March Madness West Region Preview: NCAA Tournament Prediction Markets

The West Region has some of the most intrigue of any of the four regions. Sure, Arizona is the heavyweight, but there are some great sleeper picks in this region of the NCAA Tournament. Teams like Wisconsin, Arkansas, and BYU have the star power to play with anyone. While a team like Purdue has some interesting Sports Prediction Markets probabilities after winning the Big Ten Tournament.

This is your one-stop shop. We have everything you need to know, previewing the West Region first-round games from the best Prediction Market apps. Along with expert analysis and up-to-date Prediction Market prices, we also share where to watch NCAA Tournament matchups and the NCAA Tournament locations for the West Region games.

Prices for all games below via Kalshi, taken on March 17, at 3:06 p.m. ET.

#1-#16 Arizona vs. Long Island Preview & Predictions Markets

Arizona is a dominant force and very well could be the team to beat in March Madness. Give Long Island credit for qualifying for the tournament, but it is probably a short trip. The probabilities at Kalshi reflect this as the Wildcats are heavy favorites, and honestly, it would surprise no one if they were up by 20+ by halftime.

Where/When to Watch Arizona vs. Long Island: Fri. March 20, 1:35 p.m. TNT

Arizona vs. Long Island Location: Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA

Read More: NCAA Tournament Prediction Markets: South Region Round of 64 Picks & Preview

#8-#9 Villanova vs. Utah State Preview & Predictions Markets

latest Prediction Market News around the tournament.

Utah State is very talented, and some experts even think they were underseeded, but they will have to prove that against a solid Villanova team. Utah is actually favored, even though they are the lower-seeded team. With two players, MJ Collins (17.6 PPG) and Mason Falslev (16.1 PPG), averaging over 15 points per game, if they play well, they will be tough to beat.

Where/When to Watch Villanova vs. Utah State: Fri. March 20, 4:10 p.m. TNT

Villanova vs. Utah State Location: Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA

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#5-#12 Wisconsin vs. High Point Preview & Predictions Markets

One of our favorite March Madness sleeper picks is Wisconsin, and they are built to go on a run. Guards win in March and The Badgers may have the best guard duo in the country. Nick Boyd (20.6 PPG) and John Blackwell (19 PPG) can absolutely fill it up. High Point is a high-scoring group itself, and this matchup could be the highest game point total of any in the first round. If High Point keeps it close, it is hard to imagine them stopping both Boyd and Blackwell down the stretch. That's why we think Wisconsin wins, pulling away in the second half.

Where/When to Watch Wisconsin vs. High Point: Thu. March 19, 1:50 p.m. TBS

Wisconsin vs. High Point Location: Moda Center, Portland, OR

Read More: NCAA Tournament Prediction Markets: East Region Round of 64 Picks & Preview

#4-#13 Arkansas vs. Hawaii Preview & Predictions Markets

Hawaii is an interesting squad, and given another matchup, they could pull off an upset. It is hard to see that happening, though, as Arkansas seems to be peaking at the right time. Darius Acuff (22.9 PPG) is one of the highest-scoring players in the country. Hawaii might keep it close for a little while, but they won't be able to contain the Razorbacks' elite offense.

Where/When to Watch Arkansas vs. Hawaii: Thu. March 19, 4:25 p.m. TBS

Arkansas vs. Hawaii Location: Moda Center, Portland, OR

#6-#11 BYU vs. Texas/NCST Preview & Predictions Markets

Texas and NC State play in the first four, and whoever wins should have some momentum going into a matchup with BYU. If BYU were at full strength and had AJ Dybantsa (25.3 PPG) and Richie Saunders (18 PPG), they could be a March Madness contender, but with Saunders out for the year, they could be poised to get upset in the first round.

Where/When to Watch BYU vs. Texas/NCST: Thu. March 19, 7:25 p.m. TBS

BYU vs. Texas/NCST Location: Moda Center, Portland, OR

Read More: Kalshi $1 Billion Perfect Bracket Challenge: Best March Madness Bracket Tips for 2026

#3-#14 Gonzaga vs. Kennesaw State Preview & Predictions Markets

Gonzaga is a mainstay, and even in a down year by their standard, they are still a three seed and will be a tough out. Kennesaw State could put the Bulldogs on notice, especially if their star, Simeon Cottle (20.2 PPG), gets hot. What this matchup will come down to is whether the Owls can slow down Gonzaga big man Graham Ike (19.7 PPG & 8.2 RPG).

Where/When to Watch Gonzaga vs. Kennesaw State: Thu. March 19, 10:00 p.m. TBS

Gonzaga vs. Kennesaw State Location: Moda Center, Portland, OR

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#7-#10 Miami vs. Missouri Preview & Predictions Markets

One of the best first-round matchups features two teams playing an exciting brand of basketball. Miami has had a huge bounce-back season led by Malik Reneau (18.8 PPG & 6.6 RPG) and Tre Donaldson (16.5 PPG & 5.8 APG). Missouri has some star power of its own, as Mark Mitchell (18.3 PPG) is a dynamic scorer. This matchup will be close, and Missouri could pull off the upset, as they have proven they can win big-time matchups. While Miami has struggled in close games, that does not make for a recipe for success in March.

Where/When to Watch Miami vs. Missouri: Fri. March 20, 10:10 p.m. truTV

Miami vs. Missouri Location: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO

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#2-#15 Purdue vs. Queens Preview & Predictions Markets

Purdue will always carry the stigma of being upset in some of the most shocking losses in the NCAA Tournament over the past decade. This team is built differently, and with a senior point guard in Braden Smith, who only needs two assists to break the NCAA record, they are playing their best ball all year. Unlike the Zach Edey-led teams, this squad's guards are too good to get beaten as a two seed.

Where/When to Watch Purdue vs. Queens: Fri. March 20, 7:35 p.m. truTV

Purdue vs. Queens Location: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO