It’s March, ladies and gentlemen. That can only mean one thing. Let the madness begin! It’s officially time for the 2023 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament to take center stage. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of tournament favorites, best bets, and sleeper picks. This comes ahead of the joys, tears, and drama that is set to unfold over the next few weeks leading up to the Championship game on April 3rd in Houston, Texas.

Let’s start with the favorites to win the 2023 National Championship. 

Tournament Favorites

Houston (+650)

Every tournament has its odds-on favorites. That one team that is capable of going all the way based on talent, coaching, roster construction, and sheer, raw skill. That being said, that team heading into this year’s tournament is the Houston Cougars.

A few weeks ago, I locked in Houston to win the tournament outright at +650 odds. Since then, their odds have increased and currently stand at +550. That being said, never underestimate the overall value that comes with locking in a bet before prospective sportsbooks and betting markets make adjustments. 

Houston enters play as one of the single-most talented teams in the country. Additionally, they’re the number-one seed in the Midwest. They’re led by star guard Marcus Sasser who’s averaging 17.1 PPG. Additionally, Houston boasts one of the best defensive schemes in college basketball. Their ability to “get stops” and lock it down defensively can give any team headaches. All in all, they’re big, strong, well-coached, physical, and seem to be buying whatever head coach Kelvin Sampson is selling. Don’t hesitate, hoop fans, lock in the Cougars as soon as you can. 

Alabama (+900)

Next up is the Alabama Crimson Tide. Similar to my Houston futures bet, I was fortunate to lock in Alabama at +900 to win the 2023 tournament. Since then the market has significantly adjusted and currently lists Bama at +750 to win outright. Once again we see the underlying value of getting a head start on sportsbooks and professional oddsmakers. 

It’s been a long time since Alabama has had a team as talented as the 2023 rendition that’s set to kick-start the tournament. As the top seed in the South region, Alabama is led in large part by their lock-down defense which has been an absolute nightmare to play against. From a sheer statistical standpoint, Alabama ranks third in the country in adjusted-defensive efficiency, according to KenPom.

Then there’s the Charles Bediako factor. The 7 ‘0 Canadian-born alpha is an all-world rim protector. Additionally, he provides Bama with the ability to get stops and transition to offense seamlessly. All in all, this makes them a super uber-threat on both ends of the floor. 

The past few years have seen the Crimson Tide fall short at this tournament, but all indications point towards them making a deep run this spring. At +900, you’re getting some incredible value on what is one heck of a team. 

Best Bets

Next, we’ll examine some “best bets” to win the 2023 tournament starting with UCLA. 

UCLA (+1200)

UCLA enters tournament play as the number two seed in the West region and for good reason. Like both Houston and Alabama, UCLA’s strength starts on defense, boasting one of the meanest and most athletic defensive units in college basketball.

UCLA has already been to a Final Four under head coach Mike Cronin and will look to get back to tournament prominence by winning low-scoring “ugly” games this time around. On the offensive side of the spectrum, UCLA is led by star guards Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell, two of the most dynamic guards and 1-2 punches in the country. This is a team who boasts elite guard play, experience at this level, and a defensive acumen capable of closing out tight games. Winners of 12 of their last 13 games, UCLA should be viewed as a major threat during March Madness. 

Arizona (+1400)

Despite dropping two of their final three games, the Arizona Wildcats capped off an excellent campaign. In the end, they posted a whopping 25-6 overall record and enter the tournament as the number two seed in the South region. 

As a team, Arizona loves to play up-tempo, high-octane basketball having amassed 78+ points in five of their final six games. Led by Azuolas Tubelis who led the Pac-12 in both scoring and rebounding, Tubelis gives Zona a bonafide presence and a perennial scoring threat from the perimeter. After being upset by Houston 12 months ago, this is a team that will be chomping at the bit to reach the Final Four and avenge last year’s disappointing showing. In short, this is a top-10 team who can beat you in a number of different ways. All things considered, look for Arizona to make some real noise over the next few weeks. 

Sleeper Picks

Rounding out the article is our “sleeper picks.” Those teams who defy the odds and make a deep run. Let’s start with Gonzaga. 

Gonzaga (+2500)

A couple of weeks ago I took a flier on Gonzaga at +2500 to win the tournament outright. After selection Sunday, their odds now sit at +1600, signifying excellent overall value on a futures bet for the high-flying Bulldogs. Although Mark Few’s teams have fallen short in recent years, it’s certainly looking as though this is the tournament that sees the Bulldogs go on a deep run. 

This team is led by legendary forward Drew Timme who averaged 20.9 PPG and 7.3 RBG as a Senior. Now, Gonzaga enters tournament play as the top-ranked offense in college basketball. Over the past few weeks, few teams have been more dominant and dynamic than the Zags. Analytically speaking, Gonzaga ranks number one in adjusted offensive efficiency and 38% shooting proficiency from beyond the arc over the past month. Lock in Gonzaga before their odds move even further, hoop fans. 

Duke (+4000)

What’s a March Madness tournament without talking about the Duke Blue Devils? Yes, Mike Krzyzewski is gone, and it’s going to be strange seeing Duke without him on the sidelines. However, the Blue Devils will want to return to prominence by making a big splash at this year’s tournament. Typically, Duke always sits atop the rankings at the very top of the NCAA, but this is Jon Scheyer’s team now, and he’ll be licking his chops to make some noise this Spring. 

Duke enters tournament play as ACC champions for the 22nd time. On the court, they’ve won 10 consecutive games including several impressive performances against the likes of Virginia, Syracuse, and their arch-rivals UNC. This is a team that’s getting hot at just the right time, which spells trouble for the rest of the country. I’d highly advise against sleeping on Duke for a plethora of reasons. At +4000, you have to love the value you’re getting for one of the absolute darlings of collegiate basketball.

So there you have it, hoops fans, a comprehensive breakdown of favorites, best bets, and sleepers set to take center stage on Thursday. Let the chaos (and madness) begin.

We will also have picks for every game in March Madness 2023 tournament you can find here.

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