As March Madness continues, basketball fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup between Gonzaga and Kansas. The predictions, odds, picks, and bets for Saturday’s game have been thoroughly analyzed to provide fans with a comprehensive look at what to expect.
First, let’s address the lucky break that Kansas received in their previous game against Samford. AJ Staton-McCray’s clean block on Nicolas Timberlake prevented the Bulldogs from taking advantage of their numbers advantage and potentially winning the game. While some may argue that luck played a role in Kansas’ victory, it is not the only factor to consider in this upcoming matchup.
Kansas’ fatigue is another significant aspect to analyze. After a grueling battle against BuckyBall’s full-court press, the Jayhawks looked exhausted. This exhaustion, coupled with their lack of bench minutes and the absence of leading scorer Kevin McCullar, may work against them in their game against Gonzaga.
Looking at the odds, Gonzaga is favored with a spread of -3.5 (-120) and a moneyline of -178. On the other hand, Kansas has a spread of +3.5 (-102) and a moneyline of +146. The total points are set at 151.5 (-110). These odds provide insight into the expectations surrounding this matchup.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the prediction leans towards Gonzaga. The Zags are known for their up-tempo, rim-oriented offense, which they execute through transition plays and two-man ball screen sets. Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike have been instrumental in running these sets effectively. While Kansas has shown proficiency in defending such plays, the absence of McCullar as a ball-screen coverage defender may pose a challenge.
Furthermore, Kansas’ defensive outlook is not promising. They heavily rely on rim-oriented offense with players like Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar as rollers, cutters, or posters. However, Gonzaga’s interior defense, led by Ike, has been exceptional this season. They rank highly in post-up PPP allowed, 2-point shooting allowed, and paint points per game allowed. This strong defense may prove difficult for Kansas to overcome.
Another key factor to consider is Gonzaga’s vulnerability to open 3-point shots. However, Kansas’ lack of floor spacers and shooters limits their ability to take advantage of this weakness. Their poor rankings in ShotQuality’s Spacing metric, 3-point rate, and 3-point shooting further exacerbate this issue. With McCullar sidelined, the problem is amplified.
Considering all these factors, it is predicted that Gonzaga will overwhelm Kansas with their speed on offense and strong paint protection on defense. The Zags are expected to comfortably win this matchup and advance to the Sweet 16.
In terms of picks and bets, it is recommended to bet on Gonzaga with a spread of -3.5 (-120). For those looking to play it safe, a spread of -4.5 (-110) is suggested. These picks are based on the analysis of the teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and current circumstances.
As basketball fans eagerly await Saturday’s game, the predictions, odds, picks, and bets provide insight into what may unfold on the court. Whether you choose to follow these recommendations or make your own decisions, this matchup promises to be an exciting one.
