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SEC play kicks off for the Kentucky Wildcats on Wednesday as they hit the road to face a Missouri team that has transformed into one of the fastest teams in the country.
Kentucky Wildcats (-2.5, 152.5) vs. Missouri Tigers
Missouri ranks 14th in the country in possessions per game, with five different players at least 10 points per game — as part of an offense that ranks second in the country in points scored on a per-possession basis.
While Missouri’s offense has been significantly better under first-year coach Dennis Gates, they have the issue of matching up with reigning Wooden Award winner Oscar Tshiebwe, who is averaging 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
The Missouri Tigers do not have a player averaging more than 5.7 rebounds per game, and the team is 140th in the country in points allowed on a per possession basis.
Kentucky has also improved their outside shooting, ranking eighth in the country in 3-point shooting percentage, while the Tigers are 279th in opponents’ 3-point shooting percentage.
The Wildcats have great balance. Ranking sixth in the country in percentage of misses that result in an offensive rebound, Kentucky will win from within on Wednesday.
The Play: Kentucky -2.5
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