College Basketball Predictions, Picks & Odds Today: Tuesday, 3/4

March is in full swing, and the pressure is on as teams gear up for the upcoming conference tournaments.
With Selection Sunday just around the corner, every game is crucial – whether it’s about securing a better seed, making a last-ditch effort to impress the selection committee or simply gaining momentum for a strong postseason. That said, what do our college basketball picks have cooked up for tonight?
College Basketball Predictions & Overview Today, 3/4
Tonight’s lineup promises intense action in the SEC and Big 12, featuring Kentucky trying to recover against a struggling LSU, Auburn looking to maintain its #1 ranking against Texas A&M and an exciting clash between ranked teams as BYU takes on Iowa State.
Let’s take a closer look at the key matchups and college basketball predictions for the biggest games on Tuesday!
LSU vs. #19 Kentucky Predictions & Picks
Even though LSU has had a tough time on offense, this matchup looks promising for a high score. Kentucky plays really fast, averaging 85.3 points per game, which is fifth in the nation. They can score against any team, but their defense is weak, allowing 77.2 points per game, ranking 318th.
This is a good sign for LSU, which has struggled with three-point shooting at just 31.1%, placing them 323rd. However, they should find it easier to get good shots against Kentucky's defense, which ranks 143rd in field goal percentage. The Wildcats have gone over the total in three of their last four games, including high-scoring matches against Auburn (94-78) and Arkansas (89-79).
On the other hand, LSU tends to score more when they face strong offenses, as shown in their losses to Texas (89-58) and Auburn (87-74). With Kentucky controlling the pace and LSU likely scoring just enough, this game is set up to be a high-scoring one. Take the over 156.5 (-107 at Novig) to start out our college basketball picks today.
#1 Auburn vs. #22 Texas A&M Predictions & Picks
Auburn -4.5 (-105 at Novig) seems like a solid bet for the next of today’s college basketball predictions based on how both teams are playing right now. The Tigers have been the strongest team in the country overall this season, sitting at 4th in the nation for scoring with an average of 85.4 points per game.
They also have a top-notch defense that limits opponents to just 40.4% shooting. Recently, they've had some impressive wins, thanks in part to Johni Broome, who scores 18.4 points and grabs 10.8 rebounds per game, along with a team that has a lot of good shooters.
On the flip side, Texas A&M is having a tough time. They've lost four games in a row, including a big loss to Florida, and their offense isn't doing well, ranking 327th in field goal percentage at 41.8% and 331st in three-point shooting at 30.6%.
Even though they’re good at rebounding (17th in the nation), it might not be enough to compete with Auburn's better depth and athleticism. With Auburn on the rise and Texas A&M struggling, let’s bet on the Tigers.
#23 BYU vs. #10 Iowa St. Predictions & Picks
Finally, BYU +9.5 (-122 at Novig) will be our play against Iowa State. Even though the Cyclones are likely to win, the point spread is too big considering how well BYU has been playing lately. The Cougars just had a big win against West Virginia, beating them 77-56, and they've won six out of their last seven games.
They've also had some great wins on the road against Arizona (96-95) and Arizona State (91-81). BYU's offense is really strong, ranking 35th in the country with 81.0 points per game and shooting an impressive 48.8% from the field, which is 18th best.
Iowa State has been a bit inconsistent recently, losing two of their last three games, including a surprising loss to Oklahoma State. While the Cyclones have a good defense, BYU has shown they can score well even when playing away. With BYU on a roll and Iowa State not being as steady, taking the points with BYU to finalize our college basketball predictions today is the play in what should be an exciting game!
College Basketball Odds & Betting Lines Today
We have provided our official college basketball picks for today, and now it's time to dive into the analysis of the betting lines!
Make sure to review the college basketball odds at Novig for the games we've just covered:
- LSU Tigers (+706) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-1076)
- Spread: LSU +12.5 (-104) vs. Kentucky -12.5 (-115)
- Game Total: Over 156.5 (-107) vs. Under 156.5 (-106)
- Auburn Tigers (-199) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (+168)
- Spread: Auburn -4.5 (-105) vs. Texas A&M +4.5 (+100)
- Game Total: Over 151.5 (-116) vs. Under 151.5 (-106)
- BYU Cougars (+344) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (-462)
- Spread: BYU +9.5 (-122) vs. Iowa State -9.5 (+102)
- Game Total: Over 149.5 (-110) vs. Under 149.5 (-111)
How To Bet On College Basketball At Novig & Claim $150 In Bonus Bets
Check out the fantastic Novig promotion available today! Just click this link to use our special code ALARM right now! With Novig, you can make your selections using bonus funds without any fees since you're betting against other users, not the house. Today’s offer allows you to use their platform funds at half the cost before following our college basketball predictions!
You can find some great items at the Coin Store, and for your first purchase, there’s a bundle worth up to $25. When you add it to your cart, you’ll receive a 50% discount, so you only pay half! Don’t miss this amazing offer by activating code ALARM when you click here. Plus, Novig is legal in 42 states here in the US (excluded: AL, CO, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, TN)!
Player News
Donovan Mitchell (ankle) is available for Game 5 against the Pacers on Tuesday.
Mitchell did not play in the second half of Sunday’s Game 4 blowout loss after aggravating a left ankle injury. The good news is that he’ll be available for Tuesday’s game, and the Cavaliers will need all hands on deck as they trail three games to one. Cleveland will go with its regular starting lineup, with Darius Garland, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen joining Mitchell. According to TNT, an MRI on Monday revealed a sprain and showed that Mitchell did not suffer any additional damage.
Sam Merrill (neck) is questionable for Game 5 against the Pacers on Tuesday.
Absent from the Cavaliers’ initial injury report for Game 5, Merrill has been added due to a strained neck. With Donovan Mitchell (ankle) a game-time decision, Cleveland could be down two rotation players with their season on the line. They would require more production from Darius Garland, Max Strus and Ty Jerome to keep their season alive.
Cade Povich could potentially start the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Twins.
Povich might wind up taking the ball for Wednesday’s nightcap, but that’s up in the air at the moment. The 25-year-old lefty was slated to start Tuesday’s contest before it was postponed due to rain. It’ll be Dean Kremer drawing the starting assignment for the opening contest of the twin bill.
Max Muncy is not in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Athletics.
Muncy takes a seat with lefty Jeffrey Springs drawing the starting assignment for the Athletics. He’s been a non-factor this season for fantasy purposes, hitting .190 with one homer, nine RBI and one steal over 39 games. It’ll be Enrique Hernández getting an opportunity at the hot corner on Tuesday night.
Sam Hauser (ankle) is probable for Game 5 against the Knicks on Wednesday.
Hauser has been out of the Celtics’ lineup since spraining his ankle during Game 1. His likely return will give Boston another rotation player to call upon, as Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is out for the foreseeable future. With Kristaps Porzingis (illness) still not back to full strength, Hauser will play rotation minutes if cleared, potentially as a starter.
Chiefs signed fourth-round WR Jalen Royals to a four-year contract.
Royals doesn’t have an obvious and open spot in the receiving corps to build short-term fantasy value with Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Rashee Rice operating in the opening 11-personnel package. He may or may not play his way into WR4 duties depending on how the team feels about JuJu Smith-Schuster. Royals has plenty of talent and Brown is on a one-year deal, so there is a future where Royals is more than a bit player for the Chiefs. It likely won’t happen in his first season without injuries in front of him.