Vegas Lines March Madness for the East Bracket Matchups and Betting Analysis

It is time for one of the best months in the year that includes one of the best tournaments in sports, the NCAA Tournament. It is March Madness time and brackets are now being filled out all around the country. Each region has its own pros and cons, but when looking at the East Region, it is very top-heavy. 

The top four seeds in the East Region are all teams that could easily make a Final Four run. Besides the top four seeds, there is not a whole lot to like about this region. Let’s take a look at the top four seeds in this region so you can continue making your bets against the March Madness Odds. 

East Region Brackets Top Predictions | NCAA Basketball Betting

#1 Seed: Baylor Bears

They are the fourth number one seed and will be coming out of the East Region. Baylor finished the season ranked third in the AP Top 25 Poll, but did lose to Oklahoma in the opening game of the Big 12 Tournament. Oklahoma almost made a run by knocking down Texas Tech on the way to the Big 12 Championship.

Many would have thought that the Bears could have had a slump after winning the National Championship last year. Also, adding the fact that they lost key players from that team and lost their star player this season in Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, it is amazing to see Baylor in the position they are. 

With the fact that Baylor is in the position they are, with all the adversity they have faced, Baylor would be a good team to pick and bet on. They can shy bettors away because they have not been able to consistently bring the same effort game after game. That could be their one downfall in winning back-to-back.

#2 Seed: Kentucky Wildcats

What a difference that one offseason can make for the Kentucky Wildcats. They missed the NCAA Tournament last season, which was earth-shattering, but they are back in full force this March. With a few transfers and a few recruits, the Wildcats are a dangerous team heading down the stretch. 

Oscar Tshiebwe has been an absolute beast down low for Kentucky. He may earn player of the year awards for his play. On the season, Tshiebwe has averaged 17 points and 15.1 rebounds per game. Those are very good numbers for the transfer. 

As long as Kentucky can stay away from taller teams and teams that match well with Tshiebwe, they should be okay. When looking at the Wildcats’ schedule, they have struggled with teams like Tennessee and Arkansas, because they can match their height and physicality. That will play a large role in the success of Kentucky. 

#3 Seed: Purdue Boilermakers

When speaking of teams that can match with Kentucky, this would be a nightmare of a matchup for the Wildcats. The Purdue Boilermakers are not only so good because of their length and big bodies inside, but also because they have the most talented guard in college basketball, in Jaden Ivey. While they have struggled down the stretch of the regular season, Purdue is a team to bet on for March Madness. 

Zach Edey and Trevion Williams will be hard to stop in the post as well, which adds to Purdue’s strengths. Don’t forget about Sasha Stefanovic, a deadly three-point shooter if you leave him open. 

The biggest weakness of Purdue is being able to put teams away and being able to win the big game. Since Illinois, they truly have not been able to win the big game, including the Big Ten Championship against Iowa. 

#4 Seed: UCLA Bruins

This team has been on the map since last March when they made the incredible run to the Final Four. The duo of Johnny Jusang and Tiger Campbell continues to work for the Bruins. Last year they had the perfect Cinderella story and they are back this year for much more. 

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Jules Bernard have played large roles for UCLA this season as well. Both of these guys are averaging over 12 points per game. The Bruins have four players on the roster that average double figures in points.

The Bruins have a lot of weapons to go to in a game, which only makes them much more difficult to prepare for in March.