The Kentucky Wildcats (17-7, 7-4 SEC) travel to the Auburn Tigers (20-5, 9,3) in a top-25 matchup. Although only a game and a half separate the two sides in the standings, this favors the home team. The hosts have won 13 home games and have not been beaten at Neville Arena. They are also coming off a dominating 40-point victory against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Although the traveling side won their last game as well. However, it was at home against a middle-of-the-pack Ole Miss Rebels side. Regardless of history or past matchups, both teams score over 80 points per game on the season. But defensively could be where the game is ultimately decided.
Are you thinking of picking the favorites to cover the spread? Here are some of the key stats you need to know first!
Auburn Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Auburn Tigers | -8.5 -115 |
O 165 -110 |
-395 |
| Kentucky Wildcats | +8.5 -105 |
U 165 -110 |
+310 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Kentucky Wildcats @ Auburn Tigers
Date And Time: February 17, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. EST
Location: Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama
Key Stats
Auburn Tigers (Averages)
Points: 83.1
Points Allowed: 66.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 28.7/61.2 for 46.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 7.9/23.3 for 33.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.8/23.4 for 76.0%
Rebounds: 11.8 Offensive, 27.1 Defensive, 38.9 Combined
Assists: 18.0
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 6.0
Turnovers: 10.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 22.1/58.3 for 37.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 6.2/20.7 for 29.8%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 16.5/22.2 for 74.1%
Rebounds Against: 11.4 Offensive, 22.9 Defensive, 34.3 Combined
The Auburn Tigers are led through their defensive efforts first. Especially on the road, they can easily overwhelm teams. But they are facing a quality opponent today in the Kentucky Wildcats. Although the home team shoots a higher field goal percentage than their opponents, the Wildcats manage to get more points on the board. But against these matchups, the defensive intensity will need to be sustained for 40 minutes of play.
The home side is led by Johni Broome in scoring. He shoots the three-ball at 44.8% from home. You can expect him to have a high-impact game. Additionally, the forward leads the team in rebounding from his forward position. His ability to stretch the floor and be a menace on the glass proves too much for a lot of opponents. Tre Donaldson handles a lot of the point guard responsibilities when on the floor. He’s averaging 3.5 assists per game, while only turning the ball over one and a half times. If he sees extended minutes, he’ll need to keep that ratio for the Auburn Tigers.
Kentucky Wildcats (Averages)
Points: 88.9
Points Allowed: 78.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 32.3/65.8 for 49.2%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 9.9/24.3 for 40.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 14.4/19.1 for 75.2%
Rebounds: 10.03 Offensive, 28.3 Defensive, 38.7 Combined
Assists: 17.7
Steals: 7.8
Blocks: 6.4
Turnovers: 10.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 27.4/65.1 for 42.0%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 8.5/26.7 for 32.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 14.8/21.0 for 70.8%
Rebounds Against: 12.3 Offensive, 25.4 Defensive, 36.7 Combined
This Kentucky Wildcats team has plenty of talent and can score. Unfortunately, they give up far too many points on the other end. They will need to find a rhythm offensively to get baskets. This is the best way to avoid transition baskets, giving time to set up their defense. If they play into the environment and fast pace of the Auburn Tigers home court, then things can get ugly in a hurry.
Antonio Reeves averages the most points on the Kentucky Wildcats team. However, his 19.4 PPG will need to be bumped up to at least 25 for them to have a shot against the Auburn Tigers. Additionally, the boards will be to be secured today, especially to limit second-chance opportunities. Tre Mitchell averages 7.5 rebounds, of which 1.8 are offensive. While keeping his presence on Auburn’s shot attempts, he’ll likely need at least 2 rebounds on the offensive end to give Kentucky a chance. Finally, Reed Sheppard keeps the Wildcat’s offense flowing with his 4.2 assists per game. He too will need to keep the ball secured while making plays for his teammates if an upset is going to happen.
Game Prediction
Normally, I don’t like giving up these many points in a college basketball game. But everything indicates that this may turn into a double-digit win for the Auburn Tigers. Additionally, the lack of defense from the Kentucky Wildcats and two good offenses makes me still comfortable with taking the over. While Auburn may push 90 points today, even with their great defense, Kentucky is likely to get in the low 80s. Therefore I am picking the over, but I think the Tigers do enough at the end to keep the large spread from being an issue.
Final Pick
Auburn Tigers -8.5 and Over 165
About the Author
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