10 best bets to make on 2025 March Madness Final Four

As the excitement builds for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Final Four (the semifinals are Saturday, April 5), fans and bettors alike are eagerly speculating on the outcomes of these highly anticipated matchups. With No. 1-seeded powerhouses Duke, Florida, Auburn, and Houston all vying for the championship, the stakes are higher than ever. This article explores intriguing predictions and betting odds that capture the drama and potential of this year’s final three games. Plus, see which team all 50 states picked to win the title.

Florida and Duke to meet in the championship game

Given their strengths, the two favorites to match up and one to win it all per DraftKings, Duke and Florida, could meet in the finals. Duke, with NCAA title odds of +110, boasts a potent offense. Meanwhile, Florida overcame significant challenges, such as a 10-point deficit against Texas Tech, showcasing their resilience and skill led by point guard Walter Clayton Jr.

Total points in the Final Four games to be higher than expected

The high caliber of teams in the 2025 Final Four could result in unexpectedly high-scoring games, given the strong offenses of Florida, Duke, and Houston, with totals set at 161.5 for Florida-Auburn and 136.5 for Duke-Houston. This intensity may push scores beyond expectations, but of these two games, I like Duke-Houston to go over.

Duke to win the championship at +105 odds

Duke is favored at +105 to win the 2025 NCAA Championship, thanks to their balanced roster and robust defense. With significant betting action, they’re poised as the top contender in San Antonio, favored by 4.5 points over Houston in the semifinals. Duke has won three of its four tournament games by 20 points or more, and the only other win was a seven-point victory over Arizona in the Sweet 16.

Duke’s defense to hold Houston to under 65 points

Duke’s defensive dominance, powered by their size and strategic play, could limit Houston’s scoring. With a strong fundamental approach, Duke can keep opponents under pressure, making it difficult for Houston to achieve a high score. This defense, led by big man Khaman Maluach and Cooper Flagg, has been key to Duke’s successful season.

Florida’s Alex Condon to score over his average

Alex Condon’s recovery from an ankle injury should boost the Gators against the Auburn Tigers. Despite limited minutes in the Sweet 16, he returned to play in the Elite Eight, suggesting his resilience could propel him past his average 11.1 points per game in the Final Four.

Auburn to cover the spread despite Johni Broome’s injury

Auburn faces Florida with Johni Broome’s injury potentially impacting his performance, although Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl says he expects Broome to play Saturday, after his Willis Reed-like return to help Auburn advance. Despite being underdogs at +2.5, Auburn’s strong defense and past victories suggest they can cover the spread, making this bet a valuable option, although you will get better odds by wagering that Auburn wins outright (+125).

Houston to win the first half against Duke

Houston’s strong defense could control the tempo early against Duke, potentially leading to a first-half win. As one of the top favorites for the Final Four, Houston’s cohesive unit might exploit Duke’s opening jitters and secure a promising start, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.

Total points to be over in the Florida vs. Auburn game

Both Florida and Auburn have demonstrated high-scoring abilities, suggesting an exciting matchup. As top seeds, they are favored to reach the Final Four, with Florida at -120 and Auburn at -110 odds to advance. Their offense often leads to over bets, making this an attractive wager even though it is at a whopping 161.

Duke to beat Houston by less than five points

Duke’s formidable defense could limit Houston’s potent offense, potentially leading to a close game. As the prohibitive favorite to win the 2025 Final Four, Duke’s strong defensive capabilities might keep the margin tight — the current spread (April 1, 2025) is the Blue Devils -5.5 — making this bet appealing for those expecting a competitive match.

Florida over Auburn to win national championship

Leverage Florida’s balanced roster and recent history. The Gators, who are 2.5-point favorites, previously beat Auburn 90-81 in SEC play on Feb. 8. Florida’s offense, led by Walter Clayton Jr., presents a challenge Auburn’s defense must overcome in their March Madness Final Four clash.

Conclusion

Fun fact: In 2008, the only other time when all four No. 1 seeds reached the Final Four, neither semifinal game was decided by fewer than 15 points. Favored Memphis beat UCLA by 15, and Kansas upset UNC, winning by 18 as a three-point dog, so could we be looking at a couple of blowouts? Doubt it. These four talented teams look like mirrors of each other in many ways. I believe both semifinal games will be close. As we look forward to the showdowns in San Antonio, the predictions and betting insights offer a thrilling preview of what may unfold on this grand stage. From Duke’s championship prospects to Florida’s formidable offense, each team’s journey to the finals promises to be a captivating narrative of skill, strategy, and resilience. Basketball enthusiasts are in for heart-stopping action as these titans battle for NCAA supremacy and etch their names in the annals of sports history. One will be named the Most Outstanding Player (MOP) of the Final Four. Here are the best guesses of who that will be.