Miami at Kentucky odds, picks and predictions
The No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats (5-1) welcome the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (5-0) to Rupp Arena Tuesday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Miami vs. Kentucky odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Kentucky is coming off a 118-82 win over the Marshall Thundering Herd Friday, covering as an 18.5-point favorite. The Wildcats are 3-3 against the spread (ATS) and 2-3 ATS at home. G Antonio Reeves (19 points per game) leads 6 Wildcats averaging in double figures.
Miami beat Kansas State 91-83 on Nov. 19, so it has had some time off. The Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS on the season and 4-1 O/U. They have yet to play a true road game but are 2-0 ATS on neutral courts. Miami has scored at least 79 points in every game and is led by G Wooga Poplar, who is averaging 18 points per game.
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Miami at Kentucky odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Miami +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Kentucky -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Miami +5.5 (-105) | Kentucky -5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 163.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Miami at Kentucky picks and predictions
Prediction
Kentucky 86, Miami 77
Moneyline
PASS.
The Cats have a high-octane offense, but they have lost their lone competitive battle. They should come out on top, but at -275, they are too expensive to play on the moneyline.
Against the spread
LEAN KENTUCKY -5.5 (-115).
How does it make sense that a team 4 spots higher is an underdog by more than 5 points? Well, to most, it wouldn't, but this Wildcats team has a dynamic offense and will be playing against a team that it matches up with perfectly.
Miami plays just 1 big man consistently and he stands 6-foot-7. That will bode well for the small Kentucky team. The Cats have scored 95 or more in 3 straight games. The Hurricanes have yet to play on the road nor have taken on a ranked opponent.
The Cats looked strong despite losing to Kansas and should be able to come out on fire at home. Take KENTUCKY -5.5 (-115).
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Over/Under
BET OVER 163.5 (-115).
The Hurricanes are 4-1 O/U and have scored 86 or more points in 4 of 5 games. They have allowed 70-plus in 3 of 5 as well. Miami ranks 4th in the nation in effective field goal rate (61.5%) with Kentucky sitting 9th (59.7%). That takes into account all 362 programs.
The Cats have gone Over in 4 straight and are 4-2 O/U. Both teams play at an ultra-high pace and shoot from deep early and often. Points should be scored in this battle. Take OVER 163.5 (-115).
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