2025 March Madness Predictions: Expert Picks & Betting Odds for Friday’s Round 1 Games
The madness continues as Friday’s first-round NCAA Tournament matchups bring plenty of betting opportunities and thrilling contests. With No. 1 seeds Duke and Florida entering the tournament, along with major clashes like UNC vs. Ole Miss and UConn vs. Oklahoma, fans can expect a night full of action.
Our March Madness experts have analyzed the latest odds and made their best bets against the spread (ATS) to help you make informed picks.
🏀 Best Bets & Expert Predictions for Friday’s Round 1 Games
(3) Iowa State vs. (14) Lipscomb
📅 Time: 1:30 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: TNT | 🎥 Streaming: March Madness Live
📊 Odds: Iowa State -14.5 | Pick: Iowa State -14.5
- Iowa State suffered a major loss with Keshon Gilbert's injury, affecting their long-term chances. However, their elite defense should shut down Lipscomb’s offensive rhythm.
- The return of Tamin Lipsey (groin injury) could provide the offensive spark Iowa State needs to cover the spread.
🔮 Expert Picks:
✔️ ATS: Iowa State -14.5 (Most experts)
✔️ Straight Up: Iowa State
(6) Ole Miss vs. (11) North Carolina
📅 Time: 4:05 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: TNT | 🎥 Streaming: March Madness Live
📊 Odds: North Carolina -1.5 | Pick: North Carolina -1.5
- UNC enters with momentum after a dominant First Four win over San Diego State.
- Ole Miss boasts a top-30 defense, but struggles with rebounding and size—two areas where North Carolina thrives.
- UNC is 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games, making them the stronger pick.
🔮 Expert Picks:
✔️ ATS: North Carolina -1.5 (5 experts)
✔️ Straight Up: North Carolina
(7) Marquette vs. (10) New Mexico
📅 Time: 7:25 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: TBS | 🎥 Streaming: March Madness Live
📊 Odds: Marquette -3.5 | Pick: New Mexico +3.5
- Marquette is on a major decline, finishing the season 1-3 straight up and 0-4 ATS.
- New Mexico’s Donovan Dent could exploit Marquette’s defensive struggles, making the Lobos a strong underdog pick.
- New Mexico’s size advantage in the paint could be the game-changer.
🔮 Expert Picks:
✔️ ATS: New Mexico +3.5 (4 experts)
✔️ Straight Up: New Mexico
(8) UConn vs. (9) Oklahoma
📅 Time: 9:25 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: TNT | 🎥 Streaming: March Madness Live
📊 Odds: UConn -5.5 | Pick: Over 147.5
- UConn’s defense is weaker this year, missing Donovan Clingan’s presence inside.
- Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears brings elite scoring ability, making this a high-paced battle.
- Expect a high-scoring game, with UConn’s patient offense exploiting Oklahoma’s weak defense.
🔮 Expert Picks:
✔️ ATS: UConn -5.5 (4 experts)
✔️ Straight Up: UConn
✔️ Best Bet: Over 147.5
(5) Oregon vs. (12) Liberty
📅 Time: 10:10 p.m. ET | 📺 TV: TruTV | 🎥 Streaming: March Madness Live
📊 Odds: Oregon -7.5 | Pick: Oregon -7.5
- Oregon’s strong postseason track record under Dana Altman gives them a clear edge.
- Liberty struggles against athletic, high-paced teams, which plays into Oregon’s hands.
- Oregon’s travel advantage (short trip north vs. Liberty’s cross-country flight) adds to their edge.
🔮 Expert Picks:
✔️ ATS: Oregon -7.5 (6 experts)
✔️ Straight Up: Oregon
📢 Final Thoughts & Betting Strategy
Friday’s March Madness matchups provide plenty of betting value for fans. Based on expert analysis:
✅ Best Spread Pick: North Carolina -1.5
✅ Best Underdog Pick: New Mexico +3.5
✅ Best Over/Under Pick: UConn vs. Oklahoma – Over 147.5
✅ Safest Pick: Oregon -7.5
With Duke and Florida stepping onto the court for the first time in this tournament, Friday’s action is set to be intense. Stay tuned for more expert picks and bracket updates!
0 Comments