March Madness: Best Predictions for Elite 8 Games Today March 29

The NCAA Tournament rolls on as March Madness reaches the second day of the Elite Eight, with two teams already through to the Final Four and two more spots up for grabs today. With only two games on the board and four of the best teams in the country in action, this is the kind of slate where clear team identities and star roles matter most.

Here are the best bets today for the NCAA tournament as the Final Four picture comes into focus, both from a game lines and a player props perspective.

Game Lines

Odds via Thrillzz

Michigan -7.5 (-110) vs. Tennessee

Michigan has the profile of a team that can create real separation because it is strong inside, efficient offensively, and not overly dependent on one style of scoring. The Wolverines also have multiple frontcourt pieces that can punish teams around the rim, which makes them difficult to deal with over a full 40 minutes.

Tennessee is good enough to make this competitive, but Michigan looks better built to control the paint and dictate the game on its terms. If the Wolverines get their normal interior production and keep the offense balanced, this is a reasonable number to lay.

Duke -5.5 (-107) vs. UConn

Duke comes into this matchup with the kind of top-end talent and two-way versatility that usually translates well this late in March. The Blue Devils have been driven by Cameron Boozer’s all-around dominance, and the overall roster has enough size and scoring to pressure teams in different ways.

UConn is absolutely capable of hanging around, but Duke’s blend of rebounding, scoring, and star power gives it the more trustworthy profile in a high-stakes setting. In a game featuring two elite programs, laying the shorter number with the more dynamic top end makes sense.

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Player Props

Odds via BetMGM

Aday Mara Over 12.5 Points (-120)

Mara is a natural points-over candidate because his offensive game is built around efficient interior scoring. He finishes at a high rate, gets most of his looks near the rim, and does not need a high volume of shots to put together a strong scoring night.

That makes this number appealing in a matchup where Michigan should want to establish itself inside. If the Wolverines are playing through their size the way they typically do, Mara has a very clean path to clearing this line as the biggest player on the floor at all times.

Yaxel Lendeborg Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-175)

Lendeborg brings a unique skill set for a forward, with the ability to stretch the floor while still being a major presence inside. His role includes stepping out and taking perimeter shots within the flow of the offense, which adds another layer to Michigan’s attack.

That versatility is what makes this prop work. When a high-usage frontcourt player is comfortable taking threes, two makes becomes a very attainable target. The future first-round NBA Draft pick will continue to prove he's one of the best players in the country today.

Cameron Boozer Over 9.5 Rebounds (-136)

Boozer is one of the best all-around players in the country, and rebounding is a major part of his impact. He consistently positions himself well, plays with physicality, and stays active on both ends of the floor.

This is the type of prop that aligns naturally with how he plays. In a competitive game where Duke leans on its star, double-digit rebounds is a very realistic expectation given that he regularly pulls down boards in double digits, making this one of the best NCAA Tournament bets today.

Silas Demary Jr. Over 4.5 Assists (-117)

Demary operates as a key secondary playmaker for UConn, with enough on-ball responsibility to create opportunities for teammates. His role involves handling, initiating offense, and making reads when defenses collapse.

That makes this line appealing because it does not require an outlier performance. If UConn is generating offense and staying competitive, Demary should have multiple chances to rack up assists as a primary offensive engine for the Huskies.

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With only two Elite Eight games today, the strongest NCAA tournament betting angles come from trusting what teams and players already do well. Michigan and Duke both have the profile of favorites that can control their matchups, while Mara, Lendeborg, Boozer, and Demary all have skill sets that align cleanly with their props. That is usually where the best March Madness value lives this late in the tournament.

All Odds as of 6:00 a.m. ET on March 29