Kentucky vs. Alabama Expert Pick – February 22, 2025
The Crimson Tide have dropped two in a row after holding the number two spot in the AP Polls last week. They now sit at four and welcome the Kentucky Wildcats to Tuscaloosa. Kentucky has won three of their previous four games after starting a little sluggish in conference play. They could be playing Alabama at an opportune time and could play spoiler on the road. It should be an exciting matchup between two high-powered offenses. Read Kentucky vs. Alabama expert pick February 22, 2025.
Kentucky vs. Alabama Head-To-Head
These teams have met once already this season. The Crimson Tide won that game 102 to 97 on the road, and Grant Nelson led them with 25 points with 11 rebounds. Otega Oweh led the way for Kentucky with 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Alabama was a 2.5-point underdog in that matchup and won outright on the road. These teams love to score points and play at a high pace. Alabama ranks first in the nation, and Kentucky ranks 35th in pace.
They also both shoot a lot of threes, but Kentucky shoots higher-quality shots from behind the arc, making 38%. I would expect another offensive explosion against these teams.
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Kentucky vs. Alabama In-Season Trends
There are a couple of injuries to watch for in this game. Lamont Butler (shoulder) and Jaxson Robinson (wrist) are out for Kentucky. Mark Sears (undisclosed) is dealing with something unknown but is probable for Alabama. Robinson and Butler are important players for Kentucky, averaging 13.3 and 12.5 points per game, respectively. Sears is Alabama’s leading scorer with 18.5 points per game. Grant Nelson scores 12.5 points per game for Alabama as their second-leading scorer. Otega Oweh is Kentucky’s leading scorer, averaging 16.2 points per game, and they will need him to step up again.
Alabama scores the most points per game in the nation, with 90.6 per game. Kentucky ranks third with 85.8 per game. Kentucky allows 75.7 points per game, which ranks 261st in the nation, while Alabama ranks 341st, allowing 80.3 per game. This game is going to be a track meet, and the Crimson Tide will probably have the advantage since the Wildcats will be without two of their top three leading scorers.
Amari Williams will have to step up for Kentucky. He averages 10.8 points per game and 8.7 rebounds. He scored 13 in the first game against Alabama and at least 17 in his last two games. Koby Brea could also be a factor for Kentucky. He has played at least 30 minutes in his last four games and has reached double digits in three out of four. The Crimson Tide did not play much defense and will allow open shots. Some of the other guys for Kentucky will have to knock them down if they want to hang around.
The Pick
The total for this game is 180.5, which is about as high as it gets for a college basketball game. I would typically bet the over in this situation, but I do not like it since Kentucky is missing two of their best players, and Mark Sears is probable for Alabama. I will take Alabama -10.5 at home and count on them to knock down their shots and take care of the ball.
