#17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama Predictions, Picks & Odds: Saturday, 2/22

The stage is all set for an intense SEC clash as the #17 Kentucky Wildcats head to Tuscaloosa to face off against the #4 Alabama Crimson Tide in what should be an exciting Saturday night game!
With that in mind, we've got our #17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama picks ready for the matchup. Will the Wildcats manage to pull off an upset on the road, or will the Crimson Tide regain their winning form at home?
#17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama Predictions Today: Saturday, 2/22
Both teams have a lot to prove – Alabama is eager to end a two-game losing streak after falling to Auburn and Missouri, while Kentucky is looking to gain some momentum after their recent victory over Vanderbilt. The last encounter between these teams was a high-scoring battle, with Alabama narrowly defeating Kentucky 102-97 at Rupp Arena.
Now, with some key injuries possibly affecting Kentucky's roster and Alabama's Mark Sears coming off an impressive 35-point game, the pressure is even greater. Let's take a closer look at the matchup, evaluate the odds and share our top #17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama predictions.
Kentucky Wildcats: Fighting Through Adversity
The Wildcats boast one of the strongest offenses in the country, averaging 85.8 points per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 48.6%. Their ability to shoot from long range at 38.0% makes them a tough challenge for any opponent.
However, their defense has been inconsistent, allowing 75.7 points per game, which places them near the bottom of the national rankings. Their rebounding issues, averaging only 31.8 boards per game, have also contributed to their struggles. Despite these setbacks, Kentucky has remained competitive, securing important victories against Tennessee and Texas A&M.
Otega Oweh leads the team in scoring with an average of 16.2 points per game, while Jaxson Robinson and Lamot Butler have also played significant roles. With potential injuries affecting their roster depth, the Wildcats will need their strong offense to perform well if they want to beat Alabama on the road.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Dominant Offense, Defensive Concerns
Alabama leads the country with an average of 90.7 points per game. Under Nate Oats, the team excels at fast-paced play, overwhelming their opponents with a strong offensive strategy. The pair of Mark Sears and Grant Nelson has been tough for defenses to handle, with Sears scoring 18.5 points per game and Nelson adding 12.5 points and 8.1 rebounds.
Although their three-point shooting is not great (34.2%), they excel in rebounding, ranking second nationally with 39.8 rebounds per game. That said, Alabama struggles on defense, allowing 80.3 points per game, which puts them near the bottom of Division I.
This weakness was clear in recent losses to Auburn and Missouri, where they allowed a total of 204 points. Still, Alabama is very strong at home, and after losing two games in a row, they will be motivated to win in front of their fans.
#17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
At the time this was published, FanDuel Sportsbook provided the following #17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama odds and betting lines for the matchup:
- Kentucky Wildcats (+340) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (-450)
- Spread: Kentucky +9.5 (-108) vs. Alabama -9.5 (-112)
- Game Total: Over 180.5 (-110) vs. Under 180.5 (-110)
#17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama Spread Pick: Crimson Tide -9.5 (-112 at FanDuel)
Our #17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama predictions look at the Crimson Tide in this one. Alabama is ready to get back on track after losing two games on the road, and returning to Tuscaloosa should give them the boost they need. Even though they've faced some challenges lately, the Crimson Tide still have the best scoring offense in the country, averaging 90.7 points per game.
Their fast-paced style, led by Mark Sears’ 18.5 points per game, is hard for any team to handle, especially Kentucky, which has had a tough time on the road. The Wildcats have a strong offense too, scoring 85.8 points per game (3rd in the nation), but their defense has been shaky, allowing 75.7 points per game (ranked 290th).
This could be a problem against Alabama, which is great at taking advantage of weak defenses. When these teams faced off in Lexington last month, Alabama won 102-97, showing they can easily score against Kentucky's defense. Another important point is how Kentucky performs on the road.
They've had a rough time in tough places, losing to teams like Mississippi, Georgia and Texas, and just barely winning against Tennessee. Meanwhile, Alabama has been strong at home for the most part. Look for the Tide to come out strong and cover the -9.5-point spread (-112 at FanDuel) in our #17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama picks for this important game.
#17 Kentucky vs. #4 Alabama Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Kentucky Wildcats Injury Report
- G - L. Butler | Questionable: Shoulder
- G - J. Robinson | Questionable: Wrist
- G - K. Kriisa | Out: Foot
Kentucky Wildcats Projected Starters
- G - Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG)
- G - Koby Brea (10.6 PPG, 44.9% 3PT%)
- F - Andrew Carr (9.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG)
- G - Travis Perry (2.3 PPG, 41.2% 3PT%)
- C - Amari Williams (10.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG)
Alabama Crimson Tide Injury Report
- F - D. Reid | Questionable: Undisclosed
- G - H. Mallette | Doubtful: Knee
- G - L. Wrightshell | Out: Achilles
- F - N. Cunningham | Out: Redshirt
Alabama Crimson Tide Projected Starters
- G - Labaron Philon (10.5 PPG, 3.5 APG)
- G - Mark Sears (18.5 PPG, 4.8 APG)
- F - Grant Nelson (12.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG)
- G - Chris Youngblood (9.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG)
- C - Clifford Omoruyi (7 PPG, 6.4 RPG)
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