Final Four Odds, Picks, and Predictions
Final Four Odds: As we near the NCAA tournament, avid fans, and basketball lovers start getting excited to create their own March Madness bracket. Today we are going to talk about which teams I expect will be filling the final four spots in the NCAA tournament.
Gonzaga
The first team I expect to fill one of the four spots is the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs (+250). The Bulldog’s offense is unparalleled and their ability has never been in question. They have put up 87 points or more against five teams that are expected to do well in the tournament.
The Bulldogs put up 98 points against Virginia (+3000) which has been recognized for their defensive prowess this season. The Bulldogs defense had held opponents to only 61.9 points per game going into their game against Virginia.
Forward Corey Kispert leads the team with 19.3 points per game while grabbing 4.9 rebounds per game and shooting 55% from the court. Freshman Jalen Suggs has made a name for himself by averaging 14.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game, and shooting 51.5%.
The only issue when betting on a team like Gonzaga is recognizing that their regular season schedule has not been as challenging as a conference like the Big Ten.
That lack of strength in their conference could be a disadvantage as other teams like Michigan or Iowa have had tough battles throughout the season and are prepared for what’s to come in the tournament.
Baylor
The second team on this list are the Baylor Bears (+330) which dominated a strong Big 12 conference. The Bears’ defense is one the NCAA’s best; only allowing 65.6 points per game.
Their offense is just as impressive as their defense due to the production of Jared Butler and MaCio Teague. Butler is averaging an impressive 17.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.1 steals.
Teague is averaging 15.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. The Baylor Bears have one of the most talented rosters in college basketball and will be making a deep run in the tournament.
Michigan
Third, on the list is the Michigan Wolverines (+420). The Big Ten is known to be the hardest conference in college basketball. The Wolverines are 19-3, having lost two of their last three games to Illinois and Michigan State. But, they still have many quality wins on the season.
All defenses should fear the freshman center, Hunter Dickinson. He has put up double-digit points in 13 of 17 conference matchups. Dickinson leads the team averaging 14.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
There are very few players that can match up physically with Hunter. Coach Juwan Howard has done a terrific job bringing the Wolverines back from the dead and earned his coach of the year award this season. Michigan is to be taken seriously in this tournament.
Illinois
Last on my list is Illinois (+1000). Illinois (20-6) recorded their highest-ranked road win in program history when they defeated 1st seed Michigan. They have won 11 of their last 12 games thanks to guard Ayo Donsunmu and center Kofi Cockburn.
