Kentucky vs Auburn Odds, Pick
| Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 165.5 -110o / -110u | +310 |
| Auburn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 165.5 -110o / -110u | -400 |
Neville Arena is one of the most intimidating arenas for opposing teams. The Auburn Tigers bounced back massively in their 40-point win over South Carolina this week, and now they turn their attention to the visiting Kentucky Wildcats.
The Tigers are a national title contender, but they still have much to prove on the road. The Wildcats were able to bounce back against Ole Miss on Wednesday, but its defensive issues remain in question. This is not the best matchup for Kentucky, and there is a reason the Wildcats are 10-point underdogs.
Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats will face a tough challenge against the Tigers. Despite being in the top 10 in adjusted offensive efficiency and effective field goal percentage, they will be up against a formidable Auburn defense.
The Tigers are impressive in limiting their opponent's field goal percentage, and the Wildcats will need to work hard to secure loose balls and rebounds. However, Kentucky boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the country, with a team shooting percentage beyond the arc that ranks third in the nation.
The trio of Rob Dillingham, Antonio Reeves and Reed Sheppard has been sensational, with all three starters shooting close to 44% from 3.
Nonetheless, the Wildcats' defense is the biggest issue in this matchup, as they struggle to rebound and force turnovers. While Kentucky's offense can keep up with Auburn, its defensive issues make it difficult to predict a win in this contest.
Auburn Tigers
The Tigers are gearing up for a late-season push to become a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
That push starts Saturday against a Kentucky offense known for its ability to make it rain from beyond the arc.
Auburn has managed to maintain a top-10 ranking in both offensive and defensive efficiency, having the No. 1 defense in the country against opposing 2-pointers. The Tigers are also ranked in the top 20 in opposing 3-point percentage and block percentage.
Auburn's defense's only flaw is it tends to be overly aggressive, which allows its opponents to get to the free-throw line more than most teams in the country. On the offensive side, Johni Broome has been playing like an All-American, and the frontcourt tandem of Broome and Jaylin Williams has given opposing frontcourts a hard time throughout the season.
Against a weak Kentucky defense, Auburn is primed for another big offensive performance. Although the Tigers have a clear edge in this game because of their defense and home-court advantage, John Calipari's Wildcats will not go down with a fight.
This game is appointment television Saturday night.
Kentucky vs Auburn
Betting Pick & Prediction
There are a couple of ways to bet on this game. It's difficult to envision both offenses remaining stagnant throughout the evening.
The Wildcats may face some challenges because of the Tigers' impressive defense, which is one of the best in the nation. However, I believe in Kentucky's offense, which can score against any opponent.
On the other hand, Auburn will have an excellent opportunity to dominate this game by exploiting Kentucky's defense, which struggles with rebounding and forcing turnovers. The Tigers will likely have an easy time scoring inside the paint and securing many second-chance opportunities.
Expect a thrilling contest with plenty of points to be scored at Neville Arena on Saturday night.
