The Kentucky Wildcats take on the Auburn Tigers in Auburn, AL. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Auburn is favored by 3 points on the spread with a moneyline of -155. The total is set at 158 points.
Here’s my Kentucky vs. Auburn predictions and college basketball picks for February 21, 2026.
Kentucky vs Auburn Prediction
My Pick: Auburn ML -155
My Kentucky vs Auburn best bet is on the Tigers to win outright. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Kentucky vs. Auburn Odds
| Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 158 -110 / -110 | +130 |
| Auburn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 158 -110 / -110 | -155 |
- Kentucky vs Auburn spread: Auburn -3
- Kentucky vs Auburn over/under: 158 points
- Kentucky vs Auburn moneyline: Kentucky +130, Auburn -155
Kentucky vs Auburn College Basketball Betting Preview
Auburn at home in a must-win situation often is a great position, especially when the matchup points to a close, physical game.
Auburn not only holds top 10 rankings in efficiency and rebounding, but more importantly, it averages +0.11 more points per possession than Kentucky allows.
When Kentucky has the ball, the matchup still favors Auburn keeping the game close. Kentucky ranks 33rd in adjusted offensive efficiency and 72nd in effective field goal rate.
Auburn’s defense isn’t elite overall (108th), but it fits well against Kentucky’s style. The Wildcats shoot 114th on 3-pointers and rely on half-court plays.
Auburn’s length and rim protection help, ranking 62nd in blocks. Kentucky is 55th in turnover rate on offense, while Auburn is 88th in forcing turnovers, which could create extra chances in a close game.
Tempo also favors the home Tigers. Neither team plays fast. Kentucky ranks 52nd in average offensive possession length, while Auburn’s defense sits 149th in slowing teams down.
On the other side, Auburn’s offense ranks 147th in possession length, and Kentucky’s defense ranks 307th. That combination points to a half-court battle with limited transition opportunities, and ultimately, I think home court advantage will make all the difference.
My Pick: Auburn ML -155
