.jpg "Georgia-at-Kentucky-(ESPN)")
The Kentucky Wildcats have a brand new cast of characters, but in what is becoming a tradition, they hope to get the group jelling as the men’s basketball calendar barrels toward March. Kentucky is once again one of the best teams in college hoops and will aim for a quick start to SEC conference play when it faces off against the Georgia Bulldogs in a matchup this week.
Georgia has put together a solid record in the non-conference schedule and is aiming to make the NCAA tournament. A win in this game would be a nice carrot to have down the road, but it won’t be easy against a team with superior athleticism across the board.
Georgia will be the underdog in this matchup but is aiming to pull the upset.
Watch this regular season matchup live on Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 6 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
Odds Analysis
Kentucky is 9-2 overall on the season heading into a big matchup against rival Louisville, which precedes this game against the Bulldogs. The Wildcats are 5-6 against the spread this season, including four covers in 10 attempts as the favorite.
Georgia is 9-2 straight up as well and 4-6 against the spread. The Bulldogs have covered in two of three tries as the underdog this season and will aim to do so once again.
Letdown Situation
Kentucky lost to UCLA on December 23 and then followed that up with a game against Louisville. Those were both big-time games and ones that the Wildcats were no doubt locked in to play.
It might be hard to get excited for this one against Georgia, as the Bulldogs aren’t the traditional power of the other teams. It does help that it is a conference game, as Kentucky would like to get off to a fast start to get the inside track at once again picking up another SEC title.
The home game is always a plus, and it seems likely that Kentucky will be able to take care of business in this one. However, the Wildcats will be giving points, and this is something to keep in mind when considering the spread in this matchup. Georgia may be able to squeak away with the cover if the team is the more focused of the two in this contest.
Player to Watch
Yante Maten -- The Georgia senior forward has put together a splendid season and needs to have a big game for his team to have a shot at the upset. Maten is averaging 20.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest. He is shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point range.
Maten has averaged 16.1 points or more each of the past three seasons and has plenty of experience. He won’t be overwhelmed by a situation like this and if he can play well the Bulldogs may be able to hang around. Maten had 30 points and 12 rebounds last time out in an easy win over Temple.
Free ATS Pick
Kentucky has plenty of talent and that should eventually win out. However, Maten has more experience than any of the Wildcats’ stars and he should be in line for a big game.
Georgia isn’t a great college basketball team but it is solid. Kentucky will be able to win this game but keep a close eye on the spread because it’s not going to be a blowout. The Bulldogs should be able to slow down the pace and hang around from start to finish.
The “under” should be a consideration on the scoring total.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: Kentucky 77, Georgia 70
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