Providence vs. Kentucky Prediction
One of more the more intriguing matchups in the first round of the March Madness tournament will pit 11-seed Providence against 6-seed Kentucky at 7:10 p.m. ET.
With the Wildcats laying 4.5 and the total sitting at 143.5, what’s the smart play tonight?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
789 Providence Friars (+4.5) vs. 790 Kentucky Wildcats (-4.5); o/u 143.5
7:10 p.m. ET, Friday, March 17, 2023
Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Providence vs. Kentucky Public Betting Information
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 51% of public bettors are currently backing Kentucky when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Providence Friars Notes
Bryce Hopkins amassed 16 points (5-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 6-9 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and one steal over 40 minutes during Thursday’s 73-66 loss to UConn. Logging all 40 minutes, Hopkins knack for drawing fouls was on display. Despite an overall mediocre game, Hopkins regular season was a rousing success in totality. The Kentucky transfer contributed 16.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Kentucky Wildcats Notes
Sahvir Wheeler (ankle) is ready to play Kentucky’s game Friday against Providence, according to Kyle Tucker of The Athletic. During his interview Thursday, Wheeler announced he had practiced this week and would be ready to play Kentucky’s next game, a first-round matchup against Providence. Now, the question will be what Wheeler’s role will be in that game. Either he starts alongside Cason Wallace or is a substitute, behind Antonio Reeves or CJ Fredrick, depending on Kentucky head coach John Calipari’s preference.
Providence vs. Kentucky CBB Betting Trends
Over is 6-1 in Friars last 7 overall
Under is 6-2 in Friars last 8 NCAA Tournament games
Over is 9-3 in Wildcats last 12 overall
Under is 13-5 in Wildcats last 18 NCAA Tournament games
Providence vs. Kentucky CBB Prediction:
The Friars are 5-15 against the spread in their last 20 neutral site games, are 1-4 against the number in their last five games overall and are 0-4 at the betting window in their last four games versus a team with a winning record. On the other side, the Wildcats are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games overall, are 4-1 against the number in their last five games coming off a loss and are 4-0 at the betting window in their last four games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600.
CBB BETTING PREDICTION: KENTUCKY WILDCATS -4.5
