College Basketball Predictions, Picks & Odds Today: Saturday, 3/1
March has arrived, and the excitement is at an all-time high! With conference tournaments just around the corner, these last few regular season matchups are key for seeding and hopes of making it to the NCAA Tournament.
With so much at stake, let’s check out the best college basketball picks for today’s important games!
College Basketball Predictions & Overview Today, 3/1
Today, we have some exciting matchups for our college basketball predictions featuring top teams from the SEC and Big 12. Auburn is looking to solidify their spot as the best team in the country against a Kentucky team eager for a big win.
Later, Texas A&M is going up against Tennessee in another big SEC showdown, with both teams wanting to make a statement before the postseason begins. In the Big 12, Iowa State and Arizona are set to battle in what sets up to be a high-scoring game.
#1 Auburn vs. #17 Kentucky Predictions & Picks
In a matchup that could be extremely close, taking Kentucky at +4.5 (-115 at BetMGM) seems like the best choice to begin our college basketball predictions today. Both teams have impressive scoring abilities, with Auburn averaging 85.1 points per game and Kentucky just ahead at 85.6 points per game, which sets up an exciting, fast-paced game.
While Auburn's defense has been solid, allowing only 68.5 points per game, Kentucky's strong three-point defense (29.7%, ranking 15th in the nation) might help them limit Auburn's outside shooting. Recent performances also suggest Kentucky is likely to cover the spread.
The Wildcats have proven themselves in tight games, including a close 83-82 victory against Oklahoma and competitive matches against Alabama and Mississippi State. On the other hand, Auburn has had trouble covering the spread as a favorite, managing to do so in only one of their last five games, even though they won those matches.
#12 Texas A&M vs. #3 Florida Predictions & Picks
Even though the Gators have impressive scoring stats this season, their offense has not been as effective in SEC games, especially against teams that have good defensive stats. Texas A&M fits this description well, allowing only 66.7 points per game (46th in the nation) and holding opponents to a shooting percentage of 39.9% (18th).
On the flip side, the Aggies have their own offensive issues, ranking outside the top 300 in field goal percentage (42.0%) and three-point shooting (30.6%), which makes it unlikely for them to engage in a high-scoring game.
Florida's defense also backs up the idea of betting on the under. The Gators give up just 67.1 points per game (54th) and restrict teams to 39.4% shooting (13th). They are particularly strong against three-pointers, allowing only 29.2% from beyond the arc (8th).
Recently, A&M's games have tended to go under, with four out of their last five staying below the total. Anticipate a game focused on defense with not much offensive action, making the under 147.5 (-110 at BetMGM) a solid wager to start our college basketball predictions today.
#22 Arizona vs. #9 Iowa St. Predictions & Picks
The Wildcats have shown they can compete with top teams, highlighted by their recent victories over Baylor and Texas Tech, along with a tight loss to Houston. Their strong rebounding (37.0 RPG, ranked 9th nationally) and ability to make opponents take difficult shots (40.7% opponent FG, ranked 33rd) give them a solid chance against Iowa State.
Although the Cyclones have a strong defense, allowing only 67.2 PPG, they’ve faced some tight situations. Arizona’s backcourt, featuring Caleb Love (16.4 PPG) and Jaden Bradley (11.4 PPG, 2.0 SPG), has the skills to keep the game competitive.
With both teams performing similarly in offensive efficiency, this game might come down to the final moments, making the five-point spread valuable. Expect a fierce contest until the end – meaning Arizona should be able to cover the spread. Let’s cap off our college basketball predictions today with Wildcats +6.5 (-115 at BetMGM).
College Basketball Odds & Betting Lines Today
We have shared our official college basketball picks for today, and now it's time to focus on analyzing the betting lines!
Be sure to check the college basketball odds at BetMGM Sportsbook for the games we've just discussed:
- Auburn Tigers (-200) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (+165)
- Spread: Auburn -4.5 (-105) vs. Kentucky +4.5 (-115)
- Game Total: Over 166.5 (-110) vs. Under 166.5 (-110)
- Texas A&M Aggies (+365) vs. Florida Gators (+490)
- Spread: Texas A&M +9.5 (-110) vs. Florida -9.5 (-110)
- Game Total: Over 147.5 (-110) vs. Under 147.5 (-110)
- Arizona Wildcats (+210) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (-260)
- Spread: Arizona +6.5 (-115) vs. Iowa State -6.5 (-105)
- Game Total: Over 152 (-110) vs. Under 152 (-110)
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Player News
Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Tanner Houck will make his next start “as of now” on Sunday against Atlanta.
It’s not exactly a vote of confidence. It sounds like the Red Sox are leaving all options on the table before considering their next move, which could involve jettisoning Houck to the minors in what would essentially be a full-scale reset. The 28-year-old righty was torched for 11 runs on Monday in a loss to the Tigers. The move would leave rookie Hunter Dobbins in Boston’s rotation even after Walker Buehler (shoulder) returns next week from the injured list. We’ll have updates on the developing situation as it unfolds in the coming days.
Cubs selected the contract of C Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa.
Ballesteros joins the Cubs for Tuesday’s game against the Marlins after recording a sublime 368/.420/.522 triple-slash line with four homers and three steals over 34 games this season for Triple-A Iowa. The 21-year-old catcher still has some long-term defensive question marks left to answer, but his strong bat-to-ball skills enable him to avoid strikeouts, and he figures to offer enough power upside to make an impact for fantasy purposes. There may be some initial struggles as Ballesteros adjusts to life in the majors, but he’s worthy of a speculative roster spot in all fantasy formats.
Cubs placed OF Ian Happ on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 10, with a left oblique strain.
Happ heads to the injured list for some extra time off to rest and recover after missing three straight games with a lingering ailment. It doesn’t sound like the 30-year-old corner outfielder is facing a lengthy absence, but oblique issues can be tricky. The fantasy fallout is rather straightforward as Happ’s absence opens the door for burgeoning star Pete Crow-Armstrong to continue leading off for Chicago.
Cubs transferred RHP Tyson Miller to the 60-day injured list.
The procedural move frees up a spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster for top prospect Moises Ballesteros ahead of Tuesday’s game in Miami. Miller hit the injured list back in late March with a left hip impingement.
The Celtics announced Tuesday that Jayson Tatum underwent surgery to repair his ruptured right Achilles tendon.
Tatum was injured during the fourth quarter of Monday’s Game 4 loss to the Knicks, with his leg giving out as he attempted to corral a loose ball. The Celtics star could not put any weight on his leg while being helped to the locker room, and the worst fears have officially been realized. Not only will Tatum miss the remainder of this playoff series, which Boston trails 3-1, but he’ll likely miss most of the 2025-26 season. One would expect Kristaps Porzingis to return to the starting lineup in the short term, and the Celtics have serious long-term questions to answer following Tatum’s injury.
Yandy Díaz will miss a three-game series against the Blue Jays due to a passport issue.
Díaz was placed on the restricted list ahead of Tuesday’s series opener in Canada after there was a delay in the renewal process for his passport that was not able to be expedited. It’ll be Jonathan Aranda taking over at the cold corner in his absence. The 33-year-old veteran will return for Friday’s contest against the Marlins at loanDepot park.