An eight-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Georgia Bulldogs (10-3) when they challenge the 14th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (10-3, 1-0 SEC) at Stegeman Coliseum. The game can be seen on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Georgia Bulldogs ATS Odds
Both teams covered in their last outing. The Bulldogs (6.5-point underdogs) defeated the ninth-ranked Memphis Tigers 65-62, while the Wildcats (8.5-point favorite) beat the Missouri Tigers 71-59. The Georgia game finished 26.5 points under the projected point total of 153.5, while the Kentucky game went 3 points over the projected point total of 127.
Kentucky played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.563 (above their season average of 0.311) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.458 (below their season average of 0.505). For those same stats, Missouri was 0.190 and 0.414, respectively. Meanwhile, Georgia’s 0.475 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Memphis, who had a mark of 0.418. The Bulldogs’ mark was below their season average of 0.529, while the Tigers’ was below their season average of 0.532. Georgia’s Rayshaun Hammonds led the way, contributing 15 points and 12 rebounds. Kentucky was lifted by Nick Richards, who put up 21 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wildcats won the sole game between these two teams last season, 69-49. The Wildcats’ 12.7 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Bulldogs, who had a mark of 18.2. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Of the Wildcats’ 13 games, seven have finished under the O/U total. Kentucky heads into the game with records of 10-3 straight up (SU) and 6-7 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Bulldogs’ 12 games with betting action, 7 have finished over the total. Further, Georgia is 10-3 SU and 7-6 ATS.
This game should be a matchup of contrasting tempos. Georgia has preferred a fast-paced style of play (17th in possessions per game), while Kentucky has been more half-court-oriented (244th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Wildcats are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.327). The Bulldogs, however, rank 26th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.156).
Kentucky vs. Georgia Odds Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Kentucky ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while Georgia ranks 200th (36.8).
- The Wildcats rank 48th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Bulldogs rank 124th (12.7).
- Kentucky averages 4.6 blocks per game, which is ranked 37th in the nation. Georgia ranks 101st in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- The Bulldogs rank 109th in three pointers attempted per game (23.2) while the Wildcats rank 277th (15.9).
- Georgia ranks 45th in steals per game (8.2) while Kentucky ranks 187th (5.2).
- Kentucky is 1-2 ATS on the road, while Georgia is 5-3 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 2 of the Wildcats’ 3 road games, while 6 of the Bulldogs’ 8 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Wildcats are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Georgia has 4 unders and 1 over, while Kentucky has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 7.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (5.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
