take scoring pressure off Burn. Mohamed Diarra also had double-doubles in both games and is averaging 14 points and 12.5 rebounds in the tourney.

NC State ranks 42nd in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency metrics, but they only rank 76th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Part of those struggles can be attributed to their three-point defense, which ranks outside the top-200 nationally.

Marquette Betting Trends

Marquette advanced by beating Western Kentucky 87-69 in the first round after trailing by 7 at halftime. In the second round, they held off Colorado 81-77 despite Colorado tying the game late. The Golden Eagles are 12-3 in their last 15 games overall.

Star point guard Tyler Kolek, who recently recovered from an oblique injury, averaged 19.5 points and 11 assists and shot 63 percent from the field in the two wins. In the victory over Colorado, Kolek had 21 points and 11 assists, while Kam Jones added 18 points.

Tyler Kolek is CLUTCH.

Marquette with the late lead pic.twitter.com/ePRLp0jbrx

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2024

The advanced metrics paint Marquette in a good light, as the Eagles rank 19th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 21st in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. According to that same website, they have also played the eighth-hardest schedule in the country.

Marquette is 21-14-1 ATS on the season, covering the number in 12 of their past 17 games. They were favored by 4.5 points against Colorado in the Round of 32 but missed out on covering the spread by an ever-so-slim margin.

NC State vs Marquette Prediction

While NC State has been a great story, Marquette’s combination of elite guard play, defensive intensity, and coaching from Shaka Smart gives them a significant edge in this matchup. Expect the Golden Eagles’ depth and athleticism to eventually wear down the Wolfpack over 40 minutes.

Marquette’s ability to force turnovers and score in transition will be the difference. Look for Kolek and Jones to set the tone on both ends. Burns will get his points inside for NC State, but it won’t be enough to overcome Marquette’s balance and defensive pressure.

NC State vs Marquette Pick:

• Marquette Golden Eagles -6.5 (-105)

The post NC State vs Marquette Odds, Prediction & Picks (March. 29) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers and the No. 2 seed Arizona Wildcats faceoff in the Sweet 16 of the 2024 March Madness NCAA Tournament on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 7:09 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The latest Sweet 16 odds favor the Wildcats by 7.5 points over the Tigers. The over/under is offered at 152.5 points, while player props favor strong outings from Caleb Love and Oumar Ballo.

Let’s dive into our Clemson vs Arizona prediction, as we analyze the odds and provide player props to bet.

Clemson Tigers vs Arizona Wildcats Odds

In the Clemson vs Arizona odds, the Wildcats are -7.5-point favorites on the spread and -300 favorites on the moneyline. Arizona’s implied win probability based on these odds is 75%.

The latest Final Four odds show the Wildcats as the third betting choice (+120) to make the semi-finals, while the Tigers are +1100 longshots.

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Clemson Tigers Betting Analysis

Clemson advanced to the Sweet Sixteen after defeating 11-seed New Mexico 77-56 in the first round and upsetting 3-seed Baylor 72-64 in the second round. For the season, Clemson is 26-9 overall and went 14-6 in ACC play to finish in a tie for third place.

Guard Chase Hunter led the way with 21 and 20 points in the two postseason victories. While Hunter stepped up in the opening two games, Clemson is led by 22-year-old senior PJ Hall.

The 6’10” junior is the Tigers’ leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 18.8 points and 6.7 boards per game. He shoots 49.2% from the field and 31.6% from three. However, Hall has battled foul trouble in his first two NCAA Tournament games, finishing with four in 19 minutes against New Mexico and fouling out in 20 minutes against Baylor.

A visibly emotional PJ Hall in the locker room after the game: "After the BC game, we got punched in the mouth by everyone we can think of … all that mattered was in this room, this staff, and the heart we've got." pic.twitter.com/r9beALfzzt

— Marc Whiteman (@MarcWYFFNews4) March 25, 2024

Clemson plays at a slower pace, ranking 257th in adjusted tempo per KenPom. They are solid defensively, ranking 38th in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Tigers struggle to defend the three-point line, however, holding opponents to shoot 33.3% from deep (163rd in the nation).

The Tigers are 19-14-1 against the spread (ATS) and 17-17 in hitting the over. They’ve won outright in two straight games as betting underdogs, advancing their record to 6-3 straight up when the other team is favored. They are also 8-1 ATS as an underdog this season.

Arizona Wildcats Betting Analysis

Arizona cruised into the Sweet Sixteen with double-digit victories over 15-seed Long Beach State (85-65) and 7-seed Dayton (78-68). The Wildcats are now 27-8 overall after going 16-6 in Pac-12 play to fall just short of the regular season title.

The Wildcats have been led by senior guard Caleb Love, who put up 18 and 19 points in the two playoff victories. Depth has been the name of the game for Arizona this season, however, as four different players average more than 11 points per game.

Arizona boasts the nation’s ninth most efficient offense, per KenPom. They play at a fast tempo (16th) and shoot a high percentage from the field (48.9%, 15th). The Wildcats are especially dangerous from three-point range, knocking down 37.30% as a team (20th).

Defensively, Arizona is above-average, ranking 44th in adjusted efficiency. The Wildcats will be without starting point guard Henri Veesaar, who is out for the tournament with an elbow injury suffered in the preseason.

Arizona is 19-16 ATS and 16-19 in hitting the over this season. They’ve covered the spread as favorites in two consecutive games, including as massive 20-point chalk in the tournament opener. Prior to that, however, they failed to cover -11.5 in the Pac-12 Semifinal.

Clemson vs Arizona Player Props

Clemson vs Arizona player props are now available, with Caleb Love sporting the highest point total on the board at 18.5. Oumar Ballo is projected to record the most rebounds at 10.5, while Love and Joseph Girard III share the highest three-point line.

A player prop bet we have locked in for this game is Chase Hunter Over 1.5 three-pointers made (available at DraftKings). The 6′ 4″ senior has gone over this line in three of his past five games and lands a favorable matchup Thursday.

Opposing teams are targeting Clemson’s frontcourt, as the Tigers rank 20th in the nation in average height. This focus is creating opportunities for Hunter on the perimeter. Look for him to cash this prop facing a Wildcats defense that ranks 134th nationally in defending beyond the arc.

Clemson vs Arizona Prop Pick:

• Chase Hunter Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (+105)

Clemson vs Arizona Prediction

This game features a clash of styles, with Arizona’s up-tempo, high-powered offense against Clemson’s slower pace and stingy defense. When making a Clemson vs Arizona prediction, consider which team will be more successful in integrating their respective styles.

For Clemson to pull off the upset, they need to control the tempo and limit Arizona’s transition opportunities. The Tigers must also improve their defense of the three-point line when facing a Wildcats offense that’s lethal from deep. If the Tigers can ugly up the game and keep the score in the 60s, they’ll give themselves a great chance.

Clemson’s adopted physical defensive mindset could pose legitimate challenges for Arizona. Furthermore, the Tigers have a stronger strength of schedule, highlighted by victories over New Mexico and Baylor. Players like Chase Hunter and Joe Gerard of Clemson also have prior experience defending Arizona’s star Love.

The moneyline winner is a toss-up, as the Tigers have upset potential while the Wildcats have the talent to pull away late. However, we can’t ignore that Clemson’s elite and physical defense has held six of its past seven opponents to 64 points or less, making the Tigers against the number the best value on this game.

CLEM vs AZ Pick:

• Clemson Tigers +7.5

The post Clemson vs Arizona Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (March 28) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Boston Bruins (42-16-15) head south to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (39-25-7) in a highly anticipated Atlantic Division showdown on Wednesday night. Puck drop at Amalie Arena is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET with the game televised on TNT.

The Lightning are slight -115 moneyline favorites, while the over/under is set at 6 goals. Player props are available, with oddsmakers forecasting big performances from David Pastrnak and Nikita Kucherov.

Let’s get into our Bruins vs Lightning prediction, as we analyze the odds and determine the best player props to wager on.

Bruins vs Lightning Odds

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Bruins vs Lightning Head-to-Head Stats

Bruins Betting Analysis

The Bruins are coming off a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. Trailing 3-2 late in the third period, center Trent Frederic scored his 18th goal of the season on the power play to tie the game. Minutes later, center Pavel Zacha fired in the game-winner, which was also his 18th tally of the year.

The win propelled Boston into first place in the Atlantic Division, one point ahead of the Panthers. With at least one point against the Lightning tonight, they can clinch a spot in the NHL Playoff Bracket.

The Bruins are led by their superstar winger David Pastrnak, who ranks second in the NHL with 45 goals and is tied for third with 101 points. Pastrnak has tormented the Lightning throughout his career, tallying 19 goals and 34 points in 32 games. Brad Marchand (27 goals) and Pavel Zacha (18 goals) provide a secondary scoring punch.

In net, the Bruins boast the league’s best goaltending duo in Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. Ullmark, last year’s Vezina Trophy winner, is 19-8-7 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. Swayman has been even better, going 23-8-8 with a 2.58 GAA and .916 save percentage.

With Swayman starting Tuesday night against the Panthers, Wednesday’s projected starting NHL goalie is Ullmark. The Swede is having a good season but he’s only 5-6-1 vs the Lightning in his career with a .901 save percentage.

Lightning Betting Analysis

On the other side, the Lightning have been one of the NHL’s hottest teams over the past few weeks. They are 6-0-1 in their last seven contests and are returning home after a perfect 4-0-0 road trip through the Western Conference.

On Sunday, the Bolts outlasted the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime, with recently acquired winger Anthony Duclair scoring the game-winner. Duclair has provided an offensive spark since joining the Lightning, lighting the lamp five times in seven games

Anthony Duclair (@aduclair10) since joining the @TBLightning:

Four goals and six points in five games. pic.twitter.com/5rg1HiaSRE

— NHL (@NHL) March 22, 2024

Tampa Bay’s offense revolves around their dynamic duo of Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Kucherov is tied for the NHL scoring lead with 123 points (41 goals, 82 assists) and has recorded at least one point in 12 straight games. Point has been on a goal-scoring binge, finding the back of the net 10 times in his last eight games.

The Lightning also have a formidable power play, converting at a league-best 29.0% clip. Kucherov and Steven Stamkos are tied for the team lead with 15 power-play goals each. They face a Bruins penalty kill that is ranked eighth in the league at 23.6%.

Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start for the Lightning in goal. The former Vezina Trophy winner is 26-16-2 with a 2.94 GAA and .897 save percentage this season. While those numbers are pedestrian by his lofty standards, Vasilevskiy has elevated his play of late, going 8-1-1 with a 2.27 GAA and .924 save percentage in March.

Bruins vs Lightning Player Props

In the NHL player props market, Davis Pastrnak is the only odds-on favorite to light the lamp at -120 odds. His point total is 1.5, while Tampa Bay star Nikita Kucherov is the only other player who shares the same point projection.

NHL player prop odds as of March 27, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Visit our NHL player props page for more expansive betting options.

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Here are a couple of NHL prop bets we’ve locked in for Wednesday’s action:

David Pastrnak (Bruins) Over 4.5 Shots on Goal (+114)
Pastrnak is averaging 4.96 shots per game this season and has gone over 4.5 shots in six of his last 10 games. The Lightning have allowed the 6th most shots per game this year at 33.2, so Pastrnak should have plenty of opportunities to fire the puck on net.

Nikita Kucherov (Lightning) Anytime Goal (+130)
Kucherov has been on a goal-scoring tear lately, lighting the lamp in three straight games. He has 41 goals on the season and is tied for the NHL scoring lead with 123 points. Kucherov has also scored in two of three games against the Bruins this year.

Bruins vs Lightning Prediction

The advanced metrics for these two teams over the past two months are fairly similar, with each squad falling just below the 50% mark in Corsi (possession). However, the B’s do hold a clear edge in expected goals, as they sport a 54.9% xGF% over the past 10 games, while the Bolts have a 46.6 xGF% in that same span.

Here are some Bruins vs Lightning betting trends that can help us make an educated wager on the game tonight:

•  Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Boston are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games against Tampa Bay.
• The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Tampa Bay’s last 13 games against Boston.

This is a hard game to pick. The Bruins are the superior team, but the Bolts have turned it on recently and are the more desperate team. Boston is the stingier defensive team, but they may concede more scoring chances as they play for the second straight night.

Our most confident play is going to be the “under”, as Vasilevskiy has excelled against Boston in his career with a .914 career save percentage. With plenty at stake for both teams, expect another hard-fought and low-scoring battle in this rivalry.

BOS vs TBL Pick:

• Under 6 (-115)

The post Bruins vs Lightning Prediction, Odds & Player Props (Wednesday, Mar. 27) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

MLB Opening Day is almost here, with 30 teams scheduled to kick off the season on Thursday, March 28th. MLB odds have been released for the massive 15-game slate that begins with Brewers vs Mets and concludes with Red Sox vs Mariners.

We’ve made our MLB Opening Day predictions, including identifying the games with the best betting value. Below, you can see a full table of game odds and our expert picks.

MLB Opening Day Odds 2024

In the MLB Opening Day odds for 2024, the heaviest favorite on the board is the Arizona Diamondbacks (-235) in their late-night matchup with the Colorado Rockies. Conversely, the tightest line is an afternoon clash between the San Francisco Giants (-108) and San Diego Padres (-112).

When it comes to game totals, the Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds matchup is the only game that features a total of 9 or higher. Make sure to check out our MLB odds page for the latest markets as these prices can change

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All odds as of March 27, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Bettors can claim the DraftKings Sportsbook promo to wager on MLB Opening Day. Bet $5 on any game and receive $150!

Brewers vs Mets Prediction & Pick

The very first pitch of the 2024 season features an intriguing contrast of styles, as the small-market Brewers visit the big-spending Mets in Queens. 20-year-old phenom Jackson Chourio, the consensus top prospect in baseball, headlines Milwaukee’s youth movement. He’ll make his highly anticipated MLB debut as part of a Brewers lineup looking to prove the doubters wrong.

They’ll have their work cut out for them against Mets veteran José Quintana. The crafty lefty stabilized New York’s rotation after coming over at last year’s trade deadline. On the other side, Brewers ace Freddy Peralta looks to build off a breakout 2023 campaign and stake his claim as one of the NL’s elite arms.

Your SP1 is @FreddyPeraltaRD ❕❕❕ pic.twitter.com/IcxfkGdcLu

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 19, 2024

While the Mets opened as the favorites on paper, don’t be surprised if the plucky Brewers play spoiler behind a strong Peralta outing and some Opening Day magic from their dynamic rookie Chourio. In 11 career innings vs NYM, Peralta has only conceded four runs.

Furthermore, Francisco Lindor, Ketel Marte, and Pete Alonso are only a combined 1 for 18 against Peralta. In a season where many expect Milwaukee to take a step back, an upset win over the mighty Mets would send an early message that they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the NL Central.

MLB Opening Day Pick:

• Milwaukee Brewers ML (-110)

Editors Note: This game has been postponed until Friday due to inclement weather.

Yankees vs Astros Best Bet

A rematch of the epic 2022 ALCS, the Yankees and Astros waste no time renewing their budding rivalry. Offseason acquisition Juan Soto makes his highly anticipated Yankees debut, joining a fearsome lineup with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo.

They’ll face a tall task against Astros ace Framber Valdez, who led the AL with a 2.82 ERA in 2023. The Astros, who have won two World Series titles in four years, still boast a potent offense led by Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, and Jose Altuve. Yankees southpaw Nestor Cortes will try to keep them in check.

Nestor drops down a bit to get Olson to end the 1st! pic.twitter.com/vrPGYyndnh

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 21, 2024

But in a matchup between two evenly matched powerhouses, the Astros’ championship pedigree gives them a slight edge. The Astros took the season series 5-2 last year, with the Yankees 29th-ranked batting average proving costly.

Cortes struggled in spring training, going 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA. Look for Valdez to outduel Cortes in a low-scoring pitcher’s duel as the Astros begin their World Series quest with a hard-fought victory.

MLB Opening Day Picks:

• Astros ML (-155)
• Under 8.5 Runs (-105)

Make sure you check out the best sports betting apps for MLB before placing your bets! Several sign-up offers are available for new customers ahead of Opening Day.

The post MLB Opening Day Picks & Odds for All 15 Games appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Milwaukee Bucks (46-25) will aim to extend their home winning streak to seven games when they host the visiting Los Angeles Lakers (40-32) on Tuesday evening. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET at Fiserv Forum, with TNT carrying the broadcast nationally.

The Bucks enter the game as a 9.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 231.5 points. NBA player props are available, with Giannis Antetokounmpo forecasted to have a strong game and LeBron James unlikely to suit up.

Who will cover the spread in Lakers vs Bucks? Let’s get into our LA vs Milwaukee prediction, along with player props to bet.

LA Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds

In the Lakers vs Bucks odds for Tuesday, Milwaukee is a heavy -425 moneyline favorite, giving them an implied win probability of 59%.

In their previous meeting on March 8th, the Lakers edged the Bucks 123-122 in a thrilling finish at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers are looking to sweep the season series.

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Lakers Betting Analysis

The Lakers come into this game riding a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Indiana Pacers 150-145 on Sunday. Anthony Davis led the way with 36 points and 16 rebounds, while LeBron James added 26 points and 10 assists in the high-scoring affair.

The Lakers’ offense has been clicking, averaging 117.7 points per game (ninth in the NBA), but their defense has struggled, allowing 117.6 points per game (23rd). Davis has been the Lakers’ most consistent performer this season, averaging 24.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Anthony Davis: Your Player of the Week (10x) pic.twitter.com/QlCgIeP4lK

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 25, 2024

James, despite battling injuries throughout the season, is still putting up impressive numbers with 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. However, he is currently listed as doubtful for this game due to an ankle injury.

In terms of betting trends, the Lakers are 33-39 against the spread (ATS) this season, but are just 12-20 against the number on the road. The over has hit in 39 of the Lakers’ 72 games.

Bucks Betting Analysis

The Bucks, meanwhile, have won four of their last five games, including a 118-93 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 24. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 30 points and 19 rebounds in that game.

Milwaukee boasts the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and has been dominant at home, going 18-5 at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks have won six straight on their home court, including an impressive win over Phoenix on March 17th.

Giannis scored a team-high 34 points in our last matchup with the Lakers on March 8.

⏪: @betwayusa pic.twitter.com/agPg3FHazT

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 26, 2024

Antetokounmpo has been a force to be reckoned with this season. He averages 30.7 points (second in the NBA), 11.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. His unique combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for any opponent.

A key aspect of this game will be three-point shooting, as the Bucks rank third in the NBA in three-point percentage (37.8%). Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Malik Beasley all shoot over 36% from beyond the arc. The Bucks also rank fifth in the league in rebounding (47.2 per game).

Like their Tuesday counterparts, the Bucks haven’t been a profitable betting team against the number in the 2023-24 season. Milwaukee is only 32-39 ATS, including 17-19 ATS at home. The “over” has cashed in 34 of their 71 games.

Lakers vs Bucks Player Props

NBA player props have been released for the Lakers vs Bucks showdown, with oddsmakers forecasting another big game from Giannis. The “Greek Freak” has the highest point total on the board at 29.9, while LeBron James props aren’t available due to his injury status.

NBA Player props odds as of March. 26, at Caesars Sportsbook.

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The NBA player prop bet we like the most in this game is Austin Reaves over 17.5 points. If James is out, Reaves will step into a larger role with a high ceiling for his point total. The 25-year-old shooting guard is coming off a 25-point, eight-assist, and five-rebound game against the Pacers on Sunday.

Reaves’ usage jumps over five percentage points when LeBron is not on the floor, averaging 19.1 points in those games. Reaves only scored 18 points in the first meetings, as Russell went off for 44. While D’Lo should have another strong game, that was an outlier performance, and the point distribution should be more even on Tuesday.

Lakers vs Bucks Prop Bets:

• Austin Reaves Over 17.5 Points (-106 at Caesars)

Lakers vs Bucks Prediction

While the Lakers have been playing well recently and have the star power to compete with anyone, the Bucks’ depth and home-court advantage give them the edge in this matchup. If LeBron James is unable to play, it will be an even tougher task for the Lakers to leave Milwaukee with a win.

Although we like the Bucks to win outright on their home court, we think the Lakers offer some value to cover the number. LA is the more desperate team as they aim to secure a play-in spot, and they’ve covered in three straight meetings between the two clubs at Fiserv Forum.

The Lakers lead the NBA with a +420 free-throw differential, almost double that of the Bucks. Russell, coming off a 44-point game in the last meeting, should help provide enough scoring on Tuesday, while Davis will protect the rim and make life difficult for Antetokounmpo.

LAL vs MIL Pick:

• Lakers +9.5 (-110)

The post LA Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 26) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

No. 13 seed Yale will try to pull off another stunning upset when it faces No. 5 seed San Diego State in the second round of 2024 March Madness on Sunday night. Tipoff is set for 9:40 p.m. ET from Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Washington.

The Aztecs are 5.5-point favorites in the latest San Diego State vs. Yale odds, with the over/under offered at 128.5. Player props favor a strong showing from SDSU star forward Jaedon LeDee.

Let’s delve into our Yale vs San Diego State prediction, as we break down the odds and player props available.

San Diego State vs Yale Odds

In the Yale vs SDSU odds, the Aztecs are -250 moneyline favorites against the Bulldogs, giving them an implied win probability of 71%. The over/under is now listed at 128.5 after opening at 127.5.

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Yale Writing Cinderella Story

Yale advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament by upsetting fourth-seeded Auburn on Friday afternoon. John Poulakidas made six 3-pointers and scored 28 points, while Samson Aletan made a key blocked shot in the final seconds to power the team to a 78-76 upset victory.

Oddsmakers have undervalued the Bulldogs recently, as the team has covered the spread in 14 of its past 19 games. If you bet $100 on Yale to cover every game during that span, you’d be up around $1500. Can they reward their bettors once again on Sunday?

NO. 13 YALE UPSETS NO. 4 AUBURN IN THE 1ST ROUND 😱

THIS IS MARCH. pic.twitter.com/GDPK9RKPcx

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 22, 2024

Yale has had a fairly strong offense this season, averaging 75 points per game, which places them 128th in the nation. The Bulldogs are shooting an impressive 47% from the field, good for 56th nationally. On defense, Yale only gives up 67 points per contest, which ranks 39th.

While Yale’s offensive and defensive metrics look good on paper, it’s important to remember they are members of the Ivy League. Per KenPom’s advanced stats, Yale falls outside the top 80 in both adjusted offensive and defensive effeciency.

Aztecs Boast Elite Defense

San Diego State punched their ticket to the round of 32 with a tight 69-65 victory over UAB in East Region first-round play. Jaedon LeDee recorded 32 points and eight rebounds, while Lamont Butler added 15 points and four steals.

LeDee has been on fire of late, recording at least 22 points in four straight games, including a 34-point, 16-rebound double-double against UNLV in the Mountain West Tournament last week. The experienced 24-year-old is a +7000 longshot in the 2024 Wooded Award odds.

"It's a tale of two halves. We've been in this March Madness thing before. You know, we're easy in the storm."

—@Aztec_MBB Jaedon LeDee pic.twitter.com/FTOxLa2sty

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 16, 2024

The Aztecs boast one of the best defenses in college basketball. They allow opponents to average only 67 points per game (35th) and shoot 40% from the field. Another key part of this success is their turnover efficiency, exemplified by their 17-5 edge in points off turnovers last game.

Despite their stellar defense, the Aztecs have only managed to cover the spread once in their past seven games. While LeDee is an incredible talent, the team’s overall offense is lackluster. SDSU ranks 60th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency despite the model ranking the team 20th overall.

Yale vs San Diego State Player Props

College basketball player props are already available for the Yale vs San Diego State showdown, with oddsmakers forecasting Jaedon LeDee to have a big game. LeDee is the only player in this game close to the 20-point mark, as his player prop is set at 21.5 points.

Yale vs San Diego State player props odds as of March. 23, at DraftKings Sportsbook.

LeDee is the catalyst of this San Diego State offense, and he lands a favorable matchup Sunday. The 6’9″ forward does the majority of his work inside the arc, and Yale allowed Auburn to shoot 20 of 33 (60.6%) from two-point range. Furthermore, the Bulldogs gave the Tigers 22 trips to the free-throw line.

LeDee’s player prop of 21.5 is right in line with his season average (21.4), but his output increases to over 22 points in games in which he plays more than 30 minutes. Considering LeDee is averaging around 35 minutes over his past five contests, he should see enough usage to cash the over on his player prop Sunday.

Yale vs San Diego State Prediction

San Diego State hasn’t been a profitable college basketball team lately, but we like this matchup for the Aztecs. The Bulldogs went 9 of 20 from deep (45.0%) against Auburn yet only shoot at a 34.9% clip on the year. They now must face an SDSU three-point defense that ranks 27th nationally.

There’s a chance for a letdown performance from Yale following two consecutive emotional victories over Brown and Auburn. They may get frustrated against an elite SDSU defense that held Gonzgzaga to 74 points and St. Mairy’s to 54 points in pivotal non-conference wins this year.

SDSU has played the 21st hardest schedule this year per KenPom, while Yale has played the 118th toughest. We project that SDSU’s postseason experience will pay dividends as the game rolls on. Look for the Aztecs to grind out a low-scoring win on the shoulders of another strong Jaedon LeDee performance.

Yale vs SDSU Picks:

• San Diego State -5.5 (-110)
• Jaedon LeDee Over 21.5 Points (-130)

The post Yale vs San Diego State Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (March. 24) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The 2024 March Madness tournament continues this weekend with a matchup between the UConn Huskies and Northwestern Wildcats on Sunday. The latest odds favor the top-seeded Huskies by 13 points over the ninth-seeded Wildcats.

What’s the best bet for this Round 2 March Madness showdown? We’ve made our Northwestern vs UConn prediction to help you make an educated wager on the game.

Northwestern vs UConn Odds

In the Northwestern vs UConn odds, the Huskies are heavy -1400 favorites, giving them an implied win probability of 93%. This spread has climbed with UConn opening as lighter 13-point favorites.

Tip off for UConn vs Northwestern is 7:45 pm ET on Sunday, with TrueTV carrying the broadcast.

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Northwestern vs UConn Team Stats

Northwestern Betting Analysis

Northwestern punched its ticket to Round 2 of the tournament with a dramatic 77-65 overtime victory over Florida Atlantic on Friday. Ryan Langborg, a transfer from Princeton, scored a career-high 27 points, including 12 in overtime, to help the Wildcats pull away from the Owls.

The Wildcats recovered after relinquishing a nine-point lead late in the second half. Brooks Barnhizer had a driving layup to tie it up with nine seconds left. The Wildcats were quite efficient in the extra session, making all five shots from the field and seven of eight free throws.

NORTHWESTERN TIES IT UP!

WE'RE HEADING TO OVERTIME 😱#MarchMadness @NUMensBball pic.twitter.com/jR2wPCYkyt

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2024

The Wildcats rank outside the top 100 in both points scored and field goal percentage, but their three-point shooting and free throw accuracy are outstanding. The Wildcats are shooting 39.41% from beyond the arc (6th) and 75% from the charity stripe (67th).

Defensively, Northwestern is decent overall (69 ppg allowed) but struggles in key areas. The Wildcats are allowing opponents to shoot 36% from beyond the arc, which ranks outside the top 300. The Wildcats are also allowing opponents to shoot 45% from the field (260th).

Northwestern is led by Boo Buie, who averages 19.3 points and five assists per game. Brooks Barnhizer is at the top of the Northwestern rebounding leaderboard with 7.5 rebounds per game. He also averages 14.5 points and 2.7 assists per game.

Connecticut Betting Analysis

As the current favorite in the 2024 March Madness odds, #1 UConn took care of business in their opening game of the tournament against the Stetson Hatters. The Huskies took a 52-19 lead at the half before winning by a final score.

Donovan Clingan scored 19 points and Cam Spencer had 15 as the Huskies shot 68.8%, committed only three turnovers, and outrebounded the Hatters 18-11. Considering how dominant this performance was, it’s no surprise the Huskies are favored to become the first March Madness repeat winner since 2007.

DONOVAN CLINGAN SOARS TO THE RIM 💪#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/GvYy0Ce4zb

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2024

There’s not much that Dan Hurley’s team doesn’t do well. The Huskies rank 22nd in the country in overall offense (81.5) while shooting an outstanding 49.60% from the field. Defensively, Connecticut is top 15 in both points allowed (64 ppg) and opposing field goal percentage (39%).

Tristen Newton paces the Huskies in scoring with 15.1 points per game, while also averaging 6.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists. His playmaking is a big reason the Huskies lead the Big Ten in assists per game at 18.6. Clingan, meanwhile, is averaging 14.1 points and 8.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Northwestern vs UConn Prediction

Can Northwestern keep it competitive against one of the most dominant teams in the sport? The Huskies are 9-1 in their past 10 contests, outscoring opponents by an average of 81.0 to 63.9 in that span, all while shooting 48% from the field.

We have concerns about Northwestern’s rotation and the potential impact of fatigue on their performance. The Wildcats had only three players score more than eight points in the overtime win and only six logged more than 20 minutes.

There’s potential for Boo Buie to have another monster game and keep it close down to the wire. That’s why our best bet is going to be on the UConn team total. The Huskies’ offense should feast against a Wildcats defense that is bottom 100 in three-point percentage allowed and outside the top 300 in opponent free throw rate.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently has UConn’s team total at 75.5 in the team props section of their betting app. We like hitting the “over” here, with the Huskies surpassing 76 points in three of their past four contests. The Huskies should continue rolling as they expose the Cats’ defensive deficiencies.

Northwestern vs UConn Pick:

• Connecticut Team Total Over 75.5

The post Northwestern vs UConn Prediction, Odds & Expert Picks (Sunday, Mar. 24) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The No. 7 seed Washington State Cougars will face off against the No. 2 seed Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Tip-off is set for 6:10 p.m. EDT at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska and the game will be televised on TNT.

Iowa State enters as a 6.5-point favorite with the over/under total set at 129 points. Can the Cougars pull off an upset in Round 2 of the tournament?

Let’s get into our Washington State vs Iowa State prediction, as we analyze the odds and provide our expert picks.

Washington State vs Iowa State Odds

In the WSU vs ISU odds, the Cyclones are -290 moneyline favorites, giving them an implied win probability of 74%.

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Odds as of March 22, 2024, at Bet365 Sportsbook. Take advantage of the Bet365 promotions to bet on Washington State vs Iowa State, plus other Round 2 March Madness action.

Cougars Betting Trends

Washington State advanced after upsetting 10-seed Drake 66-61 in the first round. The Cougars were led by guard TJ Bamba, who scored 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Forward Mouhamed Gueye added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds

On the season, Washington State ranks 25th in the AP Poll with a 25-9 record, including 15-7 in Pac-12 play. The Cougars are 18-16 against the spread and 14-19-1 to the under this year.

Another day to get better at basketball 📝 🏀 #GoCougs // #MarchHarvest#WheatfieldUnderdogs // #CVE pic.twitter.com/KMrEPmBLVJ

— Washington State Men's Basketball (@WSUCougarsMBB) March 22, 2024

Washington State’s strength is their defense, which ranks 22nd in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency. The Cougars hold opponents to just 66.7 points per game. They have a problem containing playmaking guards, however, as exemplified by Drake piling up 18 assists in the last game.

WSU is led offensively by guard TJ Bamba (15.3 ppg) and forward Mouhamed Gueye (14.6 ppg, 8.6 RPG). However, Washington State struggles to score at times, ranking just 114th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency.

Cyclones Betting Trends

Iowa State cruised to a 76-57 victory over 15-seed South Dakota State in their tournament opener. The Cyclones had four players score in double figures, led by Jaren Holmes’ 19 points. Gabe Kalscheur chipped in 16 points and Osun Osunniyi had a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Iowa State is 28-7 overall, 16-5 in the Big 12, and ranked 4th in the latest AP Poll. The Cyclones are 23-10-2 ATS and 17-18-0 on over/unders.

Ready to get back out there. #Cyclones | #C5C pic.twitter.com/lczQ93E29Q

— Iowa State Men’s Basketball (@CycloneMBB) March 22, 2024

Iowa State boasts the nation’s top defense according to KenPom, allowing only 61.4 points per contest. The Cyclones also force turnovers on 24.5% of opponent possessions, the 4th highest rate in the country.

Offensively, Iowa State averages a solid 75.7 points per game and shoots 36.6% from three-point range. The Cyclones are led by a balanced attack featuring Jaren Holmes (13.6 ppg), Gabe Kalscheur (12.8 ppg) and Tamin Lipsey (7.8 ppg, 5.0 apg).

Washington State vs Iowa State Prediction

With Iowa State’s suffocating defense and more consistent offensive attack, the Cyclones have clear the edge on paper. KenPom predicts a 68-62 Iowa State victory, giving the Cyclones a 79% chance to advance to the Sweet 16.

Washington State has proven capable of pulling off upsets, as evidenced by their 77-74 road win over Arizona as 14-point underdogs in late February. The Cougars will need a similar defensive effort and timely shooting to overcome the stingy Cyclones.

Ultimately, Iowa State’s superior balance and elite defense makes them our pick to cover the 6.5-point spread. The Cyclones’ ability to win with defense and just enough offense has been their calling card all season. Expect a low-scoring grind that stays under the total as Iowa State punches their ticket to the second weekend of the Big Dance.

In recent losses, Washington lost by six points to Colorado, six points to Washington, and 12 points to Arizona State. Don’t be afraid to lay the points with the favorite here while tossing the under in a same-game parlay.

WSU vs ISU Picks:

• Iowa State -6.5 (-110)
• Under 129 Points (-110)

The post Washington State vs Iowa State Odds, Predictions & Picks (Mar. 23) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Round 2 of March Madness gets underway this Saturday, featuring a matchup between the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans and the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels. This game is being played in Charlotte, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 PM ET.

The Round 2 March Madness odds favor North Carolina in Charlotte, pricing the Tar Heels as 3.5-point spread favorites against the Spartans. The over/under is listed at 142.5 for a matchup featuring ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis.

Let’s get into our Michigan State vs North Carolina prediction, as we break down the game odds and determine the best player props to wager on.

Michigan State vs North Carolina Odds

In the MSU vs UNC odds, the Tar Heels are narrow -175 favorites on the moneyline, giving them 54% implied win probability.

The Tar Heels are 5-0 all-time against Michigan State in NCAA Tournament play, most recently meeting in the 2009 national championship game in Detroit.

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Odds as of March 23, at ESPN Bet North Carolina. With sports betting now live in the Tar Heel state, bettors in Charlotte can wager on this game at March Madness sportsbook apps!

Michigan State Betting Trends

Michigan State enters the second round of March Madness following a 69-51 win over number 8 seed Mississippi State in the opening round of the tourney. Tyson Walker scored 19 points, Jaden Akins added 15 points and seven rebounds, and Malik Hall scored 10 points.

The Spartans, who were in control the whole way, pushed the tempo early and jumped out to a 20-8 lead after hitting four of seven shots from beyond the arc. As the Bulldogs were attempting to make a late comeback, the Spartans corralled two offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive and kill time off the clock.

Walker’s notable performance was typical for him, as he leads MSU with 18.2 points per game this season. Walker carries a significant part of the offensive load for a Michigan State team that doesn’t score a ton. The Spartans rank 189th in the nation at 73 ppg.

MSU went 19-14-1 ATS this season, with that mark dropping to 4-5-1 on the road. Their dominant defense led to the “under” cashing in 14 of their 28 contests. In their six nuetral site games, the under hit four times.

North Carolina Betting Trends

North Carolina enters Round 2 of March Madness following an impressive 90-62 victory over No. 16 Wagner in Round 1 of the tournament. Jae’Lyn Withers, a 6-foot-9 transfer from Louisville, had a season-high 16 points and matched a personal best with 10 rebounds.

UNC was a heavy 25-point favorite in the game, but thanks to a dominant second half, they managed to narrowly cover the spread. The disparity in talent was on full display, as the Seahawks had only seven scholarship-available players on the roster, with only one (Keyontae Lewis) boasting notable size.

NCAAT Top 5 🆚 Wagner 📼 pic.twitter.com/DCFGlF6xJc

— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) March 22, 2024

While Jae’Lyn Withers was a breakout star in Round 1, the Tar Heels are led by the dynamic tandem of R.J. Davis and Bacot. Davis had 22 points in Thursday’s opening game and leads UNC at 21.7 points per game. Bacot went off with 20 points and 15 rebounds against Wagner and averages a double-double with 14.3 points and 10.3 boards per game.

UNC was a profitable team against the spread this season, covering in 20 of their 35 games (57%). Surprisingly, they were much better ATS on the road (7-3) than at home (8-7). The over/under almost hit equally, with the “over” hitting in 17 games and the “under” cashing in 18.

MSU vs UNC Player Props

Player props for this March Madness showdown have been released at DraftKings North Carolina. RJ Davis unsurprisingly boasts the highest point total at 19.5. Armando Bacot is expected to have a big night along the glass, with his rebound prop sitting at 9.5.

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One MSU vs UNC player prop we love is Armando Bacot to record over 9.5 rebounds. You can currently get this bet at plus money on DK North Carolina. Bacot has been a dominant force on the glass all season, averaging 10.8 rebounds per game which ranks 2nd nationally.

I expect Bacot to have a big game on the boards as UNC tries to slow the pace and force a half-court game. Michigan State’s lack of elite size could allow the Tar Heels’ star big man to control the paint and create extra possessions with offensive rebounds.

He grabbed 10 boards in UNC’s tournament opener against Wagner and has recorded 15 double-doubles this year. Given Bacot’s rebounding efficiency and the Spartans’ inconsistencies on the glass (163rd in defensive rebound rate), the over on 9.5 boards is a solid bet.

• Pick: Armando Bacot Over 9.5 Rebounds (+105 at DraftKings North Carolina )

Michigan State vs North Carolina Prediction

The key thing to remember before making a Michigan State vs North Carolina prediction is that this game is being played in Charlotte, likely resulting in a predominantly North Carolina fanbase in attendance. This will essentially be a home game, especially given how much MSU fed off their fans’ energy in Round 1.

While we like North Carolina to win this game, we think the game total might also offer some value. Both these clubs rank top-10 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency metrics, with the “under” cashing in four of MSU’s last five games.

Michigan State plays at one of the slowest paces in the league, and they will look to slow things down against the faster-paced UNC team. During this “under” run for the Spartans, the team is only allowing 59.8 points per game. Michigan State has also limited opponents to an average of 16 free throw attempts per game in that span.

We think the Tar Heels are being a bit underestimated here, as we have the spread projected closer to five points. For our MSU vs UNC prediction, we’re forecasting a Tar Heels cover and the game falling under the total of 140.5.

MSU vs UNC Picks:

• North Carolina -4 (-110)
• Under 142.5 Points (-140)

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The post Michigan State vs North Carolina Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 23) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Midwest Region of the 2024 March Madness Playoff bracket features a first-round showdown between the No. 8 Utah State Aggies (27-6) and the No. 9 TCU Horned Frogs (21-12) on Friday night. Tipoff is set for 9:55 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with TBS carrying the broadcast.

The latest March Madness odds favor the Horned Frogs by four points over the Aggies, with the over/under offered at 150.5 points. We’ve made our TCU us USU prediction to help you place an educated wager tonight.

Let’s further analyze the TCU vs Utah State odds, as we make our prediction for this anticipated March Madness clash.

TCU vs Utah State Odds

In the TCU vs Utah State odds for Friday March Madness, the Horned Frogs are -185 moneyline favorites over the Aggies. Based on the odds, TCU’s implied win probability is 65%.

Utah State will be making its 24th NCAA Tournament appearance, while TCU is playing in its 11th tournament all-time, including its third straight for the first time in program history.

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TCU vs Utah State Team Stats

Horned Frogs Betting Analysis

TCU enters Friday night’s showdown following a tough 60-45 loss to Houston in the Big 12 quarterfinal. The Horned Frogs have won a game in each of the past two tournaments before being eliminated in the second round.

TCU is led by forward Emanuel Miller and guards Jameer Nelson Jr. and Micah Peavy. Miller is averaging 15.9 points and 5.9 rebounds a game, while Nelson (11.3) and Peavy (11.1) are the other two players in double digits for the Horned Frogs.

Emanuel Miller shares thoughts on leading TCU to three straight NCAA Tournaments.

Eman is always a must watch presser. pic.twitter.com/Zgr0ocdKlp

— Nick Girimonte (@GirimonteNicky) March 17, 2024

The Horned Frogs pride themselves on their defensive play, as the team is averaging 79.24 points per game, which is just outside the top-50 nationally. Defense is a bit of a different story, however, as the team is allowing 71.24 points per contest, which is 155th in the country.

TCU has been a solid bet against the spread this season, covering the number in 19 of their 33 games. They went 14-10 ATS as a betting favorite, with the “over” hitting in 18 of their contests.

Utah State Betting Analysis

Under the guidance of head coach Danny Sprinkle, Utah State (27-6) won the regular-season Mountain West title before losing to San Diego State in the conference tournament last week in Las Vegas. Sprinkle, a national coach of the year finalist, is rumored to be a candidate for the coaching vacancy at Washington.

Sprinkle led Utah State to its first Mountain West regular-season crown in its 11 seasons in the conference. Despite an impressive regular season in which the team was ranked 20th heading into the NCAA Tournament, Utah State received just a No. 8 seed in the Midwest bracket.

𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘: Danny Sprinkle pic.twitter.com/PVKWrDi4Qk

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 20, 2024

Utah State is led by wing Great Osobor, who averages 18.0 points and 9.2 rebounds a game. Ian Martinez leads the backcourt, scoring 13.1 points, while Darius Brown II averages 12.4 points. Mason Falslev is the fourth scorer in double figures, scoring 11.4 points.

Utah State wasn’t quite profitable against the spread this season, posting a 14-15-2 ATS margin. They only secured one upset victory in six games as an underdog, covering the spread on just one occasion as well. The “over” cashed in 19 of their 31 games.

TCU vs Utah State Prediction

While TCU clearly plays in the tougher conference, we like this matchup for the Aggies. Both these teams are rated similarly in offensive efficiency, and the discrepancy in defensive rank (31 vs 87) isn’t as lopsided as it might appear.

When you really dive into the advanced metrics, the Aggies have some nice edges. They rank 11th nationally in interior scoring, and Utah State is 203rd in defending that area. Conversely, the Horned Frogs have an excellent three-point percentage, but Utah State is third in the country in defending the perimeter.

The Horned Frogs were only 9-8 in games away from their home court and 7-7 in games decided by eight points or less. With Jamie Dixon’s club also going 4-7 against ranked teams this season, we think this game will be closer than the odds indicate.

TCU vs USU Pick: 

• Utah State +4 (-110)

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The post TCU vs Utah State Odds, Prediction & Picks (March 22) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament concludes with an intriguing 5 v12 matchup in the West Region as the No. 5 Saint Mary’s Gaels take on the No. 12 Grand Canyon Antelopes. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:05 PM EDT on Friday, March 22nd at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Washington.

Saint Mary’s enters as a 5.5-point favorite, with the over/under total set at 131.5 points. Player props are also available, with Tyon Grant-Foster projected to have a big evening.

Let’s delve into our Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s prediction, as we analyze the odds and determine the top player props to wager on.

Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s Odds

In the Grand Canyon vs St. Mary’s Odds, the Gaels are -245 moneyline favorites, giving them an implied win probability of 69%. As the +200 underdogs, St. Mary’s implied win probability is 33%.

Wondering how to watch Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s on Friday night? The game will be televised on TruTV.

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Grand Canyon Betting Trends

The Grand Canyon Antelopes, out of the Western Athletic Conference, come into the Big Dance with a 29-4 overall record and riding a five-game winning streak after capturing the WAC tournament title. GCU is making its third NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Bryce Drew in the last four years.

In their most recent outing, the Lopes defeated Southern Utah 84-66 in the WAC championship game behind 24 points from WAC Player of the Year Tyon Grant-Foster. The 6’7″ senior guard has been sensational all season, leading GCU in scoring at 19.8 points per game, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.

A potential Cinderella this March: Grand Canyon 👀

12-seed led by one of the most explosive players in the country in Tyon Grant-Foster. pic.twitter.com/tuesj6XNvE

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) March 17, 2024

Joining Grant-Foster in the potent Lopes backcourt is junior point guard Ray Harrison, who averages 13.7 points and a team-high 3.9 assists. Senior forward Gabe McGlothan (13.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg) anchors the frontcourt and is expected to be at full strength after being limited by a hip injury late in the season.

As a team, Grand Canyon puts up 79.8 points per game (21st in the nation) and ranks 22nd in points per transition play according to ShotQualityBets.

The Lopes are a stellar 18-7 against the spread as an underdog dating back to 2020. They have covered in both games as a dog this season, beating San Diego State and Liberty outright in early December. GCU is 18-14 ATS overall, including 4-1 ATS on neutral courts, and has covered in five straight coming into the tournament.

Saint Mary’s Betting Trends

The Saint Mary’s Gaels punched their ticket to a third consecutive NCAA Tournament by winning the West Coast Conference tournament. They capped off by a 77-51 rout of rival Gonzaga in the championship game. SMC has won 18 of its last 19 games overall, improving to 26-7 on the season.

Under head coach Randy Bennett, the Gaels are known for their methodical offensive tempo and stifling defense. Saint Mary’s allows just 58.7 points per game, the second-lowest mark in Division I. They rank 15th in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom.

Congratulations Randy Bennett and @saintmaryshoops 🙌

2️⃣ years in a row! #WCChoops pic.twitter.com/P17bJ5NXQI

— WCC Basketball (@WCChoops) March 20, 2024

Offensively, the Gaels make opponents defend deep into the shot clock, ranking 357th out of 363 teams in adjusted tempo. Saint Mary’s has a balanced attack with five players averaging double-figure points, led by sophomore guard Aidan Mahaney at 13.9 per game.

Junior point guard Augustas Marciulionis, son of Hall of Famer Sarunas, chips in 12.4 points and 5.2 assists per contest. Senior center Mitchell Saxen (11.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg) patrols the paint, while senior Alex Ducas (10.1 ppg) is a 44.2% three-point shooter.

The Gaels are 18-14 against the spread this season, though just 2-4 ATS on neutral floors. They have covered in eight of their last ten games overall, beating the number by an average of 6.5 points in that span. Saint Mary’s is 14-14 ATS as a favorite this year. Like Grand Canyon, the over is 17-15 in their games.

Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s Player Props

Player props are readily available for the Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s showdown, with Tyon Grant-Foster sporting the largest point total on the board at 17.5. Mitchell Saxen has the highest rebound total at 7.5, with the juice favoring his “over.”

College basketball player props as of March 21st, at ESPN Bet.

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When making player prop picks for Grand Canyon vs St. Mary’s, you can’t go wrong targeting Tyon Grant-Foster over 17.5 points. The WAC Player of the Year is the engine that makes the Lopes go. Grant-Foster has scored 20+ points in 5 of his last 7 games and will need another big performance for 12-seed GCU to pull the upset.

The athletic 6’7″ wing should be able to get his against a Saint Mary’s defense that can struggle with quick, downhill guards. Lay the short price on the over here in the CBB player props, as this line could move closer to 20 come game time.

Another player prop bet we like is Alex Ducas over 7.5 rebounds (-127 at Caesars best line). Ducas has been a rebounding machine lately for the Gaels, averaging over 7 boards per game since late December.

At 6’6″, he has the size to crash the glass against a Grand Canyon team that ranks just 51st nationally in rebounding. I love getting -127 odds on Ducas to haul in 8+ rebounds in this one, especially with most books now offering this around -150.

Grand Canyon vs St. Mary’s Player Prop Picks:

• Tyon Grant-Foster Over 17.5 Points (+100)
• Alex Ducas Over 7.5 Rebounds (-127 at Caesars Sportsbook )

Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s Prediction

This 5-12 matchup has all the ingredients for a March Madness classic. Grand Canyon’s elite scorer, Tyon Grant-Foster, will be the best player on the floor.

The Lopes’ up-tempo style and ability to get out in transition could cause problems for the slow-paced Gaels, especially if GCU can get to the free-throw line. The Lopes rank 7th in the country in free-throw attempts per game (25.2), a massive advantage over Saint Mary’s, which is tied for 285th (16.9).

However, the Gaels are battle-tested, having navigated the WCC gauntlet. Furthermore, they have the requisite March experience, as this is their third straight trip to the Big Dance. Their pack-line defense is designed to limit dribble penetration and will aim to keep Grant-Foster out of the lane.

Ultimately, this feels like a toss-up game that will come down to the final few possessions. The Gaels’ poise and cohesion may be just enough to narrowly escape the upset bid. The pick is Saint Mary’s to win but Grand Canyon to cover the 5.5-point spread in a lower-scoring affair.

GSC vs SMU Picks:

• Grand Canyon +5.5 (-115)
• Under 131.5 (-110)

The post Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s Prediction, Odds & Player Props (Mar. 22) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The fourth-seeded Duke Blue Devils (24-8) will face off against the No. 13 Vermont Catamounts (28-6) in a highly anticipated South Regional first-round matchup of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The game tips off at 7:10 PM ET on Friday, March 22 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and will be televised nationally on CBS.

Duke enters as a heavy 12-point favorite with the over/under set at 132.5 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The Blue Devils are 18-11-1 against the spread when they are favored this season.

Let’s break down Vermont vs Duke odds as we provide our prediction for Friday night’s game.

Vermont Catamounts vs Duke Blue Devils Odds

Based on the Friday March Madness odds, the Blue Devils have an 88.9% implied probability to win outright on the moneyline (-750), compared to just a 15.4% chance for the Catamounts as +525 underdogs.

Duke is a popular pick to make the Final Four, sporting +355 odds to make the March Madness semi-finals. Vermont, meanwhile, is a huge longshot in the March Madness Final Four odds.

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Odds as of March 21, 2024, at ESPN Bet North Carolina. NC sports betting has gone live, meaning Durham residents can legally bet on this game at North Carolina sports betting apps. 

Vermont Dominates America East

Vermont put together a dominant campaign, going 28-6 overall and 18-1 in America East action. The Catamounts enter the Big Dance riding a 10-game winning streak after capturing their third straight conference tournament title.

Vermont had to overcome a lot of adversity, rallying from double-digit deficits in five wins and trailing at halftime of the America East championship before pulling out a 66-61 victory over UMass Lowell. The battle-tested Catamounts are making their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance and seeking their first Sweet 16 trip in school history.

For Vermont, it all starts with two-time America East Player of the Year TJ Long. The senior guard leads a balanced attack at 12.2 ppg. Long is an excellent passer and decision-maker who spearheads the Catamounts’ efficient offense.

Vermont hangs its hat on defense, giving up just 63.0 ppg to rank 9th in the country. The Catamounts are extremely disciplined, rarely fouling (14.6 per game, 6th) and forcing a lot of tough shots (40.6% FG defense, 32nd).

Offensively, Vermont is efficient but methodical. The Catamounts average 72.3 ppg (215th) on 45.6% shooting (81st). They like to slow the pace, ranking 350th in tempo per KenPom. In terms of ATS trends, John Becker’s team has only covered in 14 of their 36 games (39%).

Duke Aiming to End Skid

Duke had an up-and-down season that fell short of their lofty preseason expectations as the #2 ranked team in the country. The young Blue Devils struggled with consistency, especially down the stretch, losing their final two games to rivals North Carolina to end the regular season and NC State in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals.

Still, Duke’s immense talent was on full display as they went 24-8 overall and 15-6 in ACC play to earn a 4-seed. The Blues Devils are led by ACC Rookie of the Year Kyle Filipowski, who paces the team in both scoring (17.1 ppg) and rebounding (8.1 rpg).

Only 1 freshman/sophomore earned consensus All-America status in 2023-24

👊🇺🇸 @kylefilipowski pic.twitter.com/M4zdGdf1FN

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) March 20, 2024

The Blue Devils also have a trio of double-digit scorers in Jeremy Roach (14.0 ppg), Jared McCain (13.4 ppg) and Mark Mitchell (12.3 ppg). Roach is the veteran leader at point guard who makes the offense go. The sharp-shooting McCain (43.8% from three) spaces the floor, while the athletic Mitchell is a matchup problem on the wing.

Duke has the edge offensively, ranking 43rd in the nation in scoring at 79.8 ppg. Defensively, Duke is solid if unspectacular, allowing 67.4 ppg (54th). In terms of betting trends, Duke has been a solid bet this season, sporting an 18-13-1 ATS record overall.

Vermont vs Duke Prediction

This is a classic matchup between a high-powered offense and a stingy defense. Duke will look to speed up the tempo and relentlessly attack the rim with its deep stable of athletic playmakers. Vermont will try to ugly it up, force the young Blue Devils into a half-court game, and challenge every shot.

Our prediction is that Duke’s talent advantage should win out. Filipowski will be a tough cover for the undersized Catamounts in the paint. If Roach and the Duke guards take care of the ball and knock down some outside shots, the Blue Devils should gradually pull away.

However, Vermont’s experience and toughness will keep them competitive. The Catamounts rarely beat themselves and have a penchant for hanging around in games. They’ll make Duke work for it on every possession.

The Blue Devils’ two-game losing streak to end the season is a bit concerning, but expect them to refocus now that the bright lights of March Madness are on. Duke has too much firepower and will eventually wear down the gritty Catamounts.

ATS Pick:

• Duke -12.5 (-110)

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The post Vermont vs Duke Odds, Prediction & Picks (March 22) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The No. 4 Auburn Tigers take on the No. 13 Yale Bulldogs in Friday March Madness action. Tip-off for this game is set for 4:15 PM ET in Spokane, Washington, with TNT carrying the broadcast nationally.

The March Madness odds are in favor of Auburn for this neutral site game, pricing Bruce Pearl’s team as significant -12.5 point favorites against the spread. The over/under is offered at 140.5, while player props are also available.

Let’s dive into our Yale vs Auburn prediction as we analyze the odds and determine the best picks and props to bet.

Yale vs Auburn Odds

In the Yale vs Auburn odds, the Tigers are notable -800 favorites on the moneyline, giving them an implied win probability of 89%.

Per the 2024 March Madness odds, the Tigers are +1800 to win the entire tournament, while the Bulldogs are significant +50000 longshots.

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Auburn Tigers Betting Analysis

Auburn enters the March Madness tournament riding a six-game winning streak, including an impressive 86-67 victory over Florida in the SEC Title game.

Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams make up one of the most dominant frontcourt duos in the league. They combine to average nearly 30 points per game. The Tigers as a whole on offense average 83.24 points per game, which is 13th best in the country.

JOHNI.BROOME.😳 pic.twitter.com/PaXvbcFEX6

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) March 15, 2024

While the team can put up points in bunches, their defense might be even more impressive. Auburn ranks fourth in adjusted efficiency per KenPom metrics. They only allow opponents to shoot 39% from the field, which ranks third in the nation.

In terms of betting trends, Auburn has been one of the best money-makers in CBB this year. The Tigers have covered in 21 of their 34 games, good for a 62% clip. The Tigers are 6-2 ATS in neutral-site games, which is important to note with this game being played in Spokane, Washington.

Yale Bulldogs Betting Analysis

Yale enters the NCAA tournament following a wild win over Brown in the Ivy League Title game. Power forward Matt Knowling beat the buzzer with a short shot in the final seconds to clinch the Ivy League bid for his team.

Yale has been a fairly efficient offensive team this season, averaging 75.6 points per game (114th). They are shooting an impressive 47.25% from the field, which is top-50 in the nation. Knowling and long point guard Bez Mbeng have played key roles in that success, combining to shoot 59% from inside the arc.

YALE AT THE BUZZER pic.twitter.com/zPsoi2VVGS

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) March 17, 2024

Yale has also been a solid defensive team this year, allowing 67 points per contest, which ranks 42nd in the country. However, the advanced metrics tell a bit of a different story, as the Bulldogs rank 89th in adjusted defensive efficiency.

The key betting trend to note for Yale is that the team has lost 10 straight games to SEC opponents. Overall, they went 16-12-1 against the spread this season, covering in four of their past five games.

Auburn vs Yale Player Props

The table below displays the available player props for Auburn vs Yale at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Odds as of March 22nd, at DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Here are two bets we have locked in for Friday’s action:

Johni Broome Over 8.5 Rebounds (-130)

I’m expecting a big game on the glass from the Tigers’ double-double machine. He’s averaging 8.4 RPG on the season and has gone over this total in 5 of his last 7 outings.

Yale ranks just 90th in rebounding, so Broome should have plenty of opportunities to clean up the defensive boards. The athletic big man posted 11 rebounds in the SEC title game and is in great form entering the tournament.

Jaylin Williams 2+ Made Threes (+235 odds)

Williams, Auburn’s second-leading scorer at 12.4 PPG, has really found his stroke from deep lately. The 6’8″ senior is shooting a scorching 48.6% from three over his last 5 games while attempting nearly 5 triples per contest during that span. Yale’s perimeter defense is nothing special, ranking outside the top 200 in opponent 3P%.

FanDuel is offering Williams to score 2+ made threes at +235, and I love getting plus odds on Williams to knock down a pair of threes in this one.

Auburn vs Yale Prediction

Tigers coach Bruce Pearl isn’t happy about his team being sent 2,300 miles west for his club’s first NCAA Tournament game. “This is three times they have shipped us quite a ways away,” Pearl told reporters. We expect he will have his team quite motivated on Friday.

Although Auburn is clearly the better team on paper, the Ivy League’s history of upsets in March Madness is a reason to exercise caution when betting on this game. Yale beat Baylor in the first round of the 2016 tournament and has elements of a Cinderella team.

Ultimately, Auburn’s depth should prove the difference in this game. The Bulldogs could be without Casey Simmons (injured), their seventh man and key defensive player. Furthermore, Yale has yet to face a defense of Auburn’s caliber.

There will be upsets in the March Madness Playoff Bracket, but we don’t foresee this being one of them. Expect Auburn’s aggressive defense and ability to force turnovers to be the difference as they continue their strong play in neutral-site games.

Yale vs Auburn Pick:

• Auburn Tigers -12.5 (-110)

The post Yale vs Auburn Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (March 22) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Drake Bulldogs (28-6) and Washington State Cougars (24-9) will face off in an intriguing 7 vs 10 matchup in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:05pm ET at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska with the game televised on truTV.

Drake enters as a slight 1.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 138.5 points. College basketball player props have also been released, with oddsmakers forecasting a big evening from Bulldogs star Tucker DeVries.

Let’s analyze the Drake vs WSU odds, as we offer you our prediction and determine the best player props to bet.

Drake vs Washington State Odds

In the Drake vs Washington State odds, the Bulldogs are slim -122 favorites on the moneyline, giving them 55% implied win probability.

When it comes to the 2024 March Madness odds, both teams are massive longshots to win the tournament. But as we’ve seen in the past, anything can happen in the ‘The Big Dance’.

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Drake Betting Analysis

The Bulldogs are back in the Big Dance for the third time in four years after winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Drake knocked off Indiana State 84-80 as a 3-point underdog in the MVC title game, capping an impressive run of three wins in three days. The Bulldogs have now won five straight and 10 of their last 11 games overall.

Drake boasts a high-powered offense that ranks 38th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency. The Bulldogs are led by star junior forward Tucker DeVries, who averages 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 82.5% from the free throw line.

Tucker DeVries returns home to Omaha for the biggest stage of his career! ⁰⁰@Tucker_DeVries joins @annaambrose76 on the meaning of being back in his hometown.#MarchMadness | @UnionBankTrust pic.twitter.com/3zFvkVBx2c

— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) March 20, 2024

Senior forward Darnell Brodie (11.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg) and junior guard Atin Wright (13.9 ppg) provide strong secondary scoring options for Drake. The Bulldogs shoot a solid 36.8% from three-point range as a team and make their free throws at a 76% clip, which could be key in a close game.

However, Drake has been inconsistent against the spread this season with a 18-15 ATS record. The Bulldogs are 5-2 ATS in neutral court games though. Drake has gone over the total in six of its last nine contests.

Washington State Betting Analysis

Washington State stumbled a bit down the stretch, losing three of its final six games including a 58-52 defeat to Colorado in the Pac-12 Tournament. However, the Cougars still put together an impressive season that included a win over 2-seed Arizona.

The Cougars hang their hat on the defensive end, ranking 27th in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency. Opponents are shooting just 32% from beyond the arc against Washington State. The Cougars also do a great job on the glass, ranking in the top 50 nationally in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage.

Offensively, Washington State is led by junior guard Isaac Jones, who averages 14.1 points on an efficient 58% shooting. The Cougars have a balanced attack with four players averaging over nine field goal attempts per game. Myles Rice (10.5 ppg) and Jaylen Wells (9.8 ppg) are streaky scorers capable of big games.

Washington State ended the regular season with a 16-15 record ATS and went 3-3 ATS in neutral site games. The Cougars have gone under the total in six of their last eight contests.

While Drake is fully healthy entering this one, WSU does have a couple of injuries to note. The Cougars will be without reserve guard Joseph Yesufu, who is out for the season with a hip injury.  Guard Dylan Darling, meanwhile. is questionable with a back injury.

Drake vs Washington State Player Props

This section will be updated with Drake vs. Washington player props once they are readily available at March Madness betting sites.

Drake vs Washington State Prediction

This shapes up as one of the most evenly-matched games of the first round. Drake’s offense vs Washington State’s defense is a classic clash of strengths. In a tight game, the edge usually goes to the better offensive team that can create shots and make free throws. That favors Drake with a dynamic scorer like DeVries.

However, Washington State’s size advantage can’t be overlooked, especially if it can dominate the offensive glass and get the Bulldogs in foul trouble. The Cougars also have the benefit of playing a tougher schedule in the Pac-12 compared to Drake in the MVC.

Ultimately, I give a slight lean to Drake -1.5 thanks to its free throw shooting and shotmaking ability with DeVries. But this is a toss-up that could easily go either way. The under 138.5 is appealing given Washington State’s defensive prowess and slower tempo.

Thursday March Madness Picks:

• Drake -1.5 (-105)
• Under 138.5 Points (-110)

The post Drake vs Washington State Odds, Predictions & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 21) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

No. 11 NC State aims to build off its ACC Championship victory as it kicks off the March Madness tournament against No. 6 Texas Tech on Thursday night. Tip-off is set for 9:40 pm ET, with CBS carrying the broadcast/

The latest March Madness odds favor the Red Raiders by five points over the Wolfpack. The over/under is set at 145.5 for a matchup featuring ACC conference championship standout star DJ Horne.

Let’s delve into our NC State vs Texas Tech prediction, as we analyze the odds and provide our best pick.

NC State vs Texas Tech Odds

In the NC State vs TTU odds, the Red Raiders are heavy -220 favorites on the moneyline, giving them 69% implied win probability. The Wolfpack come back as +180 underdogs, giving them 36% implied win probability.

In terms of the odds to reach the Final Four, Texas Tech is a +2000 longshot, while NC State is offered at +4000.

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Wolfpack Are True Cinderella Story

NC State fits the bill of a team that could wind up on the right side of the biggest March Madness upsets in history. The Wolfpack entered the ACC tournament as the No. 10 seed and promptly beat five teams in five days en route to a conference title.

NC State hasn’t just been taking advantage of a lackluster conference, however. Following wins over Louisville and Syracuse, the Wolfpack took down rivals Duke, Virginia, and North Carolina. The Wolfpack have proven they perform well in high-pressure situations.

DJ Horne's emotional interview "Why not us?" pic.twitter.com/NrJ4LUSlky

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) March 17, 2024

NC State is heavily reliant on its offense, which averaged 76.4 points per game (98th). However, its defense has struggled for most of the season, allowing 72.7 points per contest (210th).

The Wolfpack feature five players with double-digit scoring, including the leader DJ Horne, who scored 29 points in NC State’s 84-76 win over North Carolina in the title game. He leads NC State with an average of 16.9 points per game, while big man DJ Burns Jr. chips in 12.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest.

Red Raiders Bit by Injury Bug

Texas Tech enters the March Madness NCAA tournament following an 82-59 loss to No. 1 Houston in the Big 12 Championship. TTU is making its first tournament appearance under first-year coach Grant McCasland following recent runs of success under previous coaches Chris Beard and Mark Adams.

The Red Raiders were one of the hottest teams in CBB between December and January, rolling off nine straight victories. They also had a four-game winning streak going before losing to Houston in that Big 12 Title game.

While the Red Raiders rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, per KenPom, they are dealing with some key injuries. Darrion Williams, the team’s third-leading scorer, hurt an ankle during the first round of the Big 12 tournament against BYU. He didn’t play against the Cougars. Warren Washington has missed six straight games and eight of nine with a foot injury.

Guard Pop Isaacs leads the team with 15.9 points per game, while senior Joe Toussaint averages 12.1 points per contest. The team’s defense allows 69.3 points per game, which ranks 97th in the country.

NC State vs Texas Tech Prediction

Can we really bet against a team having the type of run NC State is having? Though it’s cliché, the Wolfpack do feel like a team of destiny. It’s not uncommon to see a No. 11 seed knock off a No. 6 seed, as one of these upsets has happened in ten straight tournaments.

While we think NC State has value to cover the spread, we can’t quite bring ourselves to hit the moneyline. TTU has played a very tough schedule (33rd SOS rating), while NC State’s strength of schedule ranks 59th despite some solid recent wins.

Here are some betting trends to note before wagering on this March Madness game:

• North Carolina State is 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
• Texas Tech is 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
• Texas Tech is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Ultimately, for our NC State vs Texas Tech prediction, we’re backing the Pack ATS. Texas Tech’s potential lack of the 7-foot, 230-pound Washington under the rim would make it tougher for the Raiders to cope with NC State’s Burns, who proved against UNC he can take over a game.

NC State vs TTU Pick:

• North Carolina State +5.5 (-110)

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The post NC State vs Texas Tech Prediction, Odds & Picks (March 21) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

No. 3 Illinois (26-8) opens the 2024 March Madness tournament with a first-round matchup against No. 14 Morehead State (25-8) on Thursday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:10 PM ET in Omaha, Nebraska, with truTV carrying the broadcast.

The college basketball March Madness odds favor the Fighting Illini by 11.5 points at home, while the over/under is set at 147.5. NCAAB player props are also available for Thursday’s match between Illinois and Morehead State.

Let’s get into our Morehead State vs Illinois prediction, as we determine the best bets to make.

Morehead State vs Illinois Odds

In the Morehead State vs Illinois odds for Thursday, the Fighting Illini are heavy -800 spread favorites, giving them 89% implied win probability.

Neither of these teams cracks the top 10 in the 2024 March Madness odds, with Illinois sporting +2500 odds to win the tournament. Morehead State, meanwhile, is a +8000 longshot.

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Eagles Betting Trends

Morehead State enters this contest on a six-game winning streak following a 69-55 victory over Little Rock in the OVC tournament championship game. Riley Minix contributed 26 points and seven boards in the victory, marking the 12th time in the past 13 games he’s gone over 20 points.

Minx’s point total for Thursday is set at 19.5 in the college basketball player props, with plus-money odds on the over. We’re targeting that line in our Eagles vs Illini prediction.

The Eagles boast an experienced roster led by several standout seniors. Senior guard Drew Thelwell has been a part of all 94 wins since he arrived in 2020, recently setting the school single-season assist record. Another guard, Kalil Thomas, is in the top 20 nationally with 103 3-pointers this season.

First practice in Omaha for @msueaglesmbb! #SoarHigher #MarchMadness

📸 Thomie Griffin pic.twitter.com/ifMDjRI8Dl

— Morehead State Athletics (@MSUEagles) March 19, 2024

Morehead State ranks 71st nationally in offense this season, averaging 77 points per game. Defensively, they are allowing 65 points per contest (106th). The Eagles have excelled at three-point shooting.

Turning to the betting trends, Morehead State was 9-7 straight up as the visiting team this season. They were also 9-7 against the spread on the road, while sporting an 18-11-1 ATS record overall.

Fighting Illini Betting Trends

Illinois enters its opening March Madness game on a four-game winning streak, including a 93-87 victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Title Game. Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 34 points on 15-for-17 shooting from the free-throw line, while Marcus Domask added 26 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.

A major storyline surrounding the Fighting Illini is the team’s inability to advance past the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. In three straight years, Illinois has lost its opening game, including last season, when it fell to Arkansas as small underdogs.

The Fighting Illini are led by the dynamic one-two punch of guard Terrence Shannon Jr. and forward Marcus Domask, who average 23.0 and 16.0 points a game, respectively. These two stars have played a big role in the team owning the eighth-best offense nationally (84.4 points/GP).

While Illinois can put up points with ease, their defense is lackluster. The Fighting Illini are allowing 73.8 points per game, which ranks 242nd in the country. Brad Underwood’s team is 15-3 at home but has only covered the spread in eight of those games.

Morehead State vs Illinois Prediction

This spread is in line with college basketball advanced metrics. Ken Pom, one of the most trusted CBB rating systems, is predicting an 82-70 victory for the Fighting Illini in Omaha. The system ranks the Illini 92nd in defensive efficiency, which is quite superior to what the numbers might indicate.

While we like Illinois to secure victory on Thursday, we see value in Morehead State against the spread. Illinois had an easier path in the Big Ten tournament, beating teams like Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, which are not top-tier opponents within the conference.

According to historical CBB betting trends, Big Ten champions are only 2-7 against the spread in the last nine years following Selection Sunday. Furthermore, NCAA tournament favorites with a point spread of 10.5 or more have a win rate of only 44.8% against the spread.

Morehead State has the x-factor in this game with Riley Minix, who is capable of putting the team on his back. Not to mention, the Eagles’ bread-and-butter is their three-point shooting, and the Illini’s 3-point defense ranks 214th nationally and 13th in the conference.

 MSU vs ILL Picks:

• Morehead State +11.5 (-105)
• Riley Minix Over 19.5 Points (+100)

The post Morehead State vs Illinois Prediction, Odds & Props to Bet (Mar. 21) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The surging Minnesota Timberwolves will go for their fourth straight victory when they host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Tip-off is set for 9:00 PM ET at Target Center in Minneapolis.

According to the odds on Tuesday’s NBA game, Denver is favored to prevail on the road. The Nuggets are a 7.5-point spread favorite, while the over/under is offered at 213.5. NBA player props are also available, with Anthony Edwards boasting the highest total.

Let’s delve into our Nuggets vs Timberwolves prediction, as we analyze the odds and offer player props to bet.

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds

In the Nuggets vs Timberwolves odds, Denver is a -320 favorite on the moneyline, giving them 76% implied win probability.

Minnesota won the first matchup 110-89 on Nov. 1 on its home court. Edwards led the Timberwolves with 24 points on 8-for-16 shooting, and Mike Conley chipped in 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting.

Both teams are battling with the Oklahoma City Thunder (47-20) for the top seed in the Western Conference NBA Playoff Bracket.

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Denver Nuggets Betting Analysis

Denver comes into this Tuesday NBA matchup boasting a stellar 8-2 record in their past 10 contests. However, the team suffered a heartbreaking 107-105 loss at the buzzer to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. The Mavs outrebounded the Nuggets 60-37 on the night.

Denver is led by NBA MVP odds contender Nikola Jokic, who averages 25.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists this season. Jamal Murray is next on the scoring list with 20.9 points per game, while Michael Porter Jr. averages 16.7.

The Nuggets rank top-15 in both points per game and points allowed per game but are struggling from the free-throw line. Denver is making just 76.18% of their throws from the charity stripe, ranking them in the bottom 10 of the NBA.

Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Analysis

The Timberwolves enter Tuesday’s game boasting a 6-4 record in their past 10 contests, including a current four-game winning streak. They are playing for the second straight night after winning 114-104 over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Monday.

The Timberwolves erased a 16-point deficit in that Monday night game, with Anthony Edwards putting on a show. Known as “Ant-Man,” the 22-year-old small forward put up a team-high 32 points on Monday, including a highlight-reel dunk over the head of Jazz defender John Collins.

ANTHONY EDWARDS MY GOODNESS.

pic.twitter.com/pLr5Rze4mF

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 19, 2024

Edwards has stepped up with Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Rudy Gobert (rib), both sidelined by injury. Naz Reid exited Monday’s contest with a head injury and is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game.

The Timberwolves have the best defense in the NBA this season, allowing just 106.6 points per game. They only rank 19th in points scored per contest (113.3), but their 38.65% field goal percentage is fourth-best among all 32 teams.

Nuggets vs Timberwolves Player Props

Nuggets vs Timberwolves props are readily available at NBA betting apps. Anthony Edwards has the highest point projection on the board at 28.5 points, despite ESPN analysis Stephen A Smith predicting Jokic will dominate Ant-Man tonight.

In the Nuggets vs Timberwolves player props, we would like to target Jokic if Gobert sits on Tuesday. “Joker” has averaged just 20 points in his previous three games, but he will face very little resistance down low if Gobert sits.

Jokic uncharacteristically shot 37.5% from the field in Sunday’s loss to the Mavs, making his props slightly lower than they should be. On the season, Joker is shooting 58.1% from the field and averaging 26 points per contest. This is a prime bounce-back spot against the Wolves.

Jokic averaged 26.2 points against Minnesota in last year’s first-round series, and Minnesota has also allowed 23 points per game to centers over the last 15 games. Bet the over on Jokic’s point total in the NBA player props.

Denver vs Minnesota Prop Pick: 

• Nikola Jokic Over 25.5 Points

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction

Can Minnesota extend its winning streak to four games against Nikola Jokic and the defending champs? The Timberwolves successfully navigated a long road trip hampered by injuries and now return to Minneapolis to begin a four-game homestand.

Minnesota’s 23-8 record at Target Center is notable, but the Nuggets are also a decent 20-15 away from their home court. Here are some betting trends to keep in mind before making your Nuggets vs Wolves prediction:

• Denver is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games.
• The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.
• The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last five games as a home favorite.

We like Denver to prevail on the road, but eight points is a lot against a surging Timberwolves squad. Instead, we’re looking at the game total. Over the last 10 games, the Timberwolves rank 22nd in pace, and the Nuggets rank 17th, indicating neither team is playing at a fast pace.

According to the NBA’s advanced stats, both clubs rank in the top 10 in defensive efficiency over their past 10 games. Minnesota’s scoring will dry up against this elite Denver squad, and the two teams will fall under the posted number.

DEN vs MIN Pick:

• Under 213.5 Points (-110)

The post Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 19) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.