Arkansas (12-8) at Kentucky (15-5)
- When: Feb 1 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Preview
Spread: Kentucky -9.5 | Total: 155
A charged atmosphere is expected at Rupp Arena on Saturday as Arkansas visits No. 12 Kentucky in an SEC showdown. While the Wildcats are coming off a statement road win over Tennessee, the Razorbacks are looking for answers after a rough stretch in conference play. Add in the drama of John Calipari’s return to Lexington, and this matchup carries plenty of intrigue.
Kentucky Wildcats: Momentum on Their Side
Kentucky (15-5, 4-3 SEC) has been battle-tested all season, and they enter this game riding high after a 78-73 road win against No. 8 Tennessee. The Wildcats have gone 6-1 against ranked teams, taking down powerhouses like Duke, Gonzaga, and Florida.
Despite playing short-handed in Knoxville, Kentucky’s offense was clicking, shooting 50% from the field and beyond the arc against one of the nation’s top defenses. Without point guard Lamont Butler (shoulder), the Wildcats relied on big man Amari Williams, who delivered 10 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists.
The trio of Koby Brea (18 points), Jaxson Robinson (17 points), and Ansley Almonor (12 points) combined for 11 made three-pointers, showing just how dangerous Kentucky’s perimeter game can be.
Butler is set to miss his second straight game, but Andrew Carr (10.4 PPG) is listed as probable. Even if Carr sits, the Wildcats still have leading scorer Otega Oweh (15.9 PPG) to lead the charge.
Key Betting Angles for Kentucky:
Kentucky ATS (-9.5) – The Wildcats have consistently stepped up against ranked teams, covering in six of seven matchups this season.
Kentucky Team Total Over 82.5 Points – Their high-powered offense thrives at home, and Arkansas has struggled defensively.
Over 155 – Kentucky has been efficient from deep, and Arkansas is capable of pushing the pace.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Searching for Consistency
It has been a rough ride for Arkansas (12-8, 1-6 SEC) in conference play. The Razorbacks have struggled to find rhythm, and things won’t get easier against a red-hot Kentucky squad.
John Calipari’s return to Lexington is the biggest storyline, but his new team faces an uphill battle. Arkansas has lost key contributors, including Boogie Fland (15.1 PPG, 5.7 APG), who was declared out for the season with a thumb injury. That leaves transfers Adou Thiero (16.1 PPG) and D.J. Wagner (10.2 PPG) to carry the offensive load.
Arkansas has also struggled against quality opponents, and playing in Rupp Arena against a Kentucky team that has dominated ranked matchups is a tall order. The Razorbacks need to find a way to slow down Kentucky’s perimeter shooting and generate offense in transition to keep this one competitive.
Key Betting Angles for Arkansas:
Arkansas First Half +5.5 – The Razorbacks may keep it close early before Kentucky’s depth takes over.
Under 155 – Arkansas’ offensive struggles against SEC teams could keep the total from soaring too high.
Betting Prediction & Final Thoughts
Kentucky has proven it can beat top competition, and Arkansas has shown little ability to keep up with high-scoring teams in conference play. The Wildcats’ three-point shooting, combined with their size advantage, gives them a clear edge.
The Razorbacks might keep it close early, but Kentucky’s depth and offensive efficiency should help them pull away late. Look for the Wildcats to cover and for the game to go over the total.
Final Score Prediction: Kentucky 86, Arkansas 72
Best Bets:
Kentucky -9.5
Over 155
Kentucky Team Total Over 82.5 Points
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
