NCAAB · 1 year ago

NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Kentucky vs Tennessee Odds, Best Bets

John Canady

Host · Writer

The Kentucky Wildcats are set for a Sweet 16 showdown against their SEC foes, the Tennessee Volunteers, on Friday night. Kentucky enters this matchup looking to earn its third win over Tennessee this season and advance to the Elite Eight in year one of the Mark Pope era. However, the Vols have their own championship aspirations that could quickly turn this game into a dogfight. Considering the stakes, mixed with the rivalry between these two squads, expect both teams to put forth their best efforts.

Kentucky vs Tennessee

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Where to Watch: TBS/truTV
Time: 7:39 p.m. ET
Spread: Tennessee -4.5 | Total: 144.5
Moneyline: Tennessee -200 | Kentucky +165

Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Best Bet: Kentucky ML +165

Kentucky enters this matchup as the underdogs despite holding a 2-0 record against Tennessee this season. The Wildcats took care of Tennessee at home in Lexington and managed to go into Knoxville and knock off the Vols on their home court. Kentucky is seemingly playing its best ball of the season at the right time, and while there’s no denying that defeating a team three times in one season is a tall task, the Wildcats seem to be in a good position to pull off the upset.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Best Total Bet: Over 144.5

As mentioned above, these two teams have faced off twice this season. The two sides scored 151 points in total during their first encounter. The total final score in their second matchup was 139 points. The Wildcats are scoring 80 points per game on average through the first two rounds of the tournament. Meanwhile, Tennessee trails just behind, averaging 72 points per game. Considering this trend stays the same, I like the odds the final score surpasses the 144.5 point set total, with a final score of 81-74 seeming like a realistic outcome.

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Kentucky Best Player Bet: Amari Williams to Record a Double Double +400

Amari Williams has quietly been the key to Kentucky’s success throughout the season. The seven-footer is averaging 10.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists entering this matchup. In the first matchup against the Vols, Williams finished with ten points and 15 rebounds. Assuming Pope and his squad look to utilize their big man in more actions tonight to open up the offense, I like the odds that he not only contributes in scoring, but also crashes the board again like he has throughout the first two rounds, averaging 11.5 rebounds per game in the NCAA Tournament.

Tennessee Best Player Bet: Chaz Lanier 4+ Threes Made +145

Chaz Lanier has arguably been one of the biggest impact players to find a new home in the transfer portal last offseason. The six-foot-four guard is averaging 18.1 points on the season, shooting 43.8% from the floor and 41% from three on eight attempts per game. With 4+ threes made in each of the first two rounds, it gives me confidence that Lanier continues shooting with confidence against Kentucky, especially if they hope to keep pace with the Wildcats’ red-hot offense.