KSR's Roundtable Predictions/Props for Kentucky vs. Auburn

DrewFranklinKSR

It’s back home to Rupp Arena for Kentucky Basketball as the Wildcats host Auburn in a CBS game, the last Saturday game in Lexington this season. Before the teams square off in a game that could have major implications in the SEC Tournament seeding (Kentucky is currently third in the conference with five losses and Auburn is tied for fourth with six) we here at KSR have predictions for what’s ahead.

As we’ve done before the last three games, we give our predictions in the form of a prop sheet. Share it in the comments with your picks for each one to play along.

Kentucky vs. Auburn | KSProp Sheet

Score Prediction:
Kentucky’s MVP:
Will Sahvir Wheeler play:
Will CJ Fredrick play:
Will Oscar Tshiebwe record a double-double:
Jacob Toppin O/U 12.5 pts:
Chris Livingston O/U 20.5 pts. + reb.:
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers:
Will any bench player play more than 5 min.:
Kentucky’s largest lead O/U 10.5 pts.:

Read our thoughts on the game below and Go Cats:

Drew Franklin

I expect this one to be a lot like many we’ve already seen: a game of waves with Kentucky going up big but cutting it too close in the end. The Wildcats will win–let’s say, by four points–and Jacob Toppin is the star with 19 points, his 12th consecutive game in double-figure scoring. Oscar Tshiebwe and Johni Broome push in the rebound battle with 12 apiece and Kentucky is again without Sahvir Wheeler and CJ Fredrick, although I think there’s a chance Fredrick gives it a try. Either way, the Cats win the last Saturday game in Rupp Arena.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 72, Auburn 68
Kentucky’s MVP: Jacob Toppin
Will Sahvir Wheeler play: No
Will CJ Fredrick play: No
Will Oscar Tshiebwe record a double-double: Yes
Jacob Toppin O/U 12.5 pts: Over
Chris Livingston O/U 20.5 pts. + reb.: Under
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Under
Will any bench player play more than 5 min.: Yes, Adou Thiero
Kentucky’s largest lead O/U 10.5 pts.: Over

Jack Pilgrim

Auburn hasn’t won a game inside Rupp Arena in 35 years, and I don’t expect that to change Saturday. The Tigers have gone cold, losing six of their last nine after starting the year 16-3 overall and 6-1 in the SEC. Johni Broome has never gotten the Oscar Tshiebwe treatment, and though he’s been AU’s best player this season, I expect him to struggle against the Kentucky star’s strength and physicality. Former EKU standout Wendell Green Jr. will be the key today, a quick and shifty 5-11 guard capable of making plays in transition. Sahvir Wheeler would’ve been the go-to matchup, but his status remains in question. Will it be Cason Wallace? Can Antonio Reeves step up defensively? If the Wildcats can limit his production, I like their chances in this one.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 75, Auburn 70
Kentucky’s MVP: Oscar Tshiebwe
Will Sahvir Wheeler play: No
Will CJ Fredrick play: Yes
Will Oscar Tshiebwe record a double-double: Yes
Jacob Toppin O/U 12.5 pts: Over
Chris Livingston O/U 20.5 pts. + reb.: Under
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Yes
Will any bench player play more than 5 min.: Yes (Adou Thiero)
Kentucky’s largest lead O/U 10.5 pts.: Over

Tyler Thompson

Auburn’s on a bit of a skid, but Bruce Pearl will have the Tigers ready to play today at Rupp. Not only is this a big game for both sides from an NCAA Tournament seeding perspective, Pearl always brings it vs. Kentucky, and Auburn hasn’t won in Rupp since 1988. Earlier this week, he said he’s already using the 35-year losing streak as motivation. The Cats took care of business at Florida — although it got a little scary at times. I think we’ll still see a few bouts of inconsistency, but in the end, the crowd will help Kentucky pull ahead to a relatively comfortable win. Big games from Jacob Toppin and Antonio Reeves, with limited minutes from CJ Fredrick as he works his way back from injury.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 73, Auburn 65
Kentucky’s MVP: Jacob Toppin
Will Sahvir Wheeler play: No
Will CJ Fredrick play: Yes
Will Oscar Tshiebwe record a double-double: Yes
Jacob Toppin O/U 12.5 pts: Over
Chris Livingston O/U 20.5 pts. + reb.: Under
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Over
Will any bench player play more than 5 min.: Yes (Thiero)
Kentucky’s largest lead O/U 10.5 pts.: Over

Adam Luckett

This is a huge game for Auburn and Kentucky for a plethora of reasons. Both teams are in the No. 8 seed range and looking to bolster their at-large resume. Meanwhile, a win for each would give the victor an important tiebreaker in SEC Tournament seeding as both squads are trying to lock up a double-bye in Nashville. On the court, it will be strength on strength with Kentucky’s top-15 offense facing Auburn’s top-15 defense. The other end of the floor will feature underachieving offense with shooting problems against an underachieving defense. A true 50/50 matchup. The Rupp Arena crowd could make a huge impact.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 77, Auburn 71
Kentucky’s MVP: Cason Wallace
Will Sahvir Wheeler play: No
Will CJ Fredrick play: Yes
Will Oscar Tshiebwe record a double-double: Yes
Jacob Toppin O/U 12.5 pts: Over
Chris Livingston O/U 20.5 pts. + reb.: Under
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Under
Will any bench player play more than 5 min.: Yes
Kentucky’s largest lead O/U 10.5 pts.: Over

Nick Roush

I woke up this morning feeling great about the Cats. Can I put my finger on exactly why? Not really. But these two teams are trending in opposite directions. With the last big Rupp crowd of the year amplifying the energy in the atmosphere, I got a feeling the BBN will carry Kentucky to a big win thanks to a bunch of big shots by Antonio Reeves, who’s due for a hot night from downtown.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 76, Auburn 68
Kentucky’s MVP: Antonio Reeves
Will Sahvir Wheeler play: No
Will CJ Fredrick play: No
Will Oscar Tshiebwe record a double-double: Yes
Jacob Toppin O/U 12.5 pts: Over
Chris Livingston O/U 20.5 pts. + reb.: Under
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Over
Will any bench player play more than 5 minutes: Yes
Kentucky’s largest lead O/U 10.5 pts.: Over

Zack Geoghegan

I’m beginning to feel better and better about Kentucky’s chances in this one. Auburn is sliding at the worst possible time while the ‘Cats continue to trend in the right direction. Bruce Pearl has his team playing sound defense, even in the face of losing four of their last six. But Kentucky’s starting five has been scoring at a pace that is tough to keep up with. Ideally, one or both of Sahvir Wheeler/CJ Fredrick returns to help offload some minutes, but even if they don’t, there should be enough in the tank for UK to outscore Auburn’s so-so offense. Watch out for the Tigers to try and go after Kentucky’s tired legs down the stretch.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 81, Auburn 68
Kentucky’s MVP: Chris Livingston
Will Sahvir Wheeler play: No
Will CJ Fredrick play: Yes
Will Oscar Tshiebwe record a double-double: Yes
Jacob Toppin O/U 12.5 pts: Over
Chris Livingston O/U 20.5 pts. + reb.: Over
Antonio Reeves O/U 2.5 3-pointers: Under
Will any bench player play more than 5 min.: Yes
Kentucky’s largest lead O/U 10.5 pts.: Over