:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68971153/usa_today_15383593.0.jpg)
The 2021 NCAA Tournament is set to begin on Thursday with the First Four, and the round of 64 is set to begin on Friday. Teams across the country are preparing to compete for a national championship, as this year’s competition could be the most unpredictable one yet because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The East region of the bracket is loaded with talented programs that could go the distance. Let’s take a look at the odds of some of its top contenders at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Michigan holds the No. 1 seed in the East and has the fourth-best title odds (+800) in the entire field, but they don’t seem like much of a powerhouse ahead of March Madness. The Wolverines lost their second-leading scorer, Isaiah Livers, to a foot fracture toward the regular season's end. Livers’ injury will limit Michigan's ceiling, but they still have the best odds to reach the Elite 8 (+110) and Final 4 (+200) in the East. Whether the Wolverines can overcome the adversity to reach the final stage remains to be seen.
No. 2 seed Alabama has the second-best sixth-best overall title odds (+2000) in the field. The Crimson Tide’s odds to make the Elite 8 aren’t far from the Wolverines at +150, while their Final 4 odds are +450. Alabama will have to go through No. 3 Texas to reach the semifinals, and the Longhorns’ +3300 title odds rank 10th in the field. Mount St. Mary’s and Abilene Christian have the worst odds to make the Elite 8 at +5000. The Mountaineers have a tougher road to the Final 4, though. Their odds to make the semifinal round are +15000.
Here are the odds for the rest of the teams in the East.
Odds to reach 2021 Elite Eight, Final Four — East region
| Team | Make Elite 8 | Miss Elite 8 | Make Final 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Make Elite 8 | Miss Elite 8 | Make Final 4 |
| Michigan | +110 | -136 | +200 |
| Alabama | +150 | -190 | +450 |
| Texas | +330 | -455 | +700 |
| Florida State | +350 | -500 | +900 |
| Saint Bonaventure | +2000 | -10000 | +1000 |
| Connecticut | +700 | -1430 | +1150 |
| LSU | +750 | -1430 | +1400 |
| Colorado | +525 | -835 | +1650 |
| BYU | +800 | -1667 | +2500 |
| Maryland | +1000 | -2500 | +2500 |
| Michigan State | +1500 | -10000 | +3000 |
| UCLA | +3000 | -10000 | +3000 |
| Georgetown | +1500 | -10000 | +4000 |
| UNCG | +4000 | -10000 | +8000 |
| Abilene Christian | +5000 | -10000 | +10000 |
| Iona | +3000 | -10000 | +10000 |
| Texas Southern | +4000 | -10000 | +10000 |
| Mt. St. Mary's | +5000 | -10000 | +15000 |
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.