VSiN’s Steve Makinen has posted his much anticipated Analytics Report for the Final Four.
Much anticipated by me.
That’s because I have been using his round-by-round reports to stay in the hunt in the VSiN internal competition of our March Bracket Challenge.
I wanted to see how employing AI to analyze his reports would work. So far, so good – though pros like Matt Brown and Wes Reynolds are on the rise.
Based on the AI analysis of Steve’s Final Four report, I should take Duke -5 and Auburn +2.5. Should. But I also need to consider the element of contest strategy. What will others take?
I did check in with a human — Dennis McKenna of Downers Grove, Ill., who leads the March Bracket Challenge with an incredible 27-9-1 record (75 percent), good for 58 points:
I really don’t have any secrets, I don’t do my own power rankings or have any kind of secret formula. I watch a lot of sports and use any information that is out there for everyone to see. I can honestly say though, I think I am a smarter bettor just listening to VSIN and listening to people who do it for a living. Let’s hope this heater continues for three more games!
Good answer, Dennis.
If you are in the Bracket Challenge, the deadline is 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday for two picks worth eight points apiece.
Hoops & Horses Pick’em
If you want to get into the contest game, we have a new one: the 1/ST BET Hoops & Horses Pick ‘Em Challenge.
Sign up for free and make your picks for Saturday’s Derby Prep races and the Final Four matchups. The winner will get a $500 1/ST BET voucher and there are prizes through 50th place.
>>Registration and rules available here.
The contest got a little easier because the Blue Grass Stakes was delayed until Tuesday because of a bad weekend weather forecast for Keeneland.
I have asked some of our experts to offer their picks:
Aaron Halterman of RacingDudes.com will join Mike Somich on VSiN At The Track – The Road to the Kentucky Derby (2:15 p.m. ET Friday on YouTube) and already has his picks:
Wood Memorial – #2 Captain Cook
Santa Anita Derby – #1 Journalism
Duke -5
Over Duke/Houston (136)
Florida -2.5
Over Florida/Auburn (160.5)
If you need your college action today, Greg Peterson has NIT and College Basketball Crown Best Bets.
Quick Hits
MLB: Greg Peterson has posted his top plays for today. Steve Makinen and Adam Burke will file their contributions by mid-morning and you can find them on our MLB page.
ICYMI: On his bobblehead night, Shohei Ohtani hit a walk-off homer in the ninth to beat the Braves 6-5. The Dodgers fell behind 5-0 but rallied to improve to 8-0.
NBA: Zach Cohen will have his plays later this morning.
NHL: Jonathan Davis will have his Best Bets later, too. ICYMI: Alex Ovechkin scored his 892nd career goal, three goals from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record.
Golf: The Texas Open tees off at 8:20 a.m. ET, so there is still time to make use of Wes Reynolds‘ Best Bets. VSiN Pro subscribers should check the Golf Picks page.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Thursday, April 3. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
