The Arkansas Razorbacks (19-8, 8-6 SEC) will try to lengthen a six-game home winning streak when they take on the Kentucky Wildcats (18-9, 7-7 SEC) at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas is a 4-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 153 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Preview
In the Wildcats last contest, they beat the Alabama Crimson Tide, 81-71. With 11 points and nine rebounds, Jarred Vanderbilt played well for Kentucky. Kentucky played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 52.6 (above their season average of 34.8) and a free throw rate of 0.328 (above their season average of 0.293). For those same stats, Alabama was 27.3 and 0.236, respectively.
The Razorbacks will look to maintain momentum after blowing out the No. 21 Texas A&M Aggies in their last game, 94-75. Arkansas received a boost from Jaylen Barford, who was the games high scorer with 21 points on 7-for-18 shooting. Arkansas played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 13.6) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.7 (above their season average of 28.4). For those same stats, Texas A&M had marks of 15.6 and 33.3, respectively.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, this appears to be a matchup of two heavyweights. The sharp-shooting Arkansas offense ranks 46th in the nation in that metric at 0.549, while the stingy Kentucky defense is ranked 37th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.472). Moreover, the Wildcats, who rank 16th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 percent), will square off against the Razorbacks, who rank 271st in defensive rebounding percentage (69.3 percent).
Of Kentucky’s 26 games with betting action, 14 have finished over the O/U total, while 14 of Arkansas 27 games have finished over the O/U total. Both teams have solid straight up (SU) records (18-9 for Kentucky; 19-8 for Arkansas), but the Razorbacks have the edge against the spread (ATS). Arkansas is 14-13 ATS, while the Wildcats are 10-16-1.
This is the first time these teams will battle this year. The Wildcats won both games played against each other last season. In the last contest, Kentucky won 82-65. The Wildcats played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 and an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.393. For those same stats, the Razorbacks were 22.2 and 0.273, respectively.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Odds Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Arkansas, ATS Winner – Arkansas, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Razorbacks rank 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Wildcats rank 100th (6.0).
- Arkansas ranks 84th in assists per game (14.9) while Kentucky ranks 128th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- On the road, Kentucky is 4-6-1 ATS with 6 unders and 5 overs.
- Arkansas is 9-6 ATS at home with 9 overs and 6 unders.
- Kentucky ranks 31st in rebounds per game (39.0) while Arkansas ranks 203rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
- The Razorbacks average 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 31st in the nation. The Wildcats rank 150th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- Arkansas ranks 215th in three pointers attempted per game (20.0) while Kentucky ranks 307th (14.5).
Betting Trends:
- Arkansas is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Kentucky is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Razorbacks average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.2, up from 7.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (7.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
