Providence vs Kentucky Odds, Spread & Predictions

Kentucky guard Cason Wallace (22) drives past Vanderbilt guard Ezra Manjon (5) during the second half of a quarterfinal game of the SEC men’s basketball tournament at the Bridgestone Arena on Friday, March 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Basketball Vanderbilt Vs Kentucky Syndication The Tennessean

• Kentucky, No. 6, is a 4-point favorite over No. 11 Providence in Round 1 of the NCAA tournament
• Kentucky has won 5-2 ATS in its last 7 contests
• Check out the latest Providence vs. Kentucky odds, predictions and best bets

Those hoping to see offense in the first round of the NCAA tournament are in the right place as Kentucky (21-11, 12-6 SEC) meets No. 11 Providence (21-11, 13 – 7 Great East). 11-Seeds have had tremendous success over the past few seasons, making Providence vs. Kentucky one of the most exciting first round games.

Providence has lost 3 times in a row, including a 73-66 loss to Connecticut last time out. Furthermore, the brothers have only covered the spread once in their last 5 competitions.

Kentucky, meanwhile, won five of their last six to finish the regular season before losing to Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament.

This game begins Friday, March 17 at 7:00 PM ET at the Greensboro Coliseum. Providence vs. Kentucky will air live on CBS.

Providence vs. Kentucky odds

Kentucky, which last won it all in 2014, is way down March Madness’ odds this year at +4500. The Wildcats enter Providence in the Round of 64 as a 4-point favorite in March Madness. Kentucky hits the money line as a -195 favorite. Oddsmakers are taking credit for the offensive prowess of these teams as the total for Providence vs. Kentucky currently stands at 144.5.

According to KenPom, the Wildcats ranked 26th in the adjusted efficiency rating, while the Friars finished 44th.

Odds as of March 16th at DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out the full list of March Madness betting apps.

Providence seeks the upset

While the brothers go into the first round of the NCAA tournament as underdogs, this Providence team is a dangerous underdog.

Ed Cooley’s team started the year 14-3 on an eight-game winning streak, averaging 78.1 points per game this season.

Veteran forwards Bryce Hopkins (16.1 ppg, 8.5 rbg) and Ed Croswell (13.2 ppg, 7.6 rbg) put together one of the most efficient offensive tackles in the country. The dynamic duo should be able to limit Kentucky’s interior dominance and hold their ground on the defensive.

PROVIDENCE MAKES IT A GAME pic.twitter.com/xR2mR2Qqrg

– College Basketball Review (@CbbReview) March 9, 2023

While Providence fell early in the Big East Tournament, the Friars are boasting victories over UConn, Villanova and Marquette this season. Although the brothers have covered the spread in just one of their last 5 games, the over is 6-1 in their last 7 competitions.

Kentucky seeks revenge

The Kentucky Wildcats are entering this year’s NCAA tournament to avenge last year’s shocking loss. After all, John Caliparis’ Wildcats team No. 2 fell to No. 15 Saint Peter’s Peacocks in perhaps the most surprising upset of March Madness.

Senior forward Oscar Tshiebwe leads this battle-hardened team into the big dance. The 6’9, 260-pound forward is leading the Wildcats with 16.5 points and 13 rebounds per game this season. Tshiebwe’s physical dominance has allowed Kentucky to come out on top in most games this season.

This looks a lot more like Kentucky from last year. Oscar Tshiebwe lifts to the top of the key, then we have a pick and roll with everyone else positioned around the arc. No road congestion. @KentuckyRivals pic.twitter.com/AtQPDAOWcK

— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) February 16, 2023

The Wildcats have controlled the interior all year while averaging just 18-3 point attempts per game. Kentucky must crush Providence and hope to earn a first-round win on Friday.

Betting trends are unlikely to favor a Kentucky win in this instance, as the Wildcats have lost just 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games at neutral.

Providence vs Kentucky Prediction

Beating a roster led by John Calipari in the NCAA tournament is easier said than done. Because his six Final Four participations and his national championship speak for themselves. That being said, this Wildcats roster lacks the explosive goalscorers Calipari has recruited over the past several years.

Additionally, Hopkins and Croswell should be able to neutralize at least some of the size advantage Oscar Tshiebwe is giving the Wildcats down. If Providence can lessen its hold or put Tshiebwe in trouble early, Kentucky will be in trouble. We want Providence to win this contest and run to the Sweet 16. Get the points.

Providence vs Kentucky Pick: Providence +4 (-110), Providence wins (+160)

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