The Georgia Bulldogs (10-3) welcome the No. 14 Kentucky Wildcats (10-3, 1-0 SEC) to Stegeman Coliseum as they attempt to continue their eight-game home winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Kentucky Wildcats at Georgia Bulldogs Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they covered the 8.5-point spread against the Missouri Tigers, 71-59. The game’s combined points (130) finished just over the O/U total of 127. The Wildcats made 27 of their 30 free throws (90.0 percent) and held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.414 (below their season average of 0.500). Kentucky was lifted by Nick Richards, who recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs barely escaped the No. 9 Memphis Tigers in their last matchup, 65-62, despite being 6.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (127) were well under the O/U total of 153.5. Georgia held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.418 (below their season average of 0.532). Memphis, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.180 vs. 0.115). Rayshaun Hammonds was Georgia’s leading scorer with 15 points on 7-for-18 shooting from the field.
This contest should be a matchup of conflicting styles. Georgia prefers a fast-breaking style of play (17th in possessions per game), while Kentucky is more half-court-oriented (244th in possessions per game). Additionally, the Wildcats rank fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.327), while the Bulldogs rank 26th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.156).
Kentucky comes into the game with records of 10-3 straight up (SU) and 6-7 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Wildcats have finished under the O/U total 53.8 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Georgia is 10-3 SU and 7-6 ATS. Games featuring the Bulldogs have typically gone over the total (58.3 percent).
After the Wildcats won the sole contest against the Bulldogs last season, 69-49, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 18.2) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.469 vs. 0.339).
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Georgia Bulldogs Betting Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
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.
In its last five contests, Kentucky is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Georgia is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, down from 12.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (8.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
