Arizona vs Tennessee Picks and Predictions: Wildcats Stay Undefeated

This is the game to watch on a jam-packed Wednesday night slate of thrilling college basketball games. 

The Arizona Wildcats will put an undefeated season on the line against the Tennessee Volunteers, on the road. Arizona has looked like one of the best teams in the nation all season long and has wins over Top-20 teams like Michigan and Illinois, via KenPom. 

Meanwhile, Tennessee has faced two Top-25 opponents and has lost both times, including against Villanova and Texas Tech. However, both of those games were on neutral courts. Tonight, it’s a home game for the Vols. 

Here are our free college basketball betting picks and predictions for the Arizona Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers, the best game on tonight’s schedule.

Arizona vs Tennessee odds

Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.

Tennessee opened as a 1.5-point favorite. Some books are currently holding a -2 for Tennessee while other books are still sticking with -1.5. Meanwhile, the total has shot up to 154 since opening at 149.5. 

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.

Arizona vs Tennessee predictions

• Prediction: Arizona +2 (-110)
• Prediction: Under 154 (-110)
• Best bet: Arizona +2 (-110)

Predictions made on 12/22/2021 at 9:20 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Arizona vs Tennessee game info

• Location: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN
• Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2021
• Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2

Arizona at Tennessee betting preview

Injuries

Arizona: Kim Aiken Jr. F (Questionable), Tautvilas Tubelis F (Questionable).
Tennessee: No injuries reported.

Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The Wildcats are 5-1-1 against the spread in their last 7 games. Find more NCAA betting trends for Arizona vs. Tennessee.

Arizona vs Tennessee picks and predictions

Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.

Spread analysis

Two top defenses are getting ready to throw down. Tennessee is currently 2nd in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency while Arizona is 8th. This ultimately looks like a toss-up, however, Arizona might have the slight edge.

The Wildcats are much better offensively, shooting an effective field goal percentage of 56.1%. Arizona has also limited turnovers to 16.4%, which will be huge against a relentless Tennessee defense. The Vols are forcing turnovers at a 25.4% clip this season, so it’ll be essential for Arizona to limit giveaways.

The Wildcats are also gaining 38% of offensive rebounds and shooting 34.8% from long range while hitting 58.4% inside the arc. 

Of course, Tennessee rolls out an elite defense and should be able to limit those numbers, but Arizona's offensive potential is greater than Tennessee’s. 

The Volunteers are shooting an effective field goal percentage of 53.1% and turning the ball over just 15.3% of the time. It’s likely that, at home, Tennessee wins the turnover battle, however, the Vols don't have the edge when it comes to rebounding or free throws.

The Volunteers are averaging 33.9% offensive rebounds and will have a shot at earning second chances. However, Tennessee is one of the worst teams in the nation at getting to the foul line. The Volunteers have a free throw rate of 17.5, which is 355th in the nation. 

Plus, Tennessee shoots 34% from downtown and 54.6% from inside the arc, but Arizona is holding opponents to just 38.8% from 2-point range on the season. 

Prediction: Arizona +2 (-110)

Over/Under analysis

Both teams have Top-10 defenses in the nation, but Arizona’s offense is one of the fastest, making this a tricky pick for the total.

Arizona is using just 14.4 seconds per possession, which is 2nd in the nation. Meanwhile, Tennessee is using 16.6 seconds per possession, which still ranks within the Top-100. 

I’d like to think we won’t see many time stoppages. There should be less fouling and better defense throughout the game. Teams might hit cold spells with how both of these defenses can lockdown opponents. 

I was already taking the Under when it sat at 149.5, so that's not changing now that the total has jumped to 154. 

Prediction: Under 154 (-110)

Best bet

We’re getting an undefeated team with points. I’ll gladly take that, even with Arizona on the road. The Wildcats have featured the better and more consistent offense this season and match up well on the defensive end. 

Tennessee might get too 3-point happy, and that will hurt them in the long run. Meanwhile, Arizona will more than likely stay aggressive and make plays happen on the offensive end.

I’m riding Arizona here. I honestly just can’t wait for this game to start!

Pick: Arizona +2 (-110)

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