In my eyes, Duke is the best team in the field. That said, this is a big number to lay against a team that can score like the Tide. If Alabama continues to shoot well, this game will come down to the final two minutes. I fully expect Duke to win, but I'm taking the points and like Bama to cover.

Texas Tech defied the odds to reach this point, needing a dramatic comeback to beat Arkansas in the Sweet 16. Florida looked like a team that got scared straight in its narrow second round win over UConn when they dismantled Maryland in the Sweet 16. The Gators are legitimate title contenders and I expect them to punch their ticket to the Final Four with a decisive win over TTU on Saturday.

Kentucky beat Tennessee twice during the regular season, but I expect a much different result this time around. The Wildcats shot a combined 50% from beyond the arc in those two previous meetings, and I simply can't see them replicating that performance on Friday. The Vols are a veteran-heavy team with several players back from last year's Elite 8 team. I expect Tennessee to win by close to 10 points here.

The over is typically a solid bet when the Rockies are playing at Coors Field, but I love it in this spot too. This game will be played at George R. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa -- a park where the dimensions closely resemble Yankee Stadium (318 feet to the left field fence, 314 feet to right field). Colorado starter Kyle Freeland has been excellent at times in his career, but it has been several years since he's been consistently dominant. I expect this game to have double-digit run total.

Florida is rolling and looks like a team that could win the national championship. Maryland needed a buzzer beater (that may have been a travel) to beat Colorado State. Now reports are coming out that Terps head coach Kevin Willard is set to take the job at Villanova. The added distraction won't make things any easier for Maryland on Thursday night. Florida wins big here.

This game should feature plenty of offense, but there is no denying that Alabama is the better team here. The Cougars shot lights out in the first two rounds, and anything less here will result in a double-digit win for the Tide. I have Bama projected to win by 7+ here.

Rodon has a career WHIP of 1.25. I expect the 32-year-old veteran to be on the mound for 4-5 innings against the Brewers on Thursday. I expect 4+ hits from Milwaukee if that proves to be the case.

Solid even money price at BetMGM. Juan Soto is gone, but this Yankees lineup is still lethal and could very easily flirt with this number by themselves on Opening Day.

Alabama did enough to survive and advance in the first round, and will be tested by a tough St. Mary's team on Sunday. The Gaels are outstanding on the defensive end, but they haven't played a team that can push the pace like the Tide. I expect this game to be close early, with the Tide pulling away in the second half.

The Avs are playing at a very high level and will be looking to close out their current three-game road trip with another win. Colorado notched a 5-1 win over Ottawa in its last outing, and thanks to a couple of crafty moves earlier in the season, goaltending is now a strength for Colorado. If the Avs play like they did against the Flames on Thursday, we should cash this one.

Drake was outstanding in its first round win over Mizzou, and the Bulldogs' ability on the defensive end makes this number too high in my opinion. Texas Tech is a very good team, and I expect the Red Raiders to advance. This will be a game that comes down to the wire, though. Take the points.

If this game got any higher than -150 on the moneyline and I would look at the point spread. Texas A&M looked sharp in the first round, while Michigan was pushed to the brink by UC San Diego. Dusty May is one of the best in the business, but I expect Buzz Williams and the Aggies to advance to the Sweet 16 on Saturday.

When the brackets came out, this Calipari vs. Pitino matchup was one I was really hoping for. Arkansas is more talented than their seed would suggest, and I would be fairly surprised if this game isn't decided in the final minute or two. Take the points.

Rantanen is starting to settle into his role in Dallas, and the 28-year-old remains one of the best pure scorers in the NHL. I like this spot for Rantanen to score his third goal as a member of the Stars on Saturday.

McNeese was one of the more impressive teams in the first round, and the Cowboys athleticism is undeniable. Purdue looked really good in the first round, but when I think back to what I saw from the Boilermakers during the regular season, this is a spot where Matt Painter's team should be on upset alert. I expect a tight game, with McNeese getting the cover.