NBA Postseason Best Bets (5/17)
Alex Christenson
The 2022-23 college basketball season is underway, and we get some exciting matchups in the nonconference schedule. Below is my favorite bet for Wednesday’s slate. Let’s have some fun.
UCLA vs. Maryland
(Line: Maryland -1, DraftKings Sportsbook)
It’s a big opportunity for Maryland as UCLA comes into College Park for a matchup between two top-25 teams with identical records. Under new head coach Kevin Willard, the Terps are off to a great start to the season, winning their first eight games before dropping their last two. While UCLA has bounced back nicely after two early season losses in Las Vegas. The key matchup will be in the backcourt as Charlotte transfer Jahmir Young will battle it out with All-American point guard Tyger Campbell. In the frontcourt, new-look Donta Scott will have his hands full with another All-American candidate in versatile Jaime Jaquez. Maryland has come down to earth a bit following their strong start and UCLA isn’t the greatest matchup to get them back on track. UCLA has the advantage in both the backcourt and the frontcourt with Campbell and Jaquez and what this game will come down to is execution, where I trust Mick Cronin much more than Kevin Willard. This is a spot where we can sell high and take advantage of Maryland being overvalued at the moment following their strong start to the season.
Offensively, both teams operate pretty similarly as both rely on getting the ball to the middle of the paint and collapsing defenses. UCLA can achieve this much more efficiently than the Terps can through Tyger Campbell in the pick and roll, Jaquez in the high post or the emerging Jaylen Clark slashing to the rim. The length on the wing and the stellar play of point guard Jahmir Young is what has attributed to Maryland’s success so far this year, but the Bruins have the perfect personnel to combat that. Where UCLA struggles defensively is on the interior and Julian Reese isn’t known for his offensive game to take advantage. The Terps have gotten away so far with a very low assist rate (330th nationally) and haven’t shot the three well (31% from three), which the Bruin’s compact defense can take advantage of. Even in a hostile environment, Mick Cronin and Tyger Campbell should have the poise and the ability to out execute an over valued Maryland team under Kevin Willard.
The Pick: UCLA +1
