The NCAA women’s tournament is down to 16 teams, although oddsmakers only seem to notice one.
MLB and NBA got some bad publicity, but we’re keeping our eye on the ball/puck for tonight.
Women’s Sweet 16 Set
What Happened: The Sweet 16 is now officially set in the women’s NCAA Tournament, and the betting community still likes South Carolina. Iowa and LSU are distant contenders in terms of odds as the only teams better than +1600 to capture the title.
Why It Matters: The Gamecocks are still heavy favorites to secure title number three under coach Dawn Staley (-155 per FanDuel.) But as defending champs, LSU (+950) knows what it takes to finish the season as champs.
And in her final season of a record-breaking career, does anyone really want to bet against Caitlin Clark rallying the Hawkeyes (+700) to a chip? The star power of this tournament has been amazing, and promises to provide an exciting finish to the season.
How We’re Feeling Today
When it rains, it pours.
On the same day that Shohei Ohtani had to come out and declare that he’s never bet on baseball and had nothing to do with his interpreter’s illegal gambling escapades, news broke that the NBA was investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter in connection with “betting irregularities.”
Ohtani, Porter, Calvin Ridley. Leagues will need to be vigilant in sniffing out any involvement between its players and betting, or the public will begin to question the legitimacy of what its watching…quickly.
The Look Ahead
Khris Middleton POINTS + ASSISTS – March is shaping up to be Middleton’s best month. He’s averaging 18.3 PPG and contributing 7.7 APG, his best marks of the season. The Bucks guard has topped tonight’s 20.5 line in three straight games, and faces a Lakers defense ranked 23rd in points given up per game. Between getting his own buckets and setting up Giannis and Dame, Middleton is one to keep an eye on.
Daniel Gafford POINTS + REBOUNDS – Gafford’s game has leveled up since his February trade to Dallas, reflected in his averages per 100 possessions. The center is averaging 16.6 points and 8.6 rebounds over his last three games, and will face a Sacramento team that struggles to keep opposing bigs off the boards.
Jamie Benn POINTS – The Stars forward has a point in six straight entering tonight’s tilt with the Sharks. Yes, the same Sharks that surrender the most goals and shots per game in the entire NHL. Benn already has five points in two games against San Jose this month. Look for him to stay hot tonight.
