Missouri vs Kentucky Odds, Picks and Predictions: Antonio Reeves Lights it Up

Coming off a win in their SEC opener, the streaking Kentucky Wildcats look to make it six straight wins when they host the Missouri Tigers tonight.

Since losing to then-No. 1 Kansas in their third game of the season, the sixth-ranked Wildcats have ripped off nine wins in their last 10.

Missouri has cooled since a 7-2 start, having dropped four of their last five, part of the reason they’re long 12.5-point road underdogs in the college basketball odds.

Do the Tigers have a bounce back in them at Rupp Arena? Read below for my free college basketball picks for Missouri vs. Kentucky on Tuesday, January 9.

Missouri vs Kentucky best odds

Missouri vs Kentucky picks and predictions

The Kentucky Wildcats are an offensive juggernaut, averaging 90.8 points per game, the third-highest scoring team in the nation. As a team, Kentucky shoots it at a 49.9% clip from the field (14th), including a blistering 40.6% rate from 3-point range, the fourth-best mark.

They have scored at least 81 points in all but one game this season, and have topped 90+ points six times, including in two of their last three. All five starters are averaging double-digits, with the centerpiece of the Wildcats being senior guard Antonio Reeves.

The leading scorer on the team and second in the SEC, Reeves is putting up 19 points a game on 52% shooting from the field, and 44% from the 3-point line, both percentages equaling career bests so far. He’s been stellar of late, leading Kentucky in scoring in the last three games. Last time out, he had 19 points in an 87-85 nailbiter against Florida.

Before that, he dropped 27 points and six rebounds as the ‘Cats rolled over Illinois State 96-70 — the school he spent three years balling at before transferring to Kentucky last season. That output came after pouring in a season-best 30 in a 95-76 win over Louisville.

Missouri has struggled to stop anyone of late, as it has given up 84.5 points in its last four losses and has allowed five 20+ point scorers in their last five games.

I like Reeves to lead the scoring barrage for Kentucky again in what should be a win going away.

My best bet: Antonio Reeves Over 18.5 points (-110 at DraftKings)

Missouri vs Kentucky same-game parlay

Antonio Reeves Over 18.5 points

Tre Mitchell Over 8.5 rebounds

Tamar Bates Under 12.5 points

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Another player who’s elevated himself among the glut of excellent play at Kentucky is senior forward Tre Mitchell. He’s the team’s leading rebounder and has grabbed at least 10 boards in each of his last three games. Mitchell is coming off a 12-point, 10-rebound game against the Gators, giving him his second double-double in his last three contests.

He has crossed his 8.5 rebounding total set against Mizzou in four of the last five games. The Tigers have been outrebounded in four of the last five games, their only advantage coming in their lone win during that stretch, a 92-59 blowout over Central Illinois.

Mitchell is the team’s leader in minutes played and other than potential foul trouble, there’s no reason he can’t be a beast on the glass again.

Let's add one more leg on this same-game parlay, and target Tigers junior guard Tamar Bates. He’s been solid of late, coming off a 15-point, four-rebound effort in a loss to Georgia. He’s also had two 20+ point games — his first two of the year — over the last four games.

However, Bates has been scoring at this clip against decent, but not great opposition, and has struggled against the ranked teams. He scored 10 points in a 97-73 loss to 13th-ranked Illinois, then had four points in 25 minutes in a 73-64 loss to No. 2 Kansas.

On top of likely having to guard Reeves on the other end, I’m leaning on him having a rough night in Lexington.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Missouri vs Kentucky spread and Over/Under analysis

The opening spread for this game was 11.5 points but that number is long gone, with most books settling in at 12.5.

Kentucky has been a great bet against the spread to start the year, going 9-4-0 ATS. Different story for Missouri, who has covered just four times through its first 14 games.

The total had gone as high as 163 points, but it’s moved south since, with plenty of sites offering at 161.5.

Kentucky has seen the Over hit in nine of their last 10, and 10-3-0 overall — though those three losses were double-digit spreads. The Wildcats' Over record is 3-3-0 as 10+ point favorites. Missouri has seen the Over cash in just five of 14 games this season.

Missouri vs Kentucky betting trend to know

Kentucky's last 11 home games vs SEC teams have gone Under 161 points. Find more college basketball betting trends for Missouri vs. Kentucky.

Missouri vs Kentucky game info

Missouri vs Kentucky key injuries

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