Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction: Will Alabama Shock Kentucky?

Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction: Will Alabama Shock Kentucky?

It's been an interesting season for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Not only has Alabama defeated Gonzaga, but the Crimson Tide has also defeated Baylor and Houston this year. Meanwhile, Alabama has bad losses, like losing to Georgia, on the road. So it's hard to figure this team out. However, what we do know is that Alabama can beat or lose to anyone in college basketball. On the other hand, Kentucky is coming off a brutal loss to Tennessee, losing 76-63, on the road. That loss ended a six-game winning streak.

Can Kentucky rebound from that double-digit loss to Tennessee? Here are our picks and predictions for the SEC matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Kentucky Wildcats.

Kentucky vs. Alabama Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: Saturday, February 19

Game Time: 1:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: CBS

Click Here for Kentucky vs. Alabama Odds

Kentucky vs. Alabama Injury Report

Alabama

Out: Nimari Burnett G (Knee)

Kentucky

Questionable: TyTy Washington (Ankle)

Out: CJ Fredrick G (Lower Body)

Kentucky vs. Alabama Line Movement

Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction

The Kentucky Wildcats already defeated Alabama, 66-55, on the road. Now the Wildcats will be home for the second game of the two-game regular-season series. The game was much lower scoring than most would've expected. This game should have more offense in it.

Alabama is shooting an effective field goal percentage of 51.8 percent while earning 35.2 percent offensive rebounds. From long-range, the Crimson Tide are shooting just 30.8 percent, however, the Crimson Tide shoot plenty of three-pointers and are capable of getting hot from deep at any time. From inside the arc, Alabama is shooting 56.8 percent from the field. The Crimson Tide is also getting to the line at a high rate.

However, Kentucky has limited fouling while also limiting offensive rebounds this season. The Wildcats allow just 23.6 percent offensive rebounds per game and hold opponents to a 45.6 percent effective field goal percentage. The defense for Kentucky has been elite, but, again, Alabama is very capable of going off on the offensive end and is using just 15.4 seconds per possession, which is 9th in college basketball.

Meanwhile, Kentucky is dominating the offensive glass on the other side of things, earning 37.8 percent offensive rebounds. The Wildcats also shoot an effective field goal percentage of 53.6 percent while turning the ball over just 17 percent of the time. The Wildcats have hit 35.4 percent from deep this season while also hitting 53.8 percent from inside the arc. Alabama has done well limiting opponents from the field but hasn't done the little things well enough to be consistent on the defensive end. Opponents are shooting just 32 percent from three and 49 percent from inside the arc, however, Alabama is allowing 30.9 percent offensive rebounds and rarely force turnovers while also fouling at a high rate.

But all in all, this game should be closer than most might anticipate. Alabama can hang with any team in the country and the Crimson Tide will absolutely be awake for this one, looking to knock off a top-five opponent in college basketball.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Pick

• Alabama +7 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)