March Madness Predictions, 1st Round Recap & Sportsbook Bonuses: Get $5,550 Today

Article By Chris Wassel

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Chris Wassel is a sports writer who has covered hockey and sports betting for many years. He was a beat writer for the New Jersey Devils and worked at several sites. In his 15-plus years of writing, Chris has written for places ranging from USA Today to Canada Sports Betting, numberFire, NHL Rumors, and beyond.

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Last Updated: Mar 22^nd, 2024

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March Madness 2024 predictions predictions have been a wild ride already. Thursday saw a few upsets and near misses, as Oakland downed Kentucky and Samford nearly defeated Kansas. Also, the Dukes beat BYU in a close affair throughout. Expect even more onions on Friday as three top seeds are in action, with the potential of more upsets. Can James Madison upend Wisconsin or Grand Canyon bury Saint Mary’s? Anything is possible.

The best online betting sites are also focusing on Saturday's second-round games. Everything moves lightning-fast this time of year. Generally, the March Madness sportsbook bonuses are ready to roll for the weekend. There may be only eight contests on Saturday, but still plenty of betting opportunities. 

Speaking of North Carolina, the Tar Heels easily advanced into the second round behind a 20+ point win over Wagner. North Carolina takes on Michigan State on Saturday, while Duke gets underway on Friday and is expected to advance over Vermont easily. North Carolina sportsbooks are taking lots of action on both Carolina schools as the weekend rapidly approaches. 

The sportsbooks are more than open for business. It is time to dig into more madness.

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Thursday saw the beginning of the NCAA Tournament. The excitement did build as Duquesne held off BYU late, 71-67. Many believed the Dukes could cover, but winning was less certain. After that, there was Arizona, which started off slow but won by 20. There was one problem. The Wildcats dribbled the ball out with the 20.5-point spread. Bettors were crestfallen.

Michigan State and Tom Izzo walloped Mississippi State by double digits, but Nevada could not hold a 17-point lead against Dayton, as the Flyers showed their resolve. Sometimes, the best March Madness predictions can go up in smoke in minutes—and brackets, too. 

Kentucky never could get going against Oakland, and then Jack Gohlke started raining threes. Gohlke hit ten in all for the Golden Grizzlies, who sent Kentucky home 80-76. Then, Kansas had to hold on with a little help. Samford thought they had a clean block on an inbounds play, but the refs called a foul anyway. Kansas sank the free throws and held on for a 93-89 win. 

Unders hit greater than 50% on day one, headlined by the Texas-Colorado State game, in which the teams combined for 100 points. Now, on to the weekend.

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Friday features several fun games on the slate as Saint Mary’s plays Grand Canyon very late. Way after dark contests are always fun, along with that Utah State and TCU game. Can those games inject a late jolt into the March Madness Predictions?

Anyway, with some nice betting opportunities on underdogs, we look ahead to Saturday’s second-round games. From matchups of blue bloods to getting a bit double-digit seed crazy, there is a little of everything for everyone. Even better, there are plenty of March Madness sportsbook bonuses to go around.

Saturday, March 23

No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Michigan State Prediction, 5:30 (CBS)

ATS: Tar Heels -3.5 (-115) at BetMGM

Total: 140.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Moneyline: Tar Heels -180 at Caesars

North Carolina took care of business as expected, disposing of Wagner. However, Michigan State showed their tournament might by easily defeating Mississippi State. Some expected a closer game, but the Spartans made it no contest. North Carolina has a 63.6% chance of winning, but March Madness predictions sense something here.

North Carolina could win and lose just as easily. Michigan State plays consistent, hard-nosed basketball. Tom Izzo has a squad that can drive any team crazy. Can the Tar Heels play at that level for 40 minutes? There have been question marks all season leading up to this point. It happened against NC State and may happen again versus Michigan State.

Hubert Davis versus Tom Izzo late in games tilt any contest toward Izzo.

Our suggested betting pick is to take Michigan State on the moneyline at +152 on Caesars.

No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 5 Gonzaga Prediction. 3:15 (CBS)

ATS: Bulldogs -4 (-115) at BetMGM

Total: 151.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Moneyline: Bulldogs -200 at Caesars

Here we go! One of these teams will advance to the Sweet 16. Kansas started off fast on Thursday, while Gonzaga floored the gas even faster. The Jayhawks were up by as many as 22 but nearly lost. 

Can Kansas score 80+ points in consecutive games? That is a big question. Samford played at a pace that showed some vulnerabilities in the Jayhawks. Mark Few and Gonzaga operate at a tempo like that all the time. 

Gonzaga has questions, too. Can they play a 40-minute game versus Kansas? It seems like the Bulldogs were able to play the score effects better and should have better stamina to hold off the Jayhawks on Saturday. The Bulldogs also make a few more threes and foul shots.

Our suggested betting pick is to take Gonzaga -4.0 at -115 on BetMGM.

No. 11 NC State vs. No. 14 Oakland Prediction. 7:10 (TBS/TruTV)

ATS: Wolfpack -5.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Total: 146 (-110) at DraftKings

Moneyline: Wolfpack -250 at Caesars

A double-digit seeded team will advance to the Sweet 16. NC State continued their momentum from the ACC Tournament with a convincing 13-point win over Texas Tech. Now, they face the hot-shooting Oakland team that upended Kentucky on Thursday.

Can Jack Gohlke hit ten shots from beyond the arc again? That is unknown. NC State held Texas Tech to 22% shooting from three-point range. If the Wolfpack comes close to that on Saturday, the Golden Grizzlies are in trouble. 

NC State continues to shoot well. They ended up at 50.9% against the Red Raiders. The Wolfpack should be able to get inside on Oakland, as Kentucky did have 32 points in the paint on Thursday. The Wolfpack perimeter game is better, and that makes a difference.

Our suggested betting pick for March Madness predictions is to take the Wolfpack -5.5 at -110 on BetMGM.

No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 7 Dayton Prediction. 12:45 (CBS)

ATS: Wildcats -9.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Total: 149 (-110) at DraftKings

Moneyline: Wildcats -450 at Caesars

This game starts at 10:45 a.m. MT, which is not a misprint and adds a wrinkle to the Arizona vs. Dayton prediction for Saturday. Arizona took a little while to get going against Long Beach State but won 85-65. Meanwhile, Dayton rallied to defeat Nevada on Thursday after being down by as many as 17 points. 

What does Dayton have left? Arizona plays at an unbelievable tempo. Caleb Love leads the way, but the Wildcats have five players who average in double figures. Love helped the Wildcats to 21 fast-break points. 

Once the Wildcats establish a lead, they must keep scoring. Arizona’s depth allows them to attack the basket early and often. A half-court contest suits the Flyers. The Wildcats expect to attack the hoop but will also allow their share of points.

Our suggested betting pick is to take the Over of 149 at -110 on DraftKings.

No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 7 Washington State Prediction. 6:10 (TNT)

ATS: Cyclones -7.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Total: 129 (-110) at DraftKings

Moneyline: Wildcats -350 at Caesars

March Madness predictions end with what could be quite a battle. Washington State plays games close. Six of their last nine wins have been by six points or fewer. Iowa State can play that game, too. The Cyclones triumphed in six of their last eight regular season games by less than ten points.

The difference was Iowa State's rout of Houston in the Big 12 Tournament. It got people talking. Which style benefits the Cyclones most?

Washington State is one of those teams that can be athletic enough to force Iowa State to play slower and miss shots. Part of the reason for their 12-3 run is their ability to keep games close. Even down eight, the Cougars kept their methodical pace and ultimately got turnovers to win on Thursday. Expect a low-scoring, close game on Saturday.

Our suggested betting pick is to take the Under of 129 at -110 on DraftKings.

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March Madness sportsbook bonuses boost bettors greatly, and with $5,550 potentially up for grabs, one has to get in the paint and muscle it up strong to the rim. With easy-to-use sportsbook promo codes, wagerers can find what will work for them this weekend. Let’s look at a few sportsbooks.

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BetMGM Sportsbook offers among the best March Madness sportsbook bonuses, period. The MGM Rewards automatic membership is an added boost for new customers. Combine that with the BetMGM Sportsbook promo code GAMBLINGCOM, and first-time users can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their initial wager loses.

The BetMGM Sportsbook app must be noticed. With parlay builders and extra boosts at the ready, BetMGM gets bettors into the madness in a way that is easy to use. Software is not fraught with glitches; users can quickly make wagers and get out. 

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DraftKings drops the hammer with the DraftKings bonus code. There is no code; one must click a link to start. Just make a $5+ wager, and $150 in instant bonus bets are yours. When it comes to March Madness sportsbook bonuses, DraftKings keeps it simple. From parlays to props and more, the operator has a new user in mind.  

That DraftKings Sportsbook App is easy to utilize and features extra boosts for this weekend’s college basketball action. Whether you want to make a big splash or get your feet wet, DraftKings is ready for you.  

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Caesars jumps into the March Madness Predictions with the Caesars promo code GAMBLING1000. Besides the rewards program and the feeling of betting like one is in Vegas, Caesars offers very competitive odds and boosts that will add to your parlays or potential winning wagers.  

Caesars added in some special wrinkles for this upcoming weekend. Watch for changing “Quick Picks” and odds boosts. The Friday Great Max cover offers +275 for a Marquette and Connecticut double ATS. One will not find that anywhere else. Those are the types of offers and odds to expect going forward.

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DraftKings remains one of the top March Madness sportsbook bonuses because of its simplicity and diversity. The sportsbook must be included when making any March Madness predictions. One can choose their site via one of the best betting apps at the Apple Store or Google Play. Hey, there is your laptop or desktop too. Click the link, create an account, and then begin the process. 

Complete the registration requirements. Geolocation comes next, then finish the final steps. Login and make a deposit. Take a look around and start betting. The betslip is prominently listed on your right and easy to see. There are opt-in promotions at the very top with many offers. Besides those instant $150 in bonus bets, a bettor can add to those dollars quickly.

New users will have plenty of betting opportunities come Saturday and Sunday. Keep checking back and remember the NBA, MLS, NHL, and much more this weekend.

March Madness 2024 Odds Favorites

March Madness 2024 Odds already have seen a tiny shift or two and the elimination of Kentucky. All three top favorites play on Friday, while Tennessee, Arizona, and North Carolina have advanced. Sometimes, there is a Connecticut in 2023; other times, there is a Kansas in 2022. 

Here is the updated list of the top ten teams currently to win the 2024 National Championship. Odds come from BetMGM and Caesars:

Connecticut:  +350/+350

Houston:  +600/+525

Purdue:  +650/+700

Arizona:  +1100/+900

North Carolina:  +1300/+1400

Iowa State:  +1300/+1600

Tennessee:  +1500/+1500

Auburn: +1700/+1400

Marquette:  +2500/+2500

Creighton: +2500/+2200
 

Now, March Madness predictions only get more fun. The odds keep moving around. Remember when Kansas was so good? Look at what happened on Thursday. The best betting apps are keen on these shifts. See above and note how much Arizona shortened. These little moves happen often daily.

Teams like Creighton may not inch up early, but a win over the weekend draws more notice. The same goes for Iowa State only because bettors and pundits are a little apprehensive. Many of these teams have been around the Top 10 all season. With Kentucky eliminated and Kansas shuffled down, smaller moves are likely.

Finding spots to pick at is key going into this weekend and beyond. Even after the weekend, things will reset quite a bit. Expect more of the best March Madness betting promos to come.

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As we continue to enjoy the college basketball season, there's another exciting development for sports betting enthusiasts. The state of North Carolina has officially launched online sports betting on March 11th, 2024. This opened up a new realm of opportunities for fans and bettors alike, including the access to exciting North Carolina sportsbook promos. Stay tuned for more updates on this front.

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Chris Wassel is a sports writer who has covered hockey and sports betting for many years. He was a beat writer for the New Jersey Devils and worked at several sites. In his 15-plus years of writing, Chris has written for places ranging from USA Today to Canada Sports Betting, numberFire, NHL Rumors, and beyond.

Read Full Bio

Chris Wassel

Last Updated:   Mar 22^nd, 2024

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