2026 March Madness predictions: NCAA bracket expert picks, odds for first-round games on Friday
Friday's NCAA Tournament First Round features 16 games with major favorites facing potential upset threats, as Thursday's close Duke-Siena matchup demonstrates that projected blowouts are not guaranteed.
Best bets: Midweek matchups bring value across ACC, SEC and Big Ten
Home-court advantage, athleticism, and late-game execution drive betting picks favoring Clemson, Alabama, Northwestern, St. John's, and Missouri in pivotal college basketball matchups.