Auburn vs Tennessee Odds, Picks: Expect Defenses to Step Up

Auburn vs Tennessee Odds

Saturday, Feb. 4

2 p.m. ET

ESPN

Auburn Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
+9.5 -110	132 -110o / -110u	+360

Tennessee Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
-9.5 -110	132 -110o / -110u	-480

Odds via Caesars. Get up-to-the-minute college basketball odds here.

The Big 12 may be the showcase of Saturday's slate, but this matchup will remind everyone just how deep the SEC is. The No. 25 Auburn Tigers head to Knoxville to take on the No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers.

The Volunteers are looking to bounce back after suffering just their second loss in conference play in their last time out. The last time we saw Tennessee go down, they responded with a double-digit victory, and the line here is pointing toward a similar result.

However, this bounce-back effort won't be as easy as the Tigers have proven to be an elite defensive team. However, this will be Auburn's toughest test to date.

So with the stage set for this SEC showdown, let's dive in and find the best way to bet this matchup.

Auburn Tigers

If the Tigers are going to hang around against Tennessee, their top two players are going to have to make an impact offensively. Luckily, there are two avenues in which each can find success.

Wendell Green has become the veteran leader of this club. He is the team's leading scorer and his perimeter shooting will be a much-needed threat in this matchup.

Tennessee has defended 3s better than anyone in the country, but the Volunteers are vulnerable as they allow their opposition to take them. Over 41% of the field goals attempted against the Volunteers are 3-pointers.

Green is not an efficient shooter, but his volume is wears on a defense. If he can sink a few early, it will open things up for Johni Broome inside.

Broome has proven to be a dominant force inside. His last game against Georgia is proof of that, as he put up 19 points and grabbed 18 boards. His skill on the glass and around the rim could cause trouble, especially if he can draw fouls. Tennessee is 256th in free throw attempt to field goal attempt ratio, and free throws have made up about 24% of the points the Volunteers allow.

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Tennessee Volunteers

While Tennessee is known for its work on the defensive end of the floor, it has also shown it can put the ball in the bucket in many ways.

Although, the Volunteers should find the most success in the paint. Julian Phillips and Olivier Nkamhoua should provide plenty of offense as they will get both chances from half-court sets and many second-chance opportunities.

The Volunteers are the best offensive-rebounding team in the country and Auburn has had some issues cleaning up misses on the defensive end. However, Tennessee's best offensive weapon may be its defense.

The Volunteers are 10th in turnover rate and 66th in potential quick shots off steals. The Tigers are middle of the pack in turnover rate, but 308th in steal percentage on the offensive end, which could be their ultimate downfall.

Auburn vs Tennessee Betting Pick

We have seen some early line movement toward the over, which bumped the total nearly three points from its opening, and that is a peculiar move.

While both of these teams have ways to put points on the board, these defenses have proven to be very tough, and each team is projected to shoot well below the D1 average.

The market has pushed the total just a tad too high, and I'm taking the value on the under here.

Pick: Under 134.5 or Better

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