It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the No. 23 Tennessee Volunteers (9-4, 0-2 SEC) welcome the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats (12-2, 2-0 SEC) to Thompson-Boling Arena. The game will air on SEC Network at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 144.5 points with Tennessee set as a 2.5-point favorite.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers ATS Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they beat the LSU Tigers, 74-71. The Wildcats held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.492 (below their season average of 0.589). The Tigers had a free throw rate of 0.108 (below their season average of 0.252). Kevin Knox played a key role for Kentucky with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Volunteers fell to the Auburn Tigers in their last contest, 94-84. Auburn’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Tennessee. The Tigers had a rate of 10.3 (better than their season average of 15.4), while the Volunteers posted a mark of 16.8. With 25 points on 5-for-8 shooting, Lamonte Turner was the game’s leading scorer.
The offensive glass should be a huge advantage for Tennessee in this meeting. The Volunteers currently rank 38th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.3 percent), while Kentucky ranks 255th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.4 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent game, the Wildcats won 83-58. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (8.6 vs. 17.2) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 15.4).
Kentucky Wildcats at Tennessee Volunteers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Tennessee ranks 79th in three pointers allowed per game (20.6) while Kentucky ranks 245th (26.2).
The Wildcats rank 39th in rebounds per game (39.9) while the Volunteers rank 179th in rebounds allowed per game (36.5).
Tennessee averages 17.5 assists per game, which ranks 27th in the NCAA. Kentucky ranks 113th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
The Volunteers rank 26th in blocks per game (5.4) while the Wildcats rank 80th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Tennessee ranks 89th in steals per game (6.8) while Kentucky ranks 94th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.2, down from 10.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (7.4 above their season average).
