The reigning National Champions, the No. 22-ranked Florida Gators, are beginning their SEC schedule against the Missouri Tigers at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Gators are currently on a four-game winning streak, while the Tigers are coming off a 91-48 loss to No. 20 Illinois. Florida has won five of their last six matchups against Missouri. This is the first Florida vs. Missouri contest taking place in Columbia, Missouri, since January 2024.
Missouri is a +250 underdog while being +6.5 against Florida on DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out my best bet for Florida vs. Missouri below.
Florida vs. Missouri (8:30 p.m. ET)
The Gators went 1-3 in a four-game span from November 27 to December 9. Recently, they have faced lower-level competition but have beaten their last four opponents by at least 10 points. Florida has an elite big man in Thomas Haugh, who averages 16.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland are Florida’s best two guards, and although they been inconsistent at times, they still have a ton of upside.
Mark Mitchell has been Missouri’s best player this season, averaging 17.2 points, but he only scored five points in his last game against Illinois. The Tigers have the 45th-best offensive rating but the No. 124 defensive rating. Missouri has struggled in its previous two matchups against ranked opponents, losing to Kansas by 20 points and to Illinois by 43 points.
Florida’s last seven wins have been by at least seven points. Also, the Gators’ defense has been excellent during their current winning streak, allowing 72 or fewer points in each game. Missouri has scored 48, 60, and 71 points in its last three games against ranked teams. Until the Tigers show more consistency, it will be hard to back them, especially against a Florida team that has looked good lately.
