The NCAA tournament field is fast approaching the Final Four. We're almost there. And, of course, there are betting opportunities galore. Our experts -- ESPN analysts Doug Kezirian, "Stanford Steve" Coughlin, Chris "The Bear" Fallica, Joe Fortenbaugh, Dalen Cuff, Erin Dolan and Anita Marks -- are here to give their best bets for the first two games of the Elite Eight. And if you've been picking upsets in your bracket, don't forget to check your status in ESPN's Tournament Challenge Second Chance!
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
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Saturday's picks | Futures
Best bets for Saturday
5. Houston Cougars (-2.5, 128) vs. 2. Villanova Wildcats
South Region: 6:09 p.m. ET, AT&T Center, San Antonio
Fallica's picks: Villanova +2.5, over 128
Houston's defense and athleticism have given teams fits, but Jay Wright and Villanova might be the best equipped to handle it, despite a height disadvantage. The Wildcats' guard-heavy offense should, in theory, mean they have more ball handlers, and any missed 3-pointers, in theory, should result in longer rebounds. This feels like one-way Houston action, being the game is in San Antonio as well, so we might even see a tick to three if we wait. And in anticipation of a close-ish game with so much on the line, expect a lot of late fouling. And with Houston being a team that fouls often, that too could work in Villanova's favor, as the Cats don't miss from the line.
Marks' pick: Houston -2.5
I have Houston advancing to the Final Four in my bracket -- and for good reason. The Cougars' defense is suffocating and ranks in the top 15 in both offensive and defensive efficiency this season. They are a well-balanced team with size and athleticism, and they have the luxury of playing Villanova just three hours from campus. Jay Wright's team has been impressive, but the Wildcats were able to sneak past Michigan due to poor free throw shooting by the Wolverines. Houston's defense will be able to contest Nova's 3-point shooting. Lay the points.
4. Arkansas Razorbacks vs. 2. Duke Blue Devils (-4, 147)
West Region: 8:49 p.m. ET, Chase Center, San Francisco
Fortenbaugh's pick: Over 147
Duke just hung 78 points in regulation on Texas Tech. I'm going to let that sentence hang in the air for a moment because that is an incredible feat, as evidenced by the fact that not a single previous opponent had hit that mark against the nation's top-ranked defense in 36 tries. Conversely, the Duke defense has been vulnerable late in the season, permitting an average of 77 points per game over its past seven outings. Arkansas likes to play fast, which I'm betting is something Duke will oblige. Expect fireworks.
Marks' pick: Arkansas +4
Full disclosure ... I had Vermont upsetting Arkansas in the first round, but I am now dancing to the beat of a Razorbacks drum! Arkansas' win over Gonzaga was extremely impressive. JD Notae is having a great tournament, and I expect his production to continue against a Duke team that lacks defense. Arkansas has the athleticism and seasoned vets to handle a Duke team that has scoreless droughts and frequent turnovers. Clutch shots don't come by the dozen, and unfortunately I believe Coach K's farewell tour ends this week.
Futures
Note: Odds entering tournament
UCLA Bruins +400 to make Final Four
Marks: UCLA has had a terrific season, winning games against contenders even without its best players on the court because of injuries. The Bruins are back at full strength, rank in the top 15 in both offensive and defensive efficiency and have a lot of tourney experience on their roster. I have UCLA upsetting Baylor, which is not at full strength, and beating either Kentucky or Virginia Tech to make it to the Final Four.
Kentucky Wildcats to win East (+275) and UCLA Bruins to win East (+400)
Fallica: It has been 15 years since a reigning national champion even got past the Sweet 16, and this depleted version of Baylor is going to have a hard time doing that. I'd love a prop Kentucky and UCLA vs. the field in the East, but I'll have to settle for playing the Cats and Bruins at plus prices and hope one gets to New Orleans.
Tennessee Volunteers to win South (+400) and Houston Cougars to win South (+600)
Fallica: I've been on the Volunteers bandwagon for a while now, and it's getting quite full. Despite their being under-seeded, the path to win the South is still quite doable. They would potentially need to avenge an odd loss to Villanova and then beat Arizona a second time. People seemingly have Arizona inked into the national title game, but the Cats could run into a tough matchup with Houston. Even without Marcus Sasser, who has hinted he is trying to get back, the Cougars' defense could lead the team back to the Final Four.
Miami Hurricanes to win Midwest (+2200) and
USC Trojans to win Midwest (+2000)
Fallica: If Kansas doesn't win this region, it could be anyone. I've dubbed this my "Kansas or Chaos" region. Two-seed Auburn seemingly peaked six weeks ago and has had trouble away from home lately, the 3-seed is Wisconsin, which has Johnny Davis either still injured or on fumes, and 4-seed Providence is KenPom's luckiest team in the country. Five-seed Iowa is the trendiest of all Final Four picks. Six-seed LSU just fired its coach. There's a real chance the Miami/USC winner could find itself in the Sweet 16 at the very least, which is why I'll take a chance with both long shots.
Kansas Jayhawks to have more wins than
Baylor Bears -140
Fallica: I'd be very surprised if the Jayhawks didn't find themselves in the Elite Eight based on their draw. I don't see Baylor winning three games with its potential path.