Tennessee vs Auburn Picks and Odds

• The Auburn Tigers (11-13, 5-10 SEC) host the Tennessee Volunteers (16-6, 9-6 SEC) Saturday. Feb. 27
• Auburn has lost six of its last seven games, while UT has won four of its last six
• Read below for odds, analysis, and best bet for this matchup

The Auburn Tigers (11-13, 5-10 SEC), likely without freshman star Sharife Cooper for the rest of the season, host the Tennessee Volunteers (16-6, 9-6 SEC) Saturday, Feb. 27. Tip is set for 12:00 pm ET at Auburn Arena.

This is UT’s second-to-last regular season game prior to the SEC Tournament. The Vols are coming off a 70-58 victory over Vanderbilt on Wednesday that saw Jaden Springer score 20 points Meantime, Bruce Pearl’s group  lost its last game on Tuesday, a 74-57 defeat. The Tigers are limping across the finish line of a disappointing season with only one game remaining (at Alabama) on the schedule after this one.

Rick Barnes’ squad enters the contest as road favorites.

Tennessee vs Auburn Odds

Odds as of Feb. 26  at FanDuel.

Spring(er) Has Sprung

The freshman guard from Charlotte was one of the best players in high-school basketball last season and has translated that talent to the college level.

But Springer, who was under the weather in the Vols’ game against Kentucky, didn’t play well against the Wildcats last Saturday. Springer finished with just four points in the 70-55 loss, going 2-for-11 from the field and had more turnovers (3) than assists (1) in 28 minutes. Wednesday’s effort against Vandy was a different story.

Springer was super-efficient, needing only eight shots to get his 20 points (he was a perfect 10-for-10 from the foul line) and has now scored 20 or more points in four of his last six games.

Barnes wasn’t happy about his team’s 17 turnovers against the Commodores. But Tennessee is the No. 22-rated squad by KenPom for a reason. The Vols are one of the best teams in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing opponents only 87.9 points per 100 possessions a game.

With Springer springing once again and UT motivated to put a sloppy ball-handling  performance behind it, the Vols look like a good bet against the Tigers.

Already Over?

Cooper was wearing a walking boot on the bench and sat out Auburn’s 17-point loss to Florida Wednesday. He did his best to root on his teammates, but Cooper isn’t on The Plains to be a cheerleader.

Sharife Cooper is in a walking boot and using a crutch to walk, but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing the energy. He’s been on the bench yelling and trying to coach his teammates all game long. pic.twitter.com/27mf1NsA9z

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente__) February 24, 2021

After the game, Pearl revealed Cooper tweaked his ankle in practice. During the game, ESPN commentator Jimmy Dykes hinted he may not play again this season — which would be a major blow to Auburn’s chances against UT and ‘Bama.

Cooper missed his first 11 games this season due to an NCAA investigation on his eligibility, But the 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard has been outstanding in the 12 games he’s played, averaging 20.2 points, 8.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds per contest.

But for a team that has already self-imposed a one-year postseason ban due to anticipated NCAA violations, there’s really no reason for the guy projected as a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft to play and risk further injury.

Statement Game

While the Vols handled the ‘Dores to the tune of a 12-point victory Wednesday, they’re by no means back on track. UT needs a much cleaner effort Saturday  — not only for momentum heading into the conference tourney, but also to impress the selection committee. This is a team that was ranked as high as No. 6 this season, but has fallen back to No. 25. The conference announced Thursday UT will play one more regular season game — Saturday, March 7, at home against Florida — before the postseason run begins.

Nasty finish 😤 pic.twitter.com/eB7BOuzSab

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) February 25, 2021

The Volunteers are currently sitting in fifth place in the SEC standings and need wins to potentially climb one more spot and avoid playing a Thursday game in the conference tournament back in in Nashville in two weeks.

While a win against Auburn would be nice, a loss would be devastating. With Springer doing his thing, along with sophomore Victor Bailey coming off a game-high 21 against Vandy, UT appears ready to handle its business on the road. Meantime, the Tigers appear to be mailing it in. KenPom predicts this one to be a 72-69 Vol victory, but I’m confident UT will win by more and cover the spread with ease.

The pick: Tennessee -6.5 (-110)