Despite the likely number one pick in the NBA draft suiting up in Baton Rouge, LSU has been rather ordinary this season. LSU is just 8-5 SU and 4-8 ATS this season, but bettors could take some solace as they face Kentucky on Tuesday. The Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last six contests against the Wildcats, but they have not been a moneyline play as they have won just once in the last nine games against Kentucky.
Ben Simmons continues to show why he may be one of the best one-and-done players in recent memory with his play for LSU this season. The freshman big man has averaged 20.5 points and 13.1 rebounds so far this season. The effort on the defensive end of the court has been LSU’s biggest problem as they are allowing 76.6 points per game and an even worse 83.2 in losses.
Though Kentucky sports an 11-2 SU record on the season, they have lost their one true road game when they visited UCLA on December 3rd. Tyler Ulis is playing like a contender for the SEC player of the year as the sophomore guard is averaging 16 points and seven assists while shooting 48 percent over the past four games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The LSU Tigers were listed as 5-point underdogs at most sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark earlier in the day. It opened first at Sportsbook, where the over/under betting odds total was expected shortly.
Kentucky Wildcats vs LSU Tigers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The LSU Tigers are 8-5 so far on the season, and 4-8 ATS vs the number. The Kentucky Wildcats, meanwhile, are 11-2 and 5-8 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen LSU go 6-6 and the Kentucky Wildcats go 7-6 on betting totals.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the LSU Tigers rated this week at No. 77 and the Kentucky Wildcats sitting at No. 21.
Statistical Matchup
Rebounding is always a key handicapping betting consideration and Kentucky is ranked No. 53 in NCAA basketball at 39.85 per game. Contrast that with LSU's No. 77 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, LSU is the No. 182-ranked team in the country at 6.23 per game, while Kentucky rates No. 215 at 5.54 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Wildcats blew out Mississippi on Saturday, running up a 20+ point victory in a 83-61 win at Rupp Arena.
The Tigers used a 36-point performance from Ben Simmons to help LSU smack Vanderbilt 90-82 on Saturday at Memorial Gymnasium.
Next Betting Matchups
Kentucky at Alabama, Saturday, January 9th
LSU at Florida, Saturday, January 9th