Tennessee at Kentucky odds, picks and predictions
The No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers(15-5, 5-2 SEC) head to Rupp Arena to face the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats (15-5, 5-3) Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Tennessee vs. Kentucky odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Tennessee, which is No. 5 in the Paste BN Sports Coaches Poll, had its 4-game win streak snapped Tuesday night at the hands of the South Carolina Gamecocks, 63-59. It lost outright as a 14-point favorite, and the Under (135.5) hit. Senior G Dalton Knecht led Tennessee with 31 points, which was the 5th time he's crossed the 30-point threshold this season. Only 1 other Volunteer scored in double figures. Despite the disappointing home loss, Tennessee has won its last 2 SEC road games.
The No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats lost a heartbreaker at home in overtime to the Florida Gators Wednesday, 94-91. They lost outright as 7.5-point favorites, and the Over (171.5) hit. Freshman G Reed Sheppard filled up the stat sheet for the Wildcats with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. 7-foot F Ugonna Onyenso dominated in the paint, grabbing 16 rebounds and blocking 8 shots. Kentucky scores 88.7 points per game (PPG), which is the 3rd-most in the country.
These teams have split their last 10 matchups, with Kentucky winning the most recent meeting 66-54 last Feb. 18. The Wildcats covered as 1.5-point underdogs, and the game went Under (132.5).
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Tennessee at Kentucky odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Tennessee -111 (bet $111 to win $100) | Kentucky -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Tennessee -1.5 (-104) | Kentucky +1.5 (-118)
- Over/Under (O/U): 159.5 (O: -114 | U: -106)
Tennessee at Kentucky picks and predictions
Prediction
Kentucky 76, Tennessee 73
Moneyline
As much as I want to have skin in this game, I'm going to AVOID it. Both teams are coming in off difficult losses, both have a lot of talent, and both don't want to fall further behind SEC-leading Alabama. I feel like this game is a coin flip, which is why I'm not going to force a bet.
Against the spread
I'm also going to AVOID the spread because there really is no advantage getting or giving 1.5 points.
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Over/Under
BET UNDER 159.5 (-106).
In their last 4 head-to-head matchups, the game has gone under the total. The Under has hit in 3 of Tennessee's last 4 games and 2 of Kentucky's last 3.
The Volunteers play stout defense, holding their opponents under 66 PPG, but Kentucky will be their toughest challenge.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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