We’re a little over a month into the 2022-23 college basketball regular season.
The best teams are starting to emerge and now is a great time to place some futures bets on which teams will make the 2023 Final Four at this year’s March Madness tournament.
A lot can change from now to March, so targeting the best value is the move to make.
The teams with the best odds to win the March Madness tournament currently are Houston (+750), Texas (+1000), Kentucky (+1400), Baylor (+1600) and Purdue (+1800).
These teams are also the leaders in the Final Four futures market, but do they offer the best value?
Here are my top three best bets to make the 2023 March Madness Final Four:
Texas Longhorns to Make 2023 Final Four
Odds to Make Final Four: +300
The Texas Longhorns (6-0) have jumped up to #2 in the latest AP top 25 poll. The Longhorns have already picked up wins against #2 Gonzaga (93-74) and #7 Creighton (72-67). Big 12 play starts at the end of the month.
Tyrese Hunter (16 PPG, 3.7 RPG and 1.8 APG), Marcus Carr (15.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG and 4.2 APG) and Sir’Jabari Rice (10.3 PPG, 4 RPG and 3 APG) are leading the Longhorns to a strong start.
Texas rank #27 in points scored (80.5 PPG), #34 in rebounds (39.3 RPG), #37 in steals (8.7 SPG) and #45 in blocks (4.7 BPG). They also rank #23 in offensive efficiency (1.108).
This team has depth (nine players are averaging over 15 MPG) and can score with anyone. They also have a great defense. Texas are only allowing 55.2 PPG (6th).
Baylor Bears to Make 2023 Final Four
Odds to Make Final Four: +500
I’m going with another Big 12 team to make the 2023 Final Four. The Baylor Bears (6-2) have struggled a bit out of the gate. They have losses against #16 Virginia (86-79) and Marquette (96-70).
Baylor are currently ranked #12 in the nation. They have picked up some big wins already. They defeated #8 UCLA (80-75) and had an impressive come-from-behind win over #14 Gonzaga (64-63) recently.
The Bears are scoring 85.1 PPG (7th) and rank #5 in offensive efficiency (1.153). The problem has been on the defensive end, as Baylor are allowing 70.6 PPG (182nd), but they can fix the issues on defense.
Once March Madness starts, a team like Baylor can make a run due to a high-scoring efficient offense.
Alabama Crimson Tide to Make 2023 Final Four
Odds to Make Final Four: +900
The Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1) are currently ranked #8 in the country and we’re getting a great price on this futures bet, but if the Crimson Tide continue winning, these odds are going to shorten.
The Crimson Tide lost to #20 UConn (82-67), but they have victories against #12 Michigan State (81-70) and #1 North Carolina (103-101). This team can beat everyone in the country.
Alabama are scoring 83.5 PPG (11th) and allowing 68.5 PPG (131st). They’re making 10.9 3-pointers per game (6th). They can put teams away quickly when shooting well. Could this be their year to win it all?
