Auburn vs Kentucky Odds, Prediction: Bet Tigers On the Road?
Michael Hickey/Getty Images. Pictured: Auburn’s Jaylin Williams.
Auburn vs Kentucky Odds
| Auburn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | +185 |
| Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | -215 |
While Alabama has essentially pulled away from the pack in the SEC standings, the conference is still deep in the country, and many teams can improve their seeding in the Big Dance if they finish strong.
Two of those teams are the ones facing off today. While their standings in conference play are similar, the other thing that Auburn and Kentucky have in common is that they have been erratic.
Kentucky ranks 352nd in consistency rating, and Auburn is just one spot ahead of them at 351.
So what's the best bet for this matchup? Let's dig in to find out.
Auburn Tigers
Auburn is a team that likes to work the ball inside and create high-percentage looks. Its primary weapon to convert those shots is big man Johni Broome.
Broome has proven to be a force in the paint, making nearly 68% of his shot from close proximity. It also appears that Broome will get plenty of looks inside, as the Wildcats have struggled down low, allowing opponents to make 61% of their 2s from in close.
Although, Broome will have to contend with the reigning National Player of the Year, Oscar Tshiebwe. Tshiebwe is a physical player and has dominated the glass, so the battle between the two could decide the contest.
If Broome is locked down, look for Jaylin Williams to carry the load inside. Williams has been excellent inside the arc.
The last guy to look out for is Wendell Green. He hasn't been very efficient from the field but is very adept at getting to the line. The Wildcats have allowed a tremendous amount of trips to the charity stripe, ranking 328th in free throws to field goal attempts ratio.
Kentucky Wildcats
Much like the Tigers, the Wildcats have found plenty of success when working the ball inside. However, they have multiple options who can execute from inside the arc.
It all starts with Tshiebwe, who's one of the most formidable big men in the country. He's averaging 16.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, but Broome is the 10th-best shot blocker in the nation.
While those two battle throughout the game, this matchup will also come down to the play of Cason Wallace and Jacob Toppin. Toppin has shown he can carry this team with his work from the midrange.
Wallace, meanwhile, has been a wild card in his freshman season. He's been tremendous at penetrating and finishing around the rim, but with Broome lurking, it will be interesting to see if he can get things going from further out.
That doesn't look too promising, though, as Auburn has held opponents to just 27% from beyond the arc and 31% on far 2s.
Auburn vs Kentucky Betting Pick
These two teams are very evenly matched, but we really don't know which version of each team we'll see.
For this matchup, I'm going to back the one thing that we can count on: the Tigers' defense. They should be able to disrupt the Wildcats at all three levels and make this game a grind.
Back the Tigers to cover the spread on the road.
Pick: Auburn +3 or Better |
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