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NCAA March Madness: East Region Betting Preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 3/15/23

Purdue is the top seed in the East Region, and they deserve it. However, if they are going to get to the Final Four though, at some point they are probably going to have to play the likes of Kentucky or Duke.

The East Region is filled with teams that I think most are not giving much consideration to because they were not at the top of the polls when the season started. Purdue definitely meets that criteria, as does the likes of No. 2 seed Marquette, and No. 3 seed Kansas State.

This collection of teams might not grab you, but they reflect the changing nature of the game.

Top Odds to Win the East Region

Purdue Boilermakers +300
Marquette Golden Eagles +370
Tennessee Volunteers +550
Duke Blue Devils +650

Best Bet: Purdue Boilermakers +300

Purdue is the No. 1 seed with the best payoff right now. That tells us a lot of things, but I like the fact that they are battle-tested from the Big Ten and in Zach Edey, they have a source of steady offense. I don't know what his pro prospects are, but he dominates at this level and coach Matt Painter is very good at putting him in situations to succeed. The Boilermakers might not be the most talented team but their floor is very high.

Sleeper: Kentucky Wildcats +800

It was going to be the Wildcats or Blue Devils, who you normally have to pay a premium to back this time of year. Kentucky has its warts but they also have a nice blend of youth and experience. They also get to avoid the Boilermakers until the Elite Eight if it comes to that. At this price it is hard not to consider the Wildcats to make a run.

Best Bet for Thursday

Tennessee -11.5 (vs. Louisiana)

The Vols are missing guard Zakai Ziegler and as they progress that is going to hurt them. I just don't see that coming to fruition in the opening round. Their defense seems to never take a night off and if they hold Louisiana under 50 points they should win with ease. The Cajuns are not out of their league but they are not sharp enough offensively to push the Vols and their mediocre defense will help Tennessee.

Best Bet for Friday

Kentucky -4 (vs Providence)

Folks are going to love the storylines with former Wildcat Bryce Hopkins leading the way for Providence in this spot. It is a story you can write almost every year as Kentucky recruits with the best teams in America. Hopkins will get his but it won't be enough against an athletic Kentucky team that is better at all the other spots on the floor. They might not make it looks easy but covering this number looks good.

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