No better time to be cashing than a Friday night
Our window to bet on basketball is waning with every minute that passes. After four games tonight we’re down to seven games remaining this tournament. So we have to get while the getting is good. Tonight’s Sweet 16 matchups are some of the bluest of blue bloods and some relative newcomers. But either the Big Ten or the SEC is going to have a significant stake in the bragging rights for the remainder of this year. And it’s only fair we try to profit.
Your breakdown of the early game window for this Sweet 16 Friday:
Game 1: Ole Miss vs Michigan State
Tip Time: 7:09PM
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta GA
Television: CBS
Storylines:
- It’s a Big Ten/SEC matchup dominated by balanced guard play and front court strength. This likely comes down to what team executes and limits unforced errors in a defensive hard nosed game.
- Michigan State has a storied history with 10 Final Four appearances and two national championships.
- Ole Miss is making its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2001 and has never reached the Elite Eight.
Belt Bets:
Line: Ole Miss +4.5
O/U: Over 143.5
Prop of the Game: Sean Pedulla (Miss) over 13.5 points
Game 2: Kentucky vs Tennessee
Tip Time: 7:39PM
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Television: TruTV
Storylines
- It’s a neutral court by definition but Kentucky fans will swarm Indianapolis. Something to note is the game is being played in a football stadium, historically bad sight lines and shooting numbers usually occur.
- Kentucky leads the all-time series against Tennessee with a dominant record of 161-78. They won both regular-season matchups this year. It’s hard to beat a team three times in one season but Kentucky has had Tennessee’s number.
- Tennessee has had a competitive rivalry with Kentucky but struggled in their two meetings this season, particularly with shooting efficiency. Their two main threats Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler performed well below their season averages in both matchups.
Belt Bets:
Line: Kentucky ML (+168)
O/U: over 143.5
Prop of the Game: Lamont Butler (UK) over 8.5 points
Per usual don’t bet what you can’t afford to lose. Entertainment purposes only. Yadda yadda yadda.