Kentucky vs. Oakland Odds, Picks, and Predictions

• Kentucky leads the country in three-point percentage and is second in scoring

• Oakland has a point differential of +3.5

• The Grizzlies opened the season with a 6-7 record in non-conference games

The Kentucky Wildcats enter tonight’s matchup as a heavy favorite against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. Their offense is one of the best in the country, but their defense has been their Achilles heel. That is a major weakness this season, but can Horizon League champion Oakland capitalize on it?

Below, we will break down the latest odds and insights into Oakland vs. Kentucky, giving you everything you need to bet on it confidently.

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#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Oakland Prediction and Odds

Kentucky Wildcats

The Wildcats have had a season of ups and downs, but at their peak, they are arguably having the best time in the country. They have some baffling losses but have wins against UNC, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, and Tennessee. Those are some of the best teams in the country, showing that Kentucky can beat anyone.

Kentucky’s greatest strength is its ability to score. It ranks second in the country in scoring (89.4 PPG) and first in three-point percentage (41.2%). Those numbers alone can keep them in any game, but the problem comes from their defense. They are allowing 79.7 points per game this season and more than 80 points in six of their last seven games. Oakland doesn’t have the weapons to capitalize on that weakness, but it could haunt them late in the tournament.

Kentucky only played in three neutral-court games this season, winning just one. Kentucky entered a whopping 25 games as a betting favorite but lost seven of them. 

Oakland Golden Grizzlies

Oakland enters March Madness as one of the few teams to win both their conference regular season and tournament titles. However, they do not have any wins that jump off the page. They were beaten up during their non-conference schedule, starting with a 6-7 record. They were able to turn things around and beat up the Horizon League, but they will face a far more challenging test against the Wildcats.

The biggest red flag for the Grizzlies entering tonight is their +3.5 point differential. That number is inflated by their soft Horizon League schedule, making it even less impressive. While their offense will find some success against Kentucky, they don’t have the weapons to keep up with them. Given their average defense and smaller size, it is hard to imagine Oakland being able to do much to stop the Wildcats.

Oakland went 4-1 in neutral court games and 6-6 when they were underdogs this season.

#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Oakland Pick

• My Pick: Kentucky -13.5 (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook

While this is a big spread, the Wildcats will cover it with ease. Their offense has overwhelmed some of the best defenses in the country, which Oakland is not. While the Grizzles won the Horizon League, there isn’t anything that they are great at. Their offense and defense are fine, but that won’t be enough to beat a team as well-built as Kentucky.

Expect the Wildcats to jump out to a massive lead early as they cruise towards a big victory.

How to Watch #3 Kentucky vs. #14 Oakland

• When: Thursday, March 21 at 7:10 PM EST

• Where: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA

• TV: CBS

• Streaming: March Madness Live App

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