Louisville vs. Kentucky Pick
Will No. 16 Kentucky have any trouble at home when it plays host to its rival, Louisville, today at 1PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Kentucky is the slight favorite at home, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -6 points against Louisville. The over/under total for the game is listed at 143 points. Today’s game takes place from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky and will air live on CBS.
Despite a rough stretch prior to the season, Louisville is playing pretty well right now. The Cardinals have won six straight to get to 10-2 on the season. Louisville is 4-6 against the spread this year, failing to cover in their last two games. Louisville is averaging 78.8 points per game on offense while allowing just 64.6 per contest. Deng Adel is averaging 15.6 points per game this year to lead the team while Ray Spalding is adding 10.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per contest.
Kentucky is coming off an 83-75 loss against UCLA last weekend to drop to 9-2 on the season. The Wildcats are 5-6 against the spread on the season, failing to cover in the loss to UCLA. UK is averaging 80.7 points per game on offense this year while allowing 70.5 per game. Kevin Knox is averaging 15.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for Kentucky while Hamidou Diallo is adding 15.5 points per contest.
Kentucky has won and covered in four of its last five meetings with Louisville. The Cardinals haven’t been overwhelmed by anyone this season, so I expect this to be a good game. However, Louisville struggled offensively in its only other true road game, so I can see that being an issue at times today. Kentucky should lead most of the way and pull away late with its young athletes and superior coaching. The public betting is backing Louisville, but I think Kentucky gets the job done.
CBB DAILY PREDICTION: KENTUCKY -6