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Colorado Buffaloes forward Tristan da Silva (23). Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

NCAAB betting: Best bets for the weekend

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 2/23/24

Well, you can't win them all. The streak of profitable posts came to an end on Tuesday, but hopefully, you have been tailing because if so you are well into the black.

Last weekend, we did not have an exciting slate of games but this week we are in for a nice treat. Saturday is the better of the two days though so make sure your accounts are loaded so we can hammer the books all day long.

Best bets for Saturday, Feb. 24

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Kentucky Wildcats
4 p.m. ET, Fubo, Paramount+
Spread: Kentucky -1.5

These are two talented teams, that's for sure. Just when you think the Wildcats might be reliable they lose to a team they shouldn't in LSU. They have not been a dominant force at home this season either, losing multiple times, even if has been to pretty good teams, mostly. The Crimson Tide can run hot and cold with their scoring, but they are all in on what they do best. That makes it easier to try and slay on the road.

Recommended Pick: Alabama. I hope we get a little more to work with here but they are a great live dog and teaser play.

Houston Cougars @ Baylor Bears
Noon ET, CBS
Spread: Houston -2.5

The Cougars' three losses have all come in Big 12 play and on the road so if you want to fade them here, you have a decent argument. I am not buying it though because nobody wants these guys coming into their house and embarrassing them. Houston is 10-3 in their new conference with an average margin of 10 ppg and they will just smother you on defense and on the offensive glass. That is usually enough to win with a small margin. Two of their three losses were by four points or less.

Recommended Pick: Houston. They are not a great spread team this season but I never want to bet against them in an expected close game.

Duke Blue Devils @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2 p.m. ET, ESPN
Spread: Wake Forest -1.5

The Demon Deacons have been one of the better surprises nationally this season. They are in the top four in offensive and defensive efficiency in the ACC and that has helped them post a nice record so far. I was surprised to see them as home favorites against a good Duke team that is on a 5-0 SUATS run and has several pro-caliber players. The one time they were an underdog this season they lost at North Carolina.

Recommended Pick: Duke. They just have too much talent and more experience than you might realize.

Texas Longhorns @ Kansas Jayhawks
6 p.m. ET, ESPN
Spread: Kansas -7.5

Texas is having an interesting final season in the Big 12. They look NCAA bound but a losing record in their league is not going to help things. They just can't beat the really good teams and there are a bunch in the conference and on their nonconference schedule. They actually need this game a lot I think and they match up kind of well with the Jayhawks. There is enough talent on this Texas team to compete with anyone.

Recommended Pick: I hate to fade Kansas but with Kevin McCullar Jr. questionable and Texas more urgent, there is enough there for this game to be close.

Utah Utes @ Colorado Buffaloes
9 p.m. ET, Fubo
Spread: Colorado -5.5

I have to admit I have a soft spot for the Buffs (and it has cost me). This is a talented team but they have lost four of their last five games, and given how weak the PAC 12 is this season a conference title might be a requirement for them to extend their season. I just can't quite figure out why they are not more consistent. It might be because they just don't have that steadying influence on the floor. I do think they match up very well with Utah, a team they lost to by five points on the road. Their defense should be better on the road and close the gap.

Recommended Pick: Colorado. The Buffs are 13-1 SU at home and 8-5 ATS. I hope this number comes down but I will play it at this point too.

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