Missouri vs Tennessee Odds
| Missouri Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13 -110 | 142 -110o / -110u | +650 |
| Tennessee Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13 -110 | 142 -110o / -110u | -1000 |
No. 6 Tennessee looks to get back on track on Saturday with a victory over Missouri in a pivotal game in the SEC.
The Volunteers have dropped two of their last three to enter this matchup at 19-5 overall and 8-3 in the SEC.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have won four of five, but they have struggled on the road in conference play.
With both teams needing a win to improve their resumes for the NCAA tournament, we should get a great battle at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Missouri Tigers
Heading into the weekend, Missouri is one of seven SEC programs projected to make the Big Dance by ESPN's Bracketology, which would be a great accomplishment in coach Dennis Gates’ debut season.
Gates has brought an entertaining brand of basketball to the program to go along with the victories.
On the year, the Tigers rank inside the top 20 in multiple offensive categories, including AdjO (8th), EFG% (13th), points per game (9th) and 2-point shooting (8th), according to Bart Torvik.
Once you add in the fact that Missouri is 43rd in tempo, this is one of the best squads to watch on a nightly basis from an entertainment standpoint.
However, can the Tigers bring the show on the road?
Gates’ squad is 1-4 away from home in SEC play, with its only victory coming at Ole Miss. If the Tigers are able to pick up this win, it would all but clinch a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Tennessee Volunteers
The big question with Volunteers is whether their inconsistencies on the offensive end of the floor are starting to catch up with them.
Over the last three contests, Tennessee has only scored 55 points per game, which is much less than the 74.4 average they have produced in the rest of their outings.
One thing you don’t have to worry about is coach Rick Barnes’ squad on defense. The unit leads the country in AdjD, EFG% and defending 3-pointers. The Volunteers are also in the top 15 in forcing turnovers (11th) and opponent 2-point% (8th).
This will be one of the toughest offenses they have faced on the year, but Barnes’ team will be confident at home.
Missouri vs Tennessee Betting Pick
I’ll ask anyone a very simple question as you begin to handicap this game: do you believe that this Tennessee team should be favored by double digits against a projected NCAA tournament team from a power conference?
If you were asking me, there is no way that I could put my money behind the Volunteers.
So, my best bet is to back Missouri at +13, which I would play to +11.5.
I’ll admit that I don’t love the fact that the Vols are coming off a loss, but they do also have a game upcoming against No. 3 Alabama.
The Vols also have a clear advantage of the glass.
However, the Tigers’ offense could be good enough to score on this stout defense, especially when you consider the teams Tennessee has played. In conference play, the Volunteers have faced Mississippi State (twice), South Carolina, Georgia, Ole Miss, Florida and LSU.
None of those programs are anywhere close to what Missouri can do offensively.
At some point, the number goes too far, and I believe this is a spot where the home team is too overvalued.
Pick: Missouri +12.5 (Play to +11.5) |
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