Is your 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket already busted? Thursday’s first-round games may have ruined your chances at perfection, but there are still opportunities to win, and our experts are here to help with their picks as the first round continues.
Friday’s first-round slate will bring attention to the other two No. 1 seeds with Duke in the East Region and Florida in the West Region. North Carolina also looks to continue its run after a controversial inclusion as the last team in the field. It’s wall-to-wall basketball from midday until the early hours of the morning, and we have a handful of our best bets to enhance your viewing experience.
2025 NCAA Tournament bracket predictions: March Madness expert picks, winners, upsets, favorites to win
Kyle Boone
Odds via SportsLine consensus | All times Eastern
Best bets for Friday’s NCAA Tournament first-round games
(3) Iowa State vs. (14) Lipscomb
1:30 p.m. on TNT | March Madness Live: There might be some consternation about backing the Cyclones to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament with the loss of Keshon Gilbert. They were simply not the same team after his injury. And while I agree with those big-picture projections, the Cyclones will absolutely disrupt everything that Lipscomb wants to do with its physicality on defense. Iowa State is hopeful for the return for point guard Tamin Lipsey (groin injury), and that should help the Cyclones find their footing on offense to cover the double-digit spread. Pick: Iowa State -14.5
Gary ParrishMatt NorlanderJerry PalmChip PattersonKyle BooneDavid CobbCameron SalernoATS
LIP +14.5
IAST -14.5
IAST -14.5
IAST -14.5
IAST -14.5
LIP +14.5
LIP +14.5
Straight UpIASTIASTIASTIASTIASTIASTIAST
(6) Ole Miss…
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