Odds, Predictions, and Picks for the March Madness Final Four: Best Side, Total, and Player Prop Bets

(AsiaGameHub) –   The March Madness Final Four field is set following UConn’s remarkable comeback victory against Duke on Sunday. Saturday’s schedule features No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn (6:09 ET, TBS) and No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 1 Arizona (8:49 ET, TBS).

Take a moment to revisit yesterday’s spectacular buzzer-beater by Braylon Mullins:

BRAYLON MULLINS. THE SHOT. https://t.co/0V6OnPolR2 pic.twitter.com/5B83KGMdVT

— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 29, 2026

Let’s review the Final Four betting lines before diving into our analysis and selections.

Final Four Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook

As of this writing, DraftKings lists Illinois as a 2.5-point favorite over UConn with an over/under of 139.5, while Michigan is favored by 1.5 points against Arizona with a total set at 157.5.

Here are the current championship futures for the remaining programs:

• Michigan +175
• Arizona +175
• Illinois +400
• UConn +550

Best Bet Illinois vs. UConn: Against the Spread

UConn erased a 19-point deficit to defeat Duke in the Elite Eight. The Huskies (33-5) are spearheaded by center Tarris Reed Jr. (14.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and forward Alex Karaban (13.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg).

While Duke held Karaban to just five points yesterday, Reed stepped up with a team-high 26 points. The Huskies may see those roles flip against Illinois, whose interior defense restricted Iowa to only seven two-point baskets.

Illinois is led offensively by freshman standout Keaton Wagler, who tallied 25 points in the Illini’s 71-59 victory over Iowa. Additionally, David Mirkovic has been a dominant force on the boards for the Illini throughout the NCAA Tournament.

Here is a look at his rebounding totals across all four games:

• Penn (17)
• VCU (5)
• Houston (10)
• Iowa (12)

Mirkovic is averaging 11 rebounds per game during the tournament.

UConn averages 18 fouls per contest, ranking 225th in the country. Given that trend and the stifling nature of the Illini’s interior defense, we favor the favorite to win and cover in the opening semifinal.

Pick: Illinois -2.5 (-102 at DraftKings)

Best Bet Michigan vs. Arizona: UNDER 157.5

Michigan has eclipsed 90 points in every tournament game thus far. Arizona has been slightly less explosive, though they did put up 109 points against Arkansas in the Sweet 16. Why might this matchup stay under the total?

Arizona played a lower-scoring game in the Elite Eight, defeating Purdue 79-64. It is worth noting that Purdue defeated Michigan in the Big Ten title game prior to the NCAA Tournament.

While the Wildcats do most of their damage in the paint, Michigan offers a significant defensive hurdle with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara anchoring the rim. KenPom currently ranks the Wolverines No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency, and Arizona limits opponents to 39% shooting from the floor.

We recommend taking the UNDER on this high total.

Pick: UNDER 157.5 (-110)

Best Player Props for Final Four

UConn’s Alex Karaban OVER 11.5 Points (-122 at FanDuel)

Although Duke contained Karaban, he recorded 22, 27, and 17 points in his previous three tournament appearances.

Illinois’ defensive strength is inside, but Karaban is a perimeter threat. Iowa managed to shoot 37% from deep, hitting 11 three-pointers against the Illini.

Karaban, who leads the Huskies with 73 made three-pointers this season, shoots 38.6% from beyond the arc. This matchup presents an ideal opportunity for the senior forward to bounce back.

Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg OVER 16.5 Points (-114 at FanDuel)

Yaxel Lendeborg is putting together a performance worthy of Most Outstanding Player honors. His last three outings have been remarkably efficient:

• 27 points, seven rebounds vs. Tennessee
• 23 points, 12 rebounds vs. Alabama
• 25 points, 6 rebounds vs. St. Louis

You might also consider betting him to go OVER 2.5 three-pointers at +200 odds, as he has hit three, four, and three shots from deep in those respective games.