The Arkansas Razorbacks (10-9, 1-5 SEC) welcome the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats (14-4, 4-2) to Bud Walton Arena Saturday. Tip is set for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Kentucky vs. Arkansas odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
The Razorbacks lost to the Ole Miss Rebels 77-51 Wednesday, failing to cover as 8.5-point road underdogs. They are 5-14 against the spread (ATS) this season and just 1-5 ATS in conference play. Arkansas is 1-2 ATS in home SEC battles. It is led by G Tramon Mark, who is averaging 17.8 points per game (PPG).
Kentucky is No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Wildcats lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks 79-62 Tuesday, failing to cover as 5-point road underdogs. They are 11-7 ATS on the season and 3-3 ATS in conference play. Kentucky is just 1-2 ATS in road conference games. It is led by G Antonio Reeves, who is averaging 19.2 PPG, but has 5 players averaging double figures.
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Kentucky at Arkansas odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:27 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Kentucky -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Arkansas +225 (bet $100 to win $225)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kentucky -6.5 (-115) | Arkansas +6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 162.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Kentucky at Arkansas picks and predictions
Prediction
Kentucky 88, Arkansas 76
Moneyline
PASS.
The Cats (-280) have lost 2 of 3 on the road in conference play, so they certainly aren’t worth a play at -280. However, they are worth a look on the spread.
Against the spread
BET KENTUCKY -6.5 (-115).
This is more a fade of the Razorbacks than a play for the Wildcats on the road. Kentucky has struggled away in conference play, but Arkansas has lost 5 of 6 conference games.
The Razorbacks have lost 2 of 3 at home and lost those by 13 to South Carolina and 32 to Auburn. They have lost each road game by double figures, so the Razorbacks have not played competitive SEC games.
Kentucky has ample scoring to pull away and has won 3 of its last 5 conference games by double figures. Expect it to win and cover Saturday. Back KENTUCKY -6.5 (-115).
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 162.5 (-110).
Kentucky averages the most PPG in the nation at 89.9. Arkansas ranks 90th of 362 programs, so it also can play at a fast pace and score.
The Cats have gone Over in 5 of 6 conference games and are 14-4 O/U on the season. They have scored at least 90 in 4 of their last 5. Arkansas is 13-6 O/U and has gone Over in 2 of its last 3. It has allowed at least 77 in 4 straight games, all to opponents not as skilled offensively as Kentucky.
Expect a high-pace, high-scoring battle. Take OVER 162.5 (-110).
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