The SEC will see a Top-25 clash on Saturday when Auburn visits Kentucky for a major college basketball showdown at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
The Wildcats are 51-2 all-time at home against the Tigers, who haven’t won in Lexington since 1983, but the No. 1-ranked Tigers are peaking at the right time, and can clinch at least a share of the conference title with a victory.
Auburn vs Kentucky prediction
My best bet
Auburn team total Over 85.5 (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
It’s no surprise Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome is on the shortlist for National Player of the Year. His 24-point outing against Mississippi on Wednesday was only his second-highest scoring game of the week, after he dropped 31 on Georgia last weekend.
Broome is a nightmare to try to defend, and Saturday will see him go up against a Kentucky Wildcats team that’s struggling to defend near anybody. It took a superhuman effort by Otega Oweh to escape Norman with a win, as he took over down the stretch to beat Oklahoma with a late basket.
However, Kentucky was only in that position because it couldn’t get stops. The Wildcats allowed 1.11 points per possession to the Sooners, who posted an eFG% of 61.4 while making 20 of 32 shots inside the arc.
That’s part of a repetitive theme for the Wildcats, despite them being one of the best teams in the SEC. Four of Kentucky’s last five opponents have managed more than a point per possession, as have 12 of the previous 15 teams to come up against the Wildcats.
That’s to be expected when you rank 271st in 2-point defense and 351st against conference opponents. It’s a key reason why the Wildcats allowed 96 points to Alabama on the road last weekend, and 102 points to the Tide when they faced earlier this season at Rupp Arena. They also allowed Florida to score 100 points in Lexington back in January.
The Tide and the Gators both rank Top 10 in adjusted offensive efficiency. The only team ahead of the Tide in that metric nationally... is Auburn. The Tigers also don’t have a problem going into hostile environments and finding offense, posting an eFG% of better than 56% away from home.
According to Bart Torvik, Broome has posted his two best offensive ratings since the calendar flipped to 2025. The offense runs through Broome, with him posting a 30+ usage rate in eight of the 10 games he’s played since returning from injury. And with the Wildcats having to find ways to slow him down, the rest of the offense should thrive.
Auburn won’t replicate the 106 points it scored against the Rebels, but reaching 86 points shouldn’t be too much of a problem tonight.
Auburn vs Kentucky same-game parlay (SGP)
Auburn team total Over 85.5
Kentucky +7.5
Johni Broome Over 3.5 assists
Broome’s high usage rate isn’t just because of his scoring, as he’s posted a 23% assist rate in SEC play to lead the Tigers. With Kentucky likely to try to force the ball out of his hands, and Amari Williams being available for the Wildcats, he’s expected to get 4+ assists for the third straight game and seventh time in nine contests.
Kentucky shows up for the big games. The Wildcats have four wins in five games against the Top-5 teams in the NET rankings, and they are 7-3 against ranked foes this season.
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Auburn vs Kentucky odds
Auburn vs Kentucky live odds
Auburn vs Kentucky opening odds
- Spread: Auburn -4.5 | Kentucky +4.5
- Moneyline: Auburn -210 | Kentucky +175
- Over/Under: Over 166.5 | Under 166.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Auburn vs Kentucky betting trend to know
Auburn has hit the team total Over in 22 of their last 35 games (+6.93 units / 17% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Auburn vs. Kentucky.
How to watch Auburn vs Kentucky
| Location | Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY |
| Date | Saturday, 3-1-2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Auburn vs Kentucky key injuries
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