Picks for 4/5/25
College Basketball
6:09 PM EST
Rotation #682
Auburn +2.5 over Florida (loss)
Florida created an early lead in the prior matchup in February and never allowed Auburn to get back into the game. More impressively, the Gators were short-handed in that game on the road. Neither team has any glaring weaknesses, and on a neutral court played in a football arena, we will take our chances with a few extra points with the underdog. The Tigers have a deep bench, which could be the difference. Auburn got a massive energy boost after Johni Broome returned to the floor late in last week’s second half against Michigan State. The Tigers will look to build on that momentum tonight. The Tigers were the best team in the SEC regular season and played a slightly more challenging schedule than Florida. Bruce Pearl should have his team ready to lock in on defense and be in position in the final few possessions to get to the National Title Game. Take Auburn.
6:09 PM EST
Rotation #682
Auburn +2.5 over Florida (loss)
Florida created an early lead in the prior matchup in February and never allowed Auburn to get back into the game. More impressively, the Gators were short-handed in that game on the road. Neither team has any glaring weaknesses, and on a neutral court played in a football arena, we will take our chances with a few extra points with the underdog. The Tigers have a deep bench, which could be the difference. Auburn got a massive energy boost after Johni Broome returned to the floor late in last week’s second half against Michigan State. The Tigers will look to build on that momentum tonight. The Tigers were the best team in the SEC regular season and played a slightly more challenging schedule than Florida. Bruce Pearl should have his team ready to lock in on defense and be in position in the final few possessions to get to the National Title Game. Take Auburn.
College Basketball
8:49 PM EST
Rotation #679-680
Houston/Duke Under 136.5 (loss)
Houston had the best scoring defense in the nation and will need every bit of it tonight against a talented Duke team led by Cooper Flagg. Both teams play slowly, so we shouldn’t see a lot of tempo. Houston is not a great offensive team, so shooting over Duke’s length will be challenging. It will be tougher to score playing on a makeshift floor in the middle of the Alamodome. The basketball was overinflated the entire tournament, which isn’t great news for a Houston team that can’t make their foul shots and struggles around the basket. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson is a defensive wizard and will have his players in a position not to give up easy baskets. The Cougars cannot run with the Blue Devils at any rapid pace, and Sampson knows this. Houston is a tough veteran team looking to outsmart a young Blue Devils squad. The game will get boring for multiple stretches, which should be enough to make it a low-scoring contest. Take the Under.
8:49 PM EST
Rotation #679-680
Houston/Duke Under 136.5 (loss)
Houston had the best scoring defense in the nation and will need every bit of it tonight against a talented Duke team led by Cooper Flagg. Both teams play slowly, so we shouldn’t see a lot of tempo. Houston is not a great offensive team, so shooting over Duke’s length will be challenging. It will be tougher to score playing on a makeshift floor in the middle of the Alamodome. The basketball was overinflated the entire tournament, which isn’t great news for a Houston team that can’t make their foul shots and struggles around the basket. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson is a defensive wizard and will have his players in a position not to give up easy baskets. The Cougars cannot run with the Blue Devils at any rapid pace, and Sampson knows this. Houston is a tough veteran team looking to outsmart a young Blue Devils squad. The game will get boring for multiple stretches, which should be enough to make it a low-scoring contest. Take the Under.