The 2023 NCAA tournament bracket was released on Sunday, with 68 of the nation’s best teams set to battle for a trip to the Final Four in Houston.
March Madness also represents one of the biggest betting seasons on the calendar, as nearly $15.5 billion will be bet on the men’s tournament, according to an American Gaming Association survey. Our ESPN sports betting analysts have you covered with their best betting tips for the second round of the tournament.
All odds are from Caesars Sportsbook.
1. Looking at Saturday’s eight second-round games, which are your favorite plays?
Tyler Fulghum: I really like Duke -3.5 vs. Tennessee. I played Louisiana plus the points in Round 1 against Tennessee and it almost pulled off the outright upset. I have no problem going back to a fade of the Vols, who have played unimpressive basketball for six weeks straight. Duke, meanwhile, is suddenly looking like one of the top 10 teams in the country down the stretch.
Dalen Cuff: I can’t believe Duke is only -3.5. That line has to move. The computers have loved Tennessee all year long but over the last 13 games they’re 6-7 and their offense is anemic. Additionally, they lost their leading creator (Ziegler) for the season (5.0 assists/game) in the final week of February. Conversely, Duke has won 10 straight games. They’re finally healthy, roles defined, elite length/versatility on defense and scoring more efficiently. I’ve hammered this game already at -3, as I suspect that’s going to continue to move.
Jeff Borzello: Duke -3.5 vs. Tennessee. Duke looks like one of the best teams in the country over the last month, ranking No. 4 in adjusted efficiency margin since Feb. 14. Over that same span, Tennessee is No. 14 — and just No. 41 since Zakai Zeigler was lost for the season on Feb. 28. The Vols’ offensive performance against Louisiana was one of their worst of the season. It’s a bad way to enter Saturday’s second round.
Doug Kezirian: I echo the sentiments on Duke. I faded them in the opener but they clearly have improved their play and this is not just a by-product of a weak ACC….
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