2023 NCAA Tournament Future Bets
The NCAA Tournament (really) starts on Thursday. Everyone wants to fill out a bracket and make a little extra cash. But people that win these pools, end up picking the stronger mascots or bigger cities as their secret formula to success.
Picking the side or the total is certainly the most economical way of making some money during March Madness. However, if you have the dough, there are always prop bets and in my opinion, it’s really easy to pick chalk. Though if you pick Alabama (+650) or Houston (+450) to win the whole thing, you can still make a little money.
But if you really want to make a big score, you have to take a chance on some longshots or teams with strong values.
So here are a few prop bets you might want to take a look at with some good value.
(odds from Draft Kings)
Odds to Reach Sweet 16
Charleston +400
I’m a little surprised at these odds. I though they’d be +600, so they have the same odds as Duke, which is crazy, but when you look at their bracket, San Diego State is very beatable. Virginia is a methodical, defensive-team and the Cougars love to push it. Virginia’s lack of offense will come back to haunt them.
Iowa +600
Iowa has to beat Auburn in the first round, which could happen. But can they beat No.1 Houston? The fact that star guard Marcus Sasser (groin) might not play or will be limited is enough to take a chance on the Hawkeyes.
Odds to win Region
West
Connecticut +400
Again, a team that has been red-hot and played in the very talented Big East. There’s very little reason why they can’t go far other than a banged-up UCLA team or a very good but beatable Kansas team that’s in their way.
Midwest
Indiana +1200
The Hoosiers have one of the best players in the tournament in Trayce-Jackson Davis and a potential star in Jalen Hood-Schifino. They haven’t quite reached their potential, but they can go far.
South
Baylor +550
Never doubt the Bears. They are third-favorite, so not a major longshot, but I just don’t see anybody else other than maybe Creighton winning that region. Creighton’s lack of athleticism will probably end their chances.
East
Duke +750 or Kansas State +1000
I already mentioned the reason I like Duke. A young team that is really hitting its stride and is finally healthy. But Kansas State is a strong pick if you are looking for a bigger underdog. Jerome Tang has done a sensational job with a team that was right in the thick of things in the best conference in the nation (Big 12).
Odds to Reach the Elite Eight
Duke +450
Nobody is playing better than Duke right now. It’s strange to see them as the 17th pick to make it that far. They would like need to get by #1 Purdue and #4 Tennessee, who are not very threatening. Purdue has Zach Edey, but their guards have been less than stellar. Guard Markquis Nowell is extremely quick and is tough to keep out of the lane.
Odds to Reach the Championship Game
UConn +900
Concerns with injuries on Houst and UCLA. Purdue has young guards and Gonzaga, is well, Gonzaga. But they are slightly down this season. Adama Sanogo is 6-9, 245 and ready to be a star. They guard the 3 (30%), shoot free throws well (75.4%) and are one of the best rebounding teams in the nation, ranking second in the rebounding margin and second in total rebounding %.
