Four experts pick their Cinderella upset team to ruin March Madness and make the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio to help you fill out your bracket.
Duke remains at No. 1 in AP Top 25 entering March Madness; St. John’s rises to No. 5
Duke remained atop The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll on Monday a day after the committee that selects the 68-team field for the NCAA Tournament went with Auburn as the No. 1 overall seed. The Blue Devils (31-3) earned 49 of 59 first-place votes in the latest poll after sweeping the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season and tournament titles. The Blue Devils completed its ACC title run despite losing freshman star Cooper Flagg (ankle) and versatile defender Maliq Brown (shoulder) to injuries in the quarterfinals.
Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn top the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll heading into March Madness
Duke, Houston, Florida and Auburn top the AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll heading into March Madness.
Duke has ‘clear run’ coming out of East Region
Brad Thomas and Vaughn Dalzell preview the NCAA Tournament's East Region, discussing why Duke has a clear path to the Final Four over Alabama and Arizona.
Iona fires Tobin Anderson just two years after he replaced Rick Pitino as the school’s coach
Iona fired Tobin Anderson on Monday, just two years after he replaced Rick Pitino as the school's coach. The Gaels made the announcement two days after losing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship game and missing out on an NCAA Tournament bid. Iona was the No. 4 seed and knocked off top-seeded Quinnipiac in the semifinals before falling to No. 6 Mount St. Mary's 63-49 in the title game.
What is truTV? Explaining March Madness TV channel, 2025 NCAA Tournament schedule
Here's what you need to know about truTV heading into 2025 NCAA Tournament, including which games will be broadcast as of now:
Jacob Ognacevic bounces back after missing season due to injury and leads Lipscomb into NCAA Tournament
Lipscomb (25-9) is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 and will face Iowa State (24-9) in Milwaukee.
Caleb Love has seen plenty of Duke. And there’s the potential for 1 more NCAA meeting
Caleb Love already has seen plenty of Duke in a five-year college career, even after transferring across the country from North Carolina to Arizona. He might not be done, either.
Pacers vs. Timberwolves Predictions, odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 17
Indiana Pacers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
The Indiana Pacers (37-29) and Minnesota Timberwolves (40-29) are all set to square off from Target Center in Minneapolis.
The Pacers are riddled with injuries and may have a few key starters out for this game. They are up against a Timberwolves team who have won eight straight games.
The Pacers are currently 16-19 on the road with a point differential of 1, while the Timberwolves have an 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Game details & how to watch Pacers vs. Timberwolves live today
- Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Time: 8:00PM EST
- Site: Target Center
- City: Minneapolis, MN
- Network/Streaming:
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Pacers vs. Timberwolves
The latest odds as of Monday:
- Odds: Pacers (+235), Timberwolves (-288)
- Spread: Timberwolves -7.5
- Over/Under: 229 points
That gives the Pacers an implied team point total of 113.38, and the Timberwolves 117.28.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Pacers vs. Timberwolves game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on the Timberwolves -7.5…
Thomas: “Taking a chance on the Pacers sitting their questionable starters. The Timberwolves could likely cover this number with both teams at full strength, but I like the possible advantage given the circumstances.”
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Pacers & Timberwolves game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Minnesota Timberwolves on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Indiana Pacers at +7.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 229.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Pacers vs. Timberwolves on Monday
- The Timberwolves have won 13 of their last 20 games
- 7 of the Timberwolves' last 9 home matchups against the Pacers have stayed under the Total
- The Pacers have covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 road trips to teams with winning records
The Pacers have covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 road trips to teams with winning records
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Calipari, Self gearing up for another high-stakes matchup
Thursday's NCAA Tournament game isn't the first high-stakes matchup between John Calipari and Bill Self.
2025 NCAA tournament picks: Predictions, odds, lines, schedule for East region, searching for a Duke foil
There are some fun matchups in the first round of the East region.
76ers vs. Rockets Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 17
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers (23-44) and Houston Rockets (43-25) are all set to square off from Toyota Center in Houston.
The 76ers seem to be back to “Trusting the process,” with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey sidelined. They have lost seven of their last 10 games and have struggled against anyone not actively tanking.
The Rockets are surging. They have won six in a row and are second in the Western Conference.
The 76ers are currently 11-22 on the road with a point differential of -5, while the Rockets have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Game details & how to watch 76ers vs. Rockets live today
- Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Time: 8:00PM EST
- Site: Toyota Center
- City: Houston, TX
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for 76ers vs. Rockets
The latest odds as of Monday:
- Odds: 76ers (+612), Rockets (-926)
- Spread: Rockets -14.5
- Over/Under: 222 points
That gives the 76ers an implied team point total of 109.98, and the Rockets 117.54.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Monday's 76ers vs. Rockets game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Rockets -11.5 and Over 212.5 (+101)…
Thomas: “The Rockets are on a six-game winning streak. The over has hit in three of four games. The Sixers have not defended well but do put forth a lot of effort, even in their losses. This combo bet sits inside both lines, and I priced it fairly.”
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s 76ers & Rockets game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Houston Rockets on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Philadelphia 76ers at +14.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 222.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of 76ers vs. Rockets on Monday
- The Rockets have won 8 of their last 10 matchups against teams with worse records
- The Total went under in 20 of the Rockets' 35 home games this season
- The Rockets have covered in 4 of their last 5 home gamesThe Rockets have won 10 of their last 12 home matchups against teams with worse records
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
UCLA and South Carolina headline AP Top 25 women’s poll and are top seeds in NCAA Tournament
UCLA remained No. 1 in The Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 on Monday one day after the Bruins earned the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. UCLA received 19 first place votes from the 32-member national media panel. UConn was third after winning the Big East Tournament championship over Creighton in the only game with ranked teams last week.
NCAA Tournament – Xavier vs. Texas Predictions: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats
Xavier Musketeers vs. Texas Longhorns Game Preview
Pistons vs. Pelicans Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for March 17
Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview
The Detroit Pistons (37-31) and New Orleans Pelicans (18-50) are all set to square off from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
The Pistons have cooled off recently, going .500 in their last 10 games. They are still comfortably in a playoff spot, with a five-game cushion between them and the seventh-seed Atlanta Hawks.
Pelicans are close to the bottom of the Western Conference. They have only won three of their last 10, and 18 on the season.
The Pistons are currently 19-15 on the road with a point differential of 2, while the Pelicans have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Game details & how to watch Pistons vs. Pelicans live today
- Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Time: 8:00PM EST
- Site: Smoothie King Center
- City: New Orleans, LA
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Pistons vs. Pelicans
The latest odds as of Monday:
- Odds: Pistons (-244), Pelicans (+200)
- Spread: Pistons -6.5
- Over/Under: 233 points
That gives the Pistons an implied team point total of 118.81, and the Pelicans 115.42.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Pistons vs. Pelicans game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on Tobias Harris over 5.5 rebounds…
Thomas: “Harris has been the man on glass in the last six games and the month of March. He’s averaging 8.5 boards per game in March and has grabbed at least six rebounds in every game. Given its consistency and the Pelican's poor field goal percentage (45.2%), this feels like a line that you must take.”
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Pistons & Pelicans game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the New Orleans Pelicans on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New Orleans Pelicans at +6.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 233.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Pistons vs. Pelicans on Monday
- The Pelicans have lost 7 of their last 9 games
- The Over is 19-15 in the Pelicans' home games this season
- The Pelicans have covered in 19 of their 34 home games this season
- The Pelicans have won 4 straight home games against the Pistons
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)