March Madness: Best Predictions for First Four Games Today on March 17
March Madness officially gets rolling tonight with the First Four, and even with just two games on the board, there are still a few strong betting angles worth targeting. These smaller slates can create good value, especially when the market is tight and every matchup gets magnified.
With that in mind, here are the best bets and predictions for Tuesday’s First Four action, including two game lines and two player props to consider.
Game Lines
Odds via Thrillzz
Howard Moneyline (-112) vs. UMBC
This feels like one of the better spots on the board because the gap between these two teams is slim, and Howard has the kind of overall balance that travels well in a win-or-go-home setting.
The Bison have been the steadier team across the full season, and that matters in a matchup like this where possessions should be valuable. Howard does a good job of playing under control offensively while also having enough physicality and structure to keep UMBC from getting too comfortable.
UMBC absolutely has enough shooting to make this dangerous, but Howard looks like the more complete team, and getting plus money in a game that feels close to a toss-up is strong value.
Texas Moneyline (-119) vs. NC State
Texas is the side here largely because of the offensive upside. The Longhorns have already shown they can beat NC State this season, and when they get into a faster, more open game, their scoring ceiling rises in a big way.
This should be the more explosive game of the two on Tuesday’s slate, and that type of environment favors Texas. The Longhorns can create offense in bunches, and if they get any rhythm early, they have the firepower to separate and should prove to be one of the best March Madness bets today.
NC State is dangerous and fully capable of winning this game, but at this number, Texas is the better value based on scoring upside and shot-making potential.
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Odds via DraftKings
Dailyn Swain Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (+185)
This is a strong value look based on price alone, especially in a game that should have a good offensive tempo. If Texas is going to win, there is a good chance its perimeter shooting plays a major role, and that gives Swain a path to clearing this line.
At plus value, you are only asking for two made threes, which is very reasonable in a matchup where shot volume should be there. In a one-game spot like this, backing a projected first-round NBA Draft pick to get loose from deep at a number like this is worth the shot.
Quadir Copeland Over 6.5 Assists (+102)
Copeland’s over makes sense because of how much he means to NC State’s offensive flow. He is the kind of player who can control tempo, create for others, and capitalize if Texas allows the game to open up.
If Wolfpack has offensive success, there is a strong chance Copeland is at the center of it as a facilitator. In a matchup that projects to have pace and scoring, seven assists is a very reachable number, especially at plus money.
New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets Instantly The First Four may only feature two games tonight, but there are still several strong betting angles on the board. Howard offers value as a live underdog, Texas has the higher offensive ceiling in the nightcap, and both player props bring appealing plus-money upside. As always, be sure to check multiple sportsbooks to ensure you're getting the best odds.
All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on March 16
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