Will UConn cover vs. Alabama? | Bronny James enters NBA Draft, transfer portal

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Friday, April 5, 2024

Happy Friday, sports fans.

Final Four weekend is officially upon us! We've got two sets of fantastic matchups in the women's semifinals in Cleveland Friday night, as well as the men's games coming on Saturday evening out of Scottsdale, Arizona. The No. 1 seedPurdue, who emerged from the Midwest Regional, will play No. 11 seed and South champNC State, followed by overall No. 1 seed and East Regional champion

UConn, who will face No. 4 seed and West champAlabama. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

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Panthers reportedly

signs defensive tackle Derrick Brown to a four-year, $96 million contract extension.

Fan that caught Shohei Ohtani's first Dodgers home run

says that she didn't get to meet star slugger.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

Today's top story

BRONNY JAMES ENTERS 2024 NBA DRAFT, TRANSFER PORTAL

USC guard Bronny James has provided a further glimpse into his future. James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, has

announced that he's entering the 2024 NBA Draft, while also entering the transfer portal. The highly-routed recruit appeared in 25 games during his freshman season and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Back in July, James was hospitalized for three days following a cardiac arrest scare during a summer workout at USC, which caused him to miss the first few weeks of the 2023-24 season.

Here's what CBS Sports college basketball writer Cameron Salerno says about James' NBA prospects:

Salerno:"James has the tools to be a successful player at the next level. He's a high-motor defender with a playmaking upside. James also has an incredible basketball IQ like his father. Something that James will have to improve on at the next level is his 3-point shooting. James connected on only 26.7% from distance on 2.4 attempts per game."

The Hot Ticket

NCAA Men's Tournament, Final Four: Alabama vs. UConn, Saturday, 8:49 p.m. | TV: TBS

The Pick: UConn -11.5 (-112)

Key trend: UConn is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games.

SportsLine expert Micah Roberts is 6-2 in his last eight ATS picks involving UConn.

Roberts: "It's amazing what UConn has done since their last loss against Creighton as they've won 11 consecutive games. They've also covered in 10 of those games. It's like they're better than last year and they won the championship last year. The last five games have stayed under because the defense is playing shutdown basketball, no matter who they're playing. This is a team that has covered in 26 of their 38 games this season, and they get stronger and stronger each game. UConn shoots 49.8% from the field and they hold their opponents to a 39.0% shooting clip. They are the best team in the nation."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has "C" picks on the spread, moneyline, and total.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Also on tomorrow...

NCAA Men's Tournament, Final Four: NC State vs. Purdue, Saturday, 6:09 p.m. | TV: TBS

The Projection: NC State +9 (-113)| Grade: C -- Slight Lean

SportsLine's Projection Model has "C" picks on the spread, moneyline, and total for the contest. NC State is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games, so we'll continue to ride the hot hand with the Wolfpack to keep this game close.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through Saturday's Final Four matchups and offered their best plays as the season winds down.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

* Open to new subscribers only. This offer of 7 days free of SportsLine expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on 12/31/24. Must use the promo codeNEWSLETTERto redeem the Offer. Offer is not transferable. Valid credit card is required.SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW AFTER THE 7 DAY TRIAL PERIOD, AND YOUR CARD WILL BE CHARGED BASED ON THE REGULAR PRICE OF $9.99 (MONTHLY), $24.99 (QUARTERLY), $99.99 (ANNUAL) ON AN ONGOING BASIS UNLESS YOU CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PRIOR TO THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL. To cancel, call(888) 508-3055or email

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USL

WE NEED TO TALK

Watch a battle in the USL as Louisville City FC takes on Indy Eleven LIVE this Saturday at 4 PM ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.Watch Live

WE NEED TO TALK airs a special episode on Sunday from Phoenix. Sarah Kustok, Lisa Leslie, Swin Cash and Renee Montgomery preview the NCAA Mens and Womens Basketball Championship games and more on CBS and Paramount+.Watch Live

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