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Providence vs Kentucky Odds, Spread & Predictions – Wildcats 4-Point Betting Favorites

Nick Holz

by Nick Holz in College Basketball

Updated Mar 16, 2023 · 1:59 PM PDT

Kentucky guard Cason Wallace dribbles around a screen
Kentucky guard Cason Wallace (22) drives past Vanderbilt guard Ezra Manjon (5) during the second half of a quarterfinal SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament game at Bridgestone Arena Friday, March 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Sec Basketball Vanderbilt Vs Kentucky Syndication The Tennessean
  • No.6 seed Kentucky is a 4-point favorite over no.11 Providence in round 1 of the NCAA Tournament
  • Kentucky have gone 5-2 ATS in their last 7 contests
  • Check out the latest Providence vs Kentucky odds, predictions, and best bets

Those hoping to see some offense in the first round of the NCAA tournament have come to the right place, as no.6 seed Kentucky (21-11, 12-6 SEC) takes on no.11 seed Providence (21-11, 13-7 Big East). 11-seeds have enjoyed tremendous success in recent seasons, so Providence vs Kentucky could end up being one of the most exciting games of the first round.

Providence have lost 3 straight, including a 73-66 loss at the hands of Connecticut last time out. On top of that, the Friars have covered the spread just once in their past 5 contests.

Kentucky, meanwhile won five of their last 6 to close out the regular season, before falling to Vanderbilt in SEC Tournament action.

This game tips off from the Greensboro Coliseum on Friday, March 17th, at 7pm ET.  Providence vs Kentucky will air live on CBS.

Providence vs Kentucky Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Providence +4 (-110) +160 Over 144.5 (-105)
Kentucky -4 (-110) -190 Under 144.5 (-115)

Kentucky, who last won it all in 2014, find themselves way down the March Madness odds this year at +4500. The Wildcats enter March Madness as 4-point favorites over Providence in round of 64 action. Kentucky comes in as -195 favorites on the moneyline. Oddsmakers recognize the offensive prowess of these squads, as the total for Providence vs Kentucky currently sits at 144.5.

According to KenPom, the Wildcats finished as the 26th-ranked team in adjusted efficiency rating, while the Friars came in at 44th.

 

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Odds as of Mar 16th at DraftKings Sportsbook.  See the full list of March Madness betting apps.

Providence Looks for the Upset

While the Friars enter the first round of the NCAA tournament as underdogs, this Providence team is a dangerous underdog.

Ed Cooley’s team began the year 14-3, with a eight game winning streak, and averaged a sublime 78.1 points per game this season.

Senior forwards Bryce Hopkins (16.1 ppg, 8.5 rbg) and Ed Croswell (13.2 ppg, 7.6 rbg) anchor one of the country’s most efficient offensive attacks. The dynamic duo should be able to limit Kentucky’s interior dominance and hold their own on the defensive glass.

While Providence fell early in the Big East Tournament, the Friars boast victories over UConn, Villanova, and Marquette this season. Though the Friars have covered the spread in just one of their past 5 games, the over is 6-1 in their last 7 contests.

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Kentucky Aiming for Revenge

The Kentucky Wildcats enter this year’s NCAA tournament deadset on avenging last year’s shocking upset loss. After all, John Calipari’s no.2 ranked Wildcats squad fell to the no.15 Saint Peter’s Peacocks in perhaps the most surprising upset of March Madness.

Senior forward Oscar Tshiebwe leads this battle-tested team into the big dance. The 6’9, 260 pound forward leads the Wildcats with 16.5 points and 13 rebounds per game this season. Tshiebwe’s physical dominance has allowed Kentucky to own the paint in most games this season.

The Wildcats have controlled the interior all year, while averaging only 18-three point attempts per game. Kentucky will need to bully Providence down-low and hope to grind out a first round victory on Friday.

The betting trends hardly favor a Kentucky victory in this one, as the Wildcats have gone just 3-14 ATS in their last 17 neutral site games.

Providence vs Kentucky Prediction

Beating a John Calipari led squad in the NCAA tournament is easier said than done. As his six Final Four appearances and national championship speak for themselves. That being said, this Wildcats squad lacks the explosive scorers that Calipari has recruited in previous years.

Moreover, Hopkins and Croswell should be able to at least neutralize some of the size advantage Oscar Tshiebwe gives the Wildcats down low. If Providence can lessen his impact, or get Tshiebwe into early foul trouble, Kentucky will be in trouble. We like Providence to win this contest and make a run to the Sweet 16. Take the points.

Providence vs Kentucky Pick: Providence +4 (-110), Providence to win (+160)

 

Other March Madness first-round predictions:

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