Kentucky Wildcats (7-2) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (7-2)
Kentucky vs. North Carolina 12/16/23 – The Wildcats and Tar Heels face off on Saturday in a clash between two storied college basketball programs. Both teams come into this matchup with impressive 7-2 records. This will be a compelling early season test for both squads as they look to build momentum heading into conference play after the new year. Expect an intense battle between these passionate fanbases hungry for bragging rights. Our daily college basketball free picks analysis has everything needed to make an informed wager.
This season, Kentucky Wildcats have displayed an exciting offensive game, averaging 90.6 points per game on average and boasting an outstanding field goal efficiency rate of 50.4% along with 41.4% from 3-point distance. Their shooting prowess is supported by solid team play as evidenced by 19.6 assists per game on average; defensively they average 9.4 steals and 4.8 blocks to disrupt opponents’ offenses effectively.
North Carolina Tar Heels have also posted impressive numbers, scoring an average of 85.1 points per game and boasting a field goal percentage of 45.8% with 35.9% success from beyond the arc. Their free throw percentage surpasses Kentucky at 75.8%; furthermore they average 38.9 rebounds per game to control game pace.
Kentucky vs. North Carolina 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 5:30 PM ET |
| Where: | State Farm Arena |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Antonio Reeves (Guard) vs. RJ Davis (Guard)
Reeves has taken his offensive game to new levels since transferring to Kentucky. He’s nearly doubling his scoring average from a year ago by averaging 18 points in just 31 minutes a night. Reeves has unlimited shooting range and the ultimate green light from head coach John Calipari to pull the trigger. If his outside shot is falling, he’s nearly impossible to slow down. However, Reeves has struggled on the defensive end at times and doesn’t create much offense for his teammates with minimal assists.
Davis continues his ascent into stardom for North Carolina as a junior. He’s built on his strong finish to last season by averaging 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2.7 assists this year. Davis has turned himself into a reliable three-point threat, shooting 36% from deep this season. He can score at all three levels efficiently and also create for his teammates. However, Davis has battled turnover issues this year. He will need to limit mistakes against the fast-paced Wildcats.
This matchup features two stellar guards at the peak of their powers. While Davis holds the edge as a playmaker and Reeves is a better pure scorer, both players can single-handedly take over a game. With such contrasting offensive styles, it will be intriguing to see which guard can exploit the defensive weaknesses of their opponent more effectively.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be announced, it’s crucial to consider both teams’ strengths and recent performance trends when placing bets.
Kentucky Wildcats Betting Trends
The Wildcats have been on an offensive tear this season. As evidenced by their gaudy 90.6 point per game average, Kentucky has had little difficulty lighting up the scoreboard. They have hit the over in a remarkable 23 of their past 34 overall contests. And the over has hit in 22 of those 34 games specifically in the first half. Kentucky’s team total has also gone over in 20 of 34. However, when playing at home, the Wildcats have only covered the spread in 12 of their previous 19 contests.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends
In contrast to Kentucky’s offensive exploits, the Tar Heels have seen lower-scoring games recently away from home. The under has hit in 8 of North Carolina’s last 11 road matchups. Their first-half total has gone under in 8 of those 11 contests as well. And North Carolina’s team total has gone below the number in 8 of the past 11 road games too. For bettors eyeing the first-half moneyline, the Tar Heels have won just 18 of their last 32. And they’ve hit the first-half over in only 3 of the previous 11 away contests.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. North Carolina Tar Heels 12/16/23 Betting Picks
In this matchup, Kentucky’s offensive firepower meets North Carolina’s ability to control the game’s pace. Kentucky’s superior 3-point shooting and assists per game suggest they could dominate offensively, but North Carolina’s rebounding strength and free throw accuracy could keep them in close contention.
For bettors, the game presents interesting dynamics, with Kentucky’s scoring ability clashing with North Carolina’s defensive resilience. Considering prop bets and over/under options, and factoring in leading handicapper tips, will be crucial in making informed betting choices.
Free Pick and Prediction: Kentucky Wildcats 89, North Carolina Tar Heels 83