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Kentucky vs. Tennessee: Picks, Predictions and Odds

We've got a massive game in the SEC to headline Tuesday's slate of Men's College Basketball action, as the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats (14-5, 3-3 SEC) head to Knoxville for a date with the No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers (17-3, 4-3 SEC).

This game features a clash of opposing styles with Tennessee's elite defense (first in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom) against a Kentucky team that checks in fifth in adjusted offensive efficiency and can spread out any defense with its elite shooting from the perimeter.

With that said, the Wildcats are in the midst of a very challenging stretch, having lost back-to-back games and three of their last five overall. That puts Kentucky in a desperate spot against a Tennessee team that just lost a heartbreaker to Auburn on the road last weekend, and should be performing at its best on Tuesday.

Will the Wildcats find a way to get back into the win column, or will the Volunteers get back on track at home?

Let's get into our expert's Kentucky vs. Tennessee picks, predictions and best bets for this highly anticipated SEC showdown on Tuesday.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee betting picks and predictions

Tennessee -9.5 (-110)

Prior to Kentucky's game against Vanderbilt last Saturday, it appeared to many that the Wildcats' unfortunate injury situation was improving. However, veteran guard Lamont Butler was largely ineffective in his return to the lineup, and he's now expected to miss Tuesday's crucial contest in Knoxville. 

There was even some optimism that senior forward Andrew Carr would play in that game, but he ended up missing that contest too. What's even worse news for Wildcats fans is that head coach Mark Pope revealed that Carr will be out for this week's games as well, as he continues to battle through a back injury that has already sidelined him for nearly two weeks.

Those injuries spell major trouble for a Kentucky offense that has already been pretty inconsistent in recent games, even against subpar defenses. It's become clear that fatigue and injuries have certainly hurt the depth of this Kentucky team, which puts Tennessee in a great position to take advantage of these shortcomings.

The Volunteers defense should dictate the style of play that we'll see in this game, and it doesn't help matters that Kentucky's defense has massive issues, even when healthy. The Wildcats are outside the top 200 in opposing two-point field goal percentage, and the metrics suggest that the Kentucky perimeter defense may struggle even more as SEC play continues. 

This is a game that could get away from the Wildcats if they aren't on their game from the opening tip.

With that in mind, let's lay the points with Tennessee -9.5 (-110) to knock off the Wildcats and climb back into the SEC title race. 

Under 147.5 Total Points (-110)

While there are avenues for both sides to cover this spread, our best bet for this matchup is Under 147.5 (-110) total points. 

The Wildcats offense has their work cut out for them, as Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes' defense does a great job of making teams work for the best shot, with the Vols ranking as one of the best teams nationally at forcing long possessions on defense. 

Therefore, there's an argument to be made that the Wildcats offense will be suffocated by Tennessee's swarming defense on the road. The Vols like to grind the game down and force their opponent into playing a lot slower, which could really aid the Under in a game where Kentucky's pace of play could get slowed dramatically.  

On the other side of the ball, Tennessee's offense has struggled mightily in recent weeks, as the Volunteers are ranked 13th in conference play in effective field goal percentage.

While Kentucky's defense is nothing to write home about, Tennessee still clearly struggles to initiate their offense and generate easy buckets or free throw attempts. 

All things considered, both offenses could be in trouble in a game that could turn into a rock fight. With that in mind, let's back the Under in what should be a lower-scoring affair in Knoxville.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Basketball on site.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee odds

Kentucky

+400 ML

Tennessee

-550 ML

Spread

Tennessee -9.5

Game Total

147.5 O/U

Read Kentucky vs. Tennessee: How to watch, TV Channel, streaming start time, predicted lineups and stats on site.

Read the latest College Basketball news on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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