Picks for March Madness are here, and college basketball fans are gearing up for the exciting tournament. With 68 teams battling for the championship, predicting the right picks is never easy. Upsets, Cinderella runs, and dominant performances are all part of what makes the NCAA Tournament special.

For bettors, the tournament presents a range of opportunities. Top seeds may be favored, but underdogs can often deliver surprising results. Knowing the strengths, weaknesses, and betting trends for key teams can help you make better picks for your bracket.

Best Bets and Picks for March Madness 2025

This article will break down the top teams to watch, best upset picks, and key matchups for early rounds. These insights will help you create a strong betting strategy for March Madness 2025.

Top 5 Teams to Watch in March Madness 2025

Auburn Tigers

Auburn enters the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed after a strong season. The Tigers have proven themselves in the SEC and are one of the favorites to win it all. Despite losing three of their final four games, Auburn’s overall resume and quality wins earned them the top spot.

The Tigers play a physical brand of basketball and excel at controlling the paint. Johni Broome leads the way, dominating the glass and scoring efficiently inside. Auburn’s strong defense has also been a key factor in their success this season.

One reason Auburn is so effective is their ability to limit fast-break points. By controlling the pace and forcing teams to play a slower game, Auburn minimizes the number of easy scoring opportunities for opponents. This strategy has helped them win several key games this season.

While Auburn has a strong defense, their inconsistent shooting has been a concern. If the Tigers struggle from beyond the arc, they may find it difficult to keep pace with high-scoring opponents. Bettors should keep this in mind when evaluating Auburn’s matchups throughout the tournament.

Betting Odds

Auburn is listed at +400 to win the NCAA Tournament. In their first-round matchup, they will face the winner of Alabama State/St. Francis (PA).

Duke Blue Devils

Duke earned a No. 1 seed after a strong season. With a balanced offense and solid defense, Duke has the tools to make a deep run. Duke’s backcourt is one of the best in the country, controlling the tempo and limiting mistakes.

The Blue Devils’ offense thrives in transition. They also excel at finding open looks from three-point range. Duke’s defense is solid, especially in the paint, making them a complete team capable of competing with anyone.

Cooper Flagg’s ability to take over games gives Duke an advantage in close matchups. Flagg is effective in isolation plays and can create his own shot when needed. In late-game situations, this gives Duke a strong closer.

One potential concern for Duke is their reliance on three-point shooting. When shots aren’t falling, they have struggled to find other scoring options. Against teams with strong perimeter defense, Duke could face challenges.

Betting Odds

Duke has +360 odds to win the NCAA Tournament. In the first round, they will face the winner of Mount St. Mary’s/American University.

Florida Gators

Florida enters March Madness as one of the most well-rounded teams in the field. The Gators claimed the SEC tournament title and are considered one of the top contenders to win the championship. Florida’s rebounding and defensive toughness make them difficult to match up with.

Florida’s ability to win low-scoring games has been critical. They excel in half-court sets, and their strong post presence limits easy buckets for opponents. This allows them to grind out wins in close contests.

One of Florida’s greatest strengths is their ability to generate second-chance points. The Gators crash the offensive glass aggressively, giving them extra possessions and forcing teams to defend longer. This approach has helped them pull away in key moments.

Florida’s depth has been another key factor. Multiple players can step up offensively, which makes it difficult for opponents to focus on one player. This balanced scoring approach should help Florida remain a consistent threat throughout the tournament.

Betting Odds

Florida has +350 odds to win the NCAA Tournament. They will face Norfolk State in the first round as 28.5-point favorites.

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Houston Cougars

Houston is one of the toughest defensive teams in the field. Their ability to grind out wins makes them a dangerous tournament team. Houston thrives in low-scoring, defensive battles, and they excel at limiting possessions.

One major advantage Houston has is their ability to force turnovers. The Cougars apply constant pressure, forcing teams to make mistakes. This aggressive defensive style often leads to fast-break points for Houston.

Houston’s slow-paced offense can frustrate faster teams. By controlling the tempo, Houston limits scoring opportunities for opponents. This strategy makes them especially effective in tight games.

However, Houston’s lack of elite scoring options can be a concern. If they struggle to create quality shots late in games, they may have difficulty keeping up with explosive offenses.

Betting Odds

Houston is listed at +600 to win the NCAA Tournament. In the first round, they will face SIU-Edwardsville as 27.5-point favorites.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama has a powerful offense that can put up points in a hurry. Their three-point shooting makes them a threat to any opponent. Alabama’s fast-paced style can overwhelm teams that struggle to defend in transition.

One of Alabama’s biggest strengths is their ability to score in bunches. When their outside shooting is on point, they can put together scoring runs that are difficult to stop. This fast-paced attack makes them a dangerous opponent for higher seeds.

Alabama’s aggressive style can also lead to defensive lapses. When they focus too much on pushing the pace, they sometimes leave openings for opponents to exploit. If they face a disciplined team that forces Alabama into half-court sets, they could struggle.

Despite their offensive talent, Alabama has had trouble closing out games at times. Turnovers and inconsistent defense have led to late-game collapses in close contests. Bettors should be cautious when Alabama faces defensive-minded teams.

Betting Odds

Alabama is listed at +1100 to win the NCAA Tournament. They will face Robert Morris in the first round as 22.5-point favorites.

Picks for March Madness: Upsets and Cinderella Teams

March Madness is known for its unpredictable upsets. Identifying potential Cinderella teams can give bettors a big edge. Each year, lower seeds shock higher seeds by exploiting weaknesses and playing aggressive basketball.

When looking for upset candidates, focus on teams that create extra possessions through offensive rebounding or turnovers. Teams with reliable three-point shooting are also strong upset threats, as a hot shooting streak can quickly erase a talent gap.

Top Cinderella Teams to Watch

1. Drake: Drake’s methodical pace and efficient shooting make them a prime upset candidate. Their ability to limit turnovers and control tempo can frustrate teams that rely on fast-break points.

2. McNeese State: A strong defensive team with outside shooting ability, McNeese has the tools to disrupt higher seeds with strong ball movement and perimeter scoring.

3. Grand Canyon: Known for their aggressive perimeter defense and ability to score in transition, Grand Canyon is a dangerous threat to top seeds.

Picks for March Madness: Key Matchups to Watch in the Early Rounds

Missouri vs. Drake

Drake’s slow-paced, methodical offense is designed to frustrate high-scoring teams like Missouri. If Drake can dictate the pace and limit Missouri’s transition points, they could turn this game into a defensive grind that plays to their advantage.

Clemson vs. McNeese State

McNeese State’s outside shooting makes them a dangerous threat to Clemson. If McNeese State’s shooters get hot early, they could build a lead and force Clemson into a faster-paced game than they prefer.

BYU vs. VCU

BYU’s efficient perimeter shooting gives them an advantage against VCU’s aggressive defense. If BYU can create open looks and hit shots consistently, they should be able to advance.

Conclusion

By combining betting analysis with key matchup insights, you can find strong value in both favorites and upset picks during March Madness.

Finding a balance between top seeds and Cinderella teams will give your bracket the best chance of success.

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— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2025

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