NCAA Tournament Bracket Watch 2025: Teams with the most and least to gain this week

Bracket Central: Analyzing the NCAA Tournament Field

As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the field of 68 teams is starting to take shape. With conference tournaments in full swing, teams are battling for automatic bids and jockeying for position in the at-large conversation. In this edition of Bracket Central, we take a closer look at the teams that have the most to gain and the most to lose in their conference tournaments.

Five Teams That Should Go Hard This Week

1. Florida: The Gators are making a strong case for a No. 1 seed with impressive wins down the stretch. Avoiding teams like Auburn and Duke in the early rounds could be crucial for their tournament success.

2. Alabama: The Crimson Tide are right on the heels of Florida in the race for a top seed. A higher seed could mean a more favorable path to the Final Four.

3. Tennessee: The Volunteers are in a tight race with Alabama for seeding. A higher seed could mean playing closer to home and avoiding tough matchups in the early rounds.

4. Wisconsin: The Badgers are looking to regain their momentum heading into the tournament. A No. 3 seed is within reach and worth pursuing.

5. UConn: The Huskies are riding a wave of momentum and looking to avoid a potential 8/9 matchup. A strong showing in the conference tournament could solidify their seeding.

Five Teams That Would Be Better Off Resting

1. Auburn: Despite a couple of recent losses, the Tigers have a strong resume and are likely locked into a high seed. Resting key players and avoiding injuries could be more beneficial than pushing for a higher seed.

2. Duke: The Blue Devils are in contention for a top overall seed, but the difference between a No. 1 and a No. 2 seed may not be significant. Preserving their players for the tournament could be a smarter move.

3. Michigan State: The Spartans are unlikely to move up to a No. 1 seed but are solidly in position for a top seed. Avoiding unnecessary wear and tear in the conference tournament could be wise.

4. St. John’s: The Red Storm are in line for a favorable seeding and may not need to push for a higher spot. Rest and preparation could be more valuable than chasing a slightly better seed.

5. Houston: The Cougars are on the cusp of a No. 1 seed and should secure it with a strong showing in the conference tournament. However, avoiding injuries should be a priority.

As the conference tournaments play out, keep an eye on these teams and how their performances impact their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as Selection Sunday approaches.

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(Photo of Walter Clayton Jr: Matt Pendleton / Imagn Images)