Sweet 16 Odds, Spreads, Betting Lines and Predictions for Each Game: Everything You Need to Know For Sweet 16

Sweet 16 Odds, Spreads, Betting Lines and Predictions for Each Game: Everything You Need to Know For Sweet 16

The Sweet 16 should be incredibly competitive this year. That's ultimately because in the Round of 32, we got just one upset out of the 16 games.

With that, most of the top teams in the Tournament are still alive and will compete against one another for the NCAA Tournament. So buckle up. It's about to be an entertaining Sweet 16.

Take a look at our picks and predictions for each game in the Sweet 16.

Sweet 16 Odds

No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 2 Arizona Odds

No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 2 Arizona Prediction Breakdown

Nobody believed in the Clemson Tigers heading into the NCAA Tournament. The No. 11-seeded New Mexico Lobos were favorites against Clemson in the first round.

However, Clemson has won back-to-back games as an underdog, winning over New Mexico and Baylor. Now they'll be in the Sweet 16 and look for a third underdog win in the NCAA Tournament against Arizona.

It's unlikely Clemson will add many offensive rebounds, and the probability of getting to the foul line against Arizona is low. But Clemson has shot a 53.8% effective field goal percentage with 79% from the foul line. That's good to know, with Arizona struggling from the line, hitting under 72%.

Still, the Wildcats have drained 37.3% from deep and 54.4% from inside the arc. They'll keep turnovers down and, again, get to the foul line at a high rate. Therefore, Arizona should escape against an underwhelming and inconsistent Clemson defense.

Clemson vs. Arizona Pick: Arizona -6.5 (-115) Click here for the latest Clemson vs. Arizona odds.

No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 1 UConn Odds

No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 1 UConn Prediction Breakdown

If San Diego State continues to play like it did against Yale, nobody will stop them.

But UConn is different. UConn will force tough shots and have the personnel to get stops on the defensive end.

We saw it in the NCAA Championship game last year. Not even SDSU could handle UConn. While the Huskies are different than last year's team, this team might be better.

UConn held teams to a 44.7% effective field goal percentage and has shot a 57.2% effective field goal percentage. No team in college basketball is more balanced than the Huskies.

While SDSU shot well from three against Yale, the Aztecs have only hit 31.8% this season. That rate could be even lower after meeting with the Huskies.

SDSU vs. UConn Pick: UConn -10.5 (-115) Click here for the latest San Diego State vs. UConn odds.

No. 4 Alabama vs. No 1. North Carolina Odds

No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 North Carolina Prediction Breakdown

It's hard to back an Alabama team that currently ranks 101 in defensive efficiency. Sure, the Crimson Tide played better defense against Grand Canyon. But it'll be harder against No. 1 seed North Carolina.

The Tar Heels have so many scorers and guys they trust on the roster. They have drained 35.8% from three and 50.6% from inside the arc. Those aren't massive numbers. However, Alabama could be better on the defensive glass and has fouled at a super high rate.

That's ideal for North Carolina, who has shot 75.6% from the foul line this season.

On the other hand, the Tar Heels have allowed only 23.2% of offensive rebounds and don't foul nearly as much. UNC has advantages in so many areas.

Alabama vs. North Carolina Pick: North Carolina -3.5 (-120) Click here for the latest Alabama vs. North Carolina odds.

No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 Iowa State Odds

No 3. Illinois vs. No. 2 Iowa State Prediction Breakdown

Illinois was so good over the first two games of the NCAA Tournament that they're now ranked the No. 1 team in the nation in offensive efficiency.

Illinois has some advantages against Iowa State, too. While Iowa State is a heavy-pressure defense and forces many turnovers, Illinois is typically good at limiting turnovers. 

If Illinois can keep the ball in its hands and find good looks, Iowa State will be in trouble. Illinois has earned 36.2% of offensive rebounds, while Iowa State has allowed 29.3% on defense. With the pressure, Iowa State also fouls at a high rate, and Illinois has hit over 74% from the foul line this season.

On the other hand, Illinois will earn a low turnover rate. The Fighting Illini could be better at defending the three. However, Illinois is terrific at defending inside the arc, and that's ultimately where Iowa State takes and scores most of its shots. 

Therefore, I like Illinois to sneak by with the win outright.

Illinois vs. Iowa State Pick: Illinois (+110) Click here for the latest Illinois vs. Iowa State odds.

No. 11 North Carolina State vs. No. 2 Marquette Odds

No 11. NC State vs. 2. Marquette Prediction Breakdown

Something has clicked for North Carolina State. After finishing the season 17-14 and 9-11 in conference play, the Wolfpack have won seven consecutive games in a tournament format. 

The first five came in the ACC after winning the ACC Championship. The following two came in the NCAA Tournament, including a thrilling overtime win over Oakland. 

But that thriller against Oakland makes you wonder if NC State is finally running out of gas.

Marquette is one of the best offenses in the nation, shooting 36% from three and 56.6% from inside the arc. While the Golden Eagles won't add many offensive rebounds or foul shot attempts, Marquette should get a lot of great looks from three. 

Meanwhile, NC State should have more second-chance points. The Wolfpack still won't see the foul line much either and are facing a Marquette defense that has added 21.1% of turnovers per game. 

NC State should minimize turnovers and will only allow for Marquette to get so many takeaways. But overall, the Golden Eagles should shoot at a higher percentage and escape with the win and cover.

NC State vs. Marquette Pick: Marquette -6.5 (-115) Click here for the latest NC State vs. Marquette odds.

5. Gonzaga vs. 1 Purdue Odds

No. 5 Gonzaga vs. 1. Purdue Prediction Breakdown

The Purdue Boilermakers already added a win over Gonzaga on a neutral court back in November. It was a ten-point win. Purdue also defeated Gonzaga in 2022.

Over the last couple of seasons, Purdue has had Gonzaga's number. It stays that way. 

Purdue is the best offense in the nation, shooting nearly 41% from three. Meanwhile, Gonzaga has watched opponents shoot 33.8% from downtown this season.

On the other hand, Purdue should get to the foul line more often, and neither team will dominate the turnover battle. The Bulldogs also love to score around the rim and inside the arc. Against Purdue, that will be challenging with Zach Edey down there. 

I'll back Purdue at -5.5 (-105).

Gonzaga vs. Purdue Pick: Purdue -5.5 (-105) Click here for the latest Gonzaga vs. Purdue odds.

4. Duke vs. 1. Houston Odds

4. Duke vs. 1. Houston Prediction Breakdown

This is an unfortunate matchup. It's not because it won't be a good game. It's because both of these teams have Championship DNA. It's just that one team has to go home after the Sweet 16 with a loss.

After Houston's 100-95 win over Texas A&M in overtime, the Cougars' defense dropped to No. 2 in defensive efficiency. This defense is still really good, but they're in line to face a much more consistent offense in Duke. Duke might not get the easiest of looks, but the Blue Devils should still add plenty of offensive rebounds and foul shot attempts.

On the other hand, Houston is also really good on the offensive glass. Duke's just better on the defensive end.

As long as Duke can keep turnovers down against Houston, there's no way Duke loses this game. Houston is shooting under 50% from inside the arc this year.

Duke vs. Houston Pick: Duke +3.5 (-105) Click here for the latest Duke vs. Houston odds.

No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 2 Tennessee Odds

No 3. Creighton vs. No. 2 Tennessee Prediction Breakdown

This game will finish up the Sweet 16, and it's a good one. 

Creighton can flat-out score, shooting 36.6% from deep and 59.7% from inside the arc. The Bluejays have even hit 78.4% from inside the arc. However, they're facing a Tennessee team that has held opponents to a 45% effective field goal percentage. 

The Volunteers are one of the best defenses in the nation. When Creighton has the ball, it'll be an interesting clash between these squads. 

Throughout the season, Creighton has been unlucky, with teams hitting 78.5% of foul shots against them. Tennessee has nailed 75% and should still make Creighton unlucky at the foul line. However, the Vols have hit under 34% from three and only 51.6% from inside the arc. With Creighton rarely fouling and not giving up many offensive rebounds, this game could send Tennessee home packing. 

Creighton has enough mismatches and offense to get the win outright.

Creighton vs. Tennessee Pick: Creighton (+130) Click here for the latest Creighton vs. Tennessee odds.

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