College basketball picks: Michigan vs. Duke among expert's best bets for biggest games on Saturday, Feb. 21
CBS Sports
by
Thomas Casale
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Saturday's college basketball schedule features several high-stakes matchups, with experts like Thomas Casale sharing his insights on key games and betting advice. The standout game is Michigan vs. Duke, a clash of two top-tier teams that many consider the Game of the Year. Both teams have impressive resumes, but Duke’s ability to create turnovers could be a decisive factor. Meanwhile, Houston hosts Arizona in a crucial Big 12 battle, with Houston favored despite not having a significant statistical edge over Arizona. Casale highlights Houston's perimeter defense as a potential weakness, noting that Arizona’s low 3-point attempt rate might limit their offensive options.
In another notable game, Kentucky faces Auburn, where the Wildcats are expected to perform well after a strong showing against Florida. Casale leans toward Kentucky covering the spread, citing their rebounding and transition scoring as strengths. The article emphasizes the importance of defensive performance and key statistical factors like turnover rates, free throw shooting, and perimeter efficiency in determining game outcomes.
For sports fans and bettors, these matchups offer opportunities to test their predictions against expert analysis. With each game presenting unique challenges and strategic considerations, the focus remains on how teams adapt under pressure and whether they can execute their strengths
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026