Florida vs Kentucky Odds
| Florida Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -115 | 170.5 -115o / -105u | +225 |
| Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -105 | 170.5 -115o / -105u | -275 |
Editor's Note: D.J. Wagner (ankle) and Justin Edwards (leg) are out for tonight's game vs. Florida.
We get to see a second rendition of the most action-packed matchup in the SEC as the Florida Gators take on the Kentucky Wildcats. These two teams met just a few weeks ago, and the matchup lived up to the hype.
Both teams traded blows for 40 minutes, but the Wildcats ultimately squeezed out an 87-85 victory, which also covered the over in a game with a total of 170.
Here's Florida vs Kentucky odds and a pick for Wednesday.
Florida Gators
In addition to the fast tempo each of these two teams bring into this matchup, one reason the total is so high is that they each are incredibly efficient offensively. The Gators' efficiency stems from converting high-percentage looks, as shots from inside the paint make up over 45 percent of their offense this season.
Florida will have the opportunity to control the paint again in this meeting, as that is one of the weak points Kentucky has defensively. The Wildcats ranks 136th in 2-point percentage allowed. While that percentage may seem high for a team that ranks ninth in block rate, it actually tells the true story, as Tre Mitchell is the only rim protector on the floor consistently.
We should expect a big bounce-back effort from Tyrese Samuel after struggling in the first meeting. The 6-foot-10 senior was held to a season-low three points against Kentucky, but his size will be key in the game plan this time around.
One last thing to look out for is shots from the perimeter from Florida. Although the Gators are not a high-volume 3-point shooting team, Kentucky has allowed teams to burn them from deep, and we did see an uptick in attempts in the first matchup.
Kentucky Wildcats
It's safe to say Kentucky escaped the first meeting against Florida. The Wildcats were not that sharp offensively, at least to their standards, as they shot just 25% from beyond the arc and were down by multiple possessions in both halves.
However, it's tough to predict they are going to struggle again given what we've seen from them this season. The Wildcats are a juggernaut offensively, ranking eighth in effective field goal percentage and 19th in average offensive possession length.
They have proven they can put up points in bunches and have the ability to create separation given their prowess from beyond the arc. Perimeter shooting is the area in which these teams contrast when Kentucky is in possession.
The Wildcats are fourth in the nation in 3-point percentage, but the Gators are above average when it comes to points allowed from beyond the arc. So, this game will come down to whether Florida can repeat its defensive performance.
Florida vs. Kentucky
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Wildcats were 3.5-point underdogs in the first matchup and were able to narrowly pull off the "upset" on the road. However, with the setting switching back to Lexington, the spread has swung by nine points in their direction.
Kentucky is getting too much respect here, as the Gators have all the tools to keep this one close. Florida will be able to score inside, limit the Wildcats' perimeter shooting and control the boards.
If all three of those things happen, Florida will not only cover the spread but will have the opportunity to pull off an upset of its own.
