NCAAB: Kentucky vs. Mississippi State Predictions – Tuesday, Feb. 27

Feb 24, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guards Adou Thiero (3), Reed Sheppard (15) and Antonio Reeves (12) return to the bench during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
Image Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Kentucky Wildcats hit the road to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The Kentucky Wildcats (19-8) are set to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (19-8) in a highly anticipated SEC showdown. With both teams boasting identical records and fighting for conference positioning, this matchup promises to be a battle of wills on the hardwood.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Odds Info

Moneyline: Kentucky Wildcats +150 (PointsBet) / Mississippi State Bulldogs -170 (Bet365)

Spread: -3.5 – Kentucky Wildcats -105 (Bet365) / Mississippi State Bulldogs -110 (PointsBet)

Total: 156.5 – -105 (FanDuel) / -109 (BetPARX)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Humphrey Coliseum – Starkville, MS

TV: ESPN

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Trends

  • On the road, Kentucky Wildcats are 5 and 3 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Kentucky Wildcats are 16 and 11.
  • Against the spread on the road, Kentucky Wildcats are 6 and 3.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Trends

  • At home, Mississippi State Bulldogs are 11 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Mississippi State Bulldogs are 14 and 12.
  • Against the spread at home, Mississippi State Bulldogs are 9 and 6.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Predictions

The Kentucky Wildcats enter the contest with a potent offense, ranking 4th in average points and showcasing a 14th-ranked field goal percentage nationally. The Wildcats’ scoring prowess is led by guard Antonio Reeves, who is averaging an impressive 19.9 points per game. Kentucky’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, but they come into the game on a two-game winning streak, looking to leverage their offensive firepower and maintain their momentum against a strong Bulldogs defense.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, has been relying on their defensive capabilities, sitting at 11th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The Bulldogs have been particularly effective at home, boasting an 11-2 record at Humphrey Coliseum. Freshman guard Josh Hubbard, averaging 15.3 points per game, has emerged as a key offensive threat for the Bulldogs, who have won five of their last six games. The Bulldogs will need to continue their defensive tenacity and find consistent scoring against a Kentucky team that can explode offensively at any moment.

This game is not just a clash of two teams with the same win-loss record; it’s a strategic battle between Kentucky’s high-scoring offense and Mississippi State’s stout defense. Key matchups to watch include the battle in the paint, where Kentucky’s rebounding ability, led by forward Tre Mitchell, will be tested against Mississippi State’s Cameron Matthews, who leads his team in rebounds. The outcome of this game could come down to which team can impose their style of play and make critical adjustments during crunch time.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick

The matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Mississippi State Bulldogs presents a classic offense vs. defense scenario. While Kentucky’s offense is one of the most potent in the nation, averaging 88.7 points per game, Mississippi State’s defense has been their hallmark, allowing only 67.5 points per game. The Bulldogs’ ability to control the tempo and their defensive prowess at home, where they have an impressive 11-2 record, suggests they could slow down Kentucky’s scoring. Additionally, the Bulldogs’ own offensive challenges, including a 335th-ranked three-point shooting percentage, could limit their ability to keep pace in a high-scoring affair.

Historically, the under has been a common outcome for both teams, with Mississippi State going under in 14 of their 27 games and Kentucky going under in 8 of their 27 games. The total line set at 156.5 is ambitious, considering Mississippi State’s defensive capabilities and their slower, more methodical offensive approach. Given these factors, along with the high stakes of conference positioning, a more conservative and strategic game is likely to unfold, making the under the more compelling pick for this SEC showdown.

The Pick: Under 156.5 -105 (FanDuel)