#6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee Predictions, Picks & Odds: CBB on ESPN, 3/1
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for an important SEC matchup that could significantly affect the conference rankings. Alabama features one of the top offenses in the country, while Tennessee brings a strong defense that has effectively contained their rivals all season.
Will Alabama's dynamic offense overpower Tennessee, or can the Volunteers' strong defense hold them back? Let's explore the storylines of each team this season and what to expect in our upcoming #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee picks.
#6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee Predictions Today: Saturday, 3/1
Both teams aim to strengthen their chances for the postseason, making this game, and our #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee predictions, highly anticipated.
This matchup highlights a striking difference in play styles—Alabama's fast-paced offense against Tennessee's tough defense. The team that can assert its game plan is likely to emerge victorious in this thrilling contest.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Offense Reigning Supreme
Alabama has been a scoring powerhouse this season, averaging 91.6 points per game, the highest in the nation. Their quick offense, led by Mark Sears (19.0 PPG) and Grant Nelson (12.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG), has consistently overwhelmed teams with fast scoring and excellent ball movement.
The Crimson Tide's ability to stretch the floor and hit three-pointers (35.0% from beyond the arc) makes them a tough challenge for any defense. However, their defense has struggled, giving up 80.1 points per game, one of the worst in the country.
While their high scoring often saves them, their defensive issues can be a problem in close games. The Tide have had mixed results in SEC play, with strong wins against Kentucky and Texas but disappointing losses to Missouri and Auburn. To succeed in the postseason, improving their defensive play will be essential.
Tennessee Volunteers: Defense Wins Championships
Tennessee stands out from Alabama by relying on a strong defense that is among the best in the country. The Volunteers give up only 60.9 points per game, with opponents hitting just 37.1% of their shots.
Their outstanding perimeter defense limits teams to 27.7% from beyond the arc, making it tough for even skilled offenses. Zakai Zeigler (13.5 PPG, 7.5 APG) and Chris Lanier (18.0 PPG) are key players for Tennessee, adding scoring to their defensive strength.
Although the Volunteers may not score as explosively as Alabama, their ability to manage the game and create turnovers keeps them in every contest. Tennessee has shown its strength with important victories over top teams, but their offensive inconsistency can be a worry at times.
#6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Caesars Sportsbook shared the #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee odds and betting lines for the matchup at the time of this publication, which are as follows:
- Alabama Crimson Tide (+145) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (-175)
- Spread: Alabama +3.5 (-105) vs. Tennessee -3.5 (-115)
- Game Total: Over 159 (-110) vs. Under 159 (-110)
#6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee Spread Pick: Tennessee -3.5 (-110 at Caesars)
Tennessee has been really strong when playing at home this season, which is why we think they can cover the -3.5 spread (-110 at Caesars) against Alabama in our #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee predictions today.
Even though Alabama has the best scoring offense in the country, averaging 91.6 points per game, their defense has some serious problems, giving up 80.1 points per game, which is one of the worst in the nation.
This kind of inconsistency is not going to work against a Tennessee team that is ranked fifth in the country for scoring defense, allowing only 60.9 points per game, and they have the best opponent field goal percentage at 37.1%. The Vols have also done well against tough teams at home, recently beating Florida 64-44 and taking care of Mississippi State 68-56.
Alabama has had a hard time on the road against solid defenses, and with Tennessee's strong defensive stats, this looks like a great chance for the home team to take charge and cover the spread, which is officially where our #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee predictions will land.
#6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Alabama Crimson Tide Injury Report
- D. Reid (F) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- H. Mallette (G) – Questionable (Knee)
- L. Wrightsell (G) – Out (Achilles)
- N. Cunningham (F) – Out (Redshirt)
Alabama Crimson Tide Projected Starters
- C. Youngblood (G) – (10.6 PPG, 38.9 3PT%)
- G. Nelson (F) – (12 PPG, 7.9 RPG)
- M. Sears (G) – (19 PPG, 5 APG)
- C. Omoruyi (C) – (7.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG)
- L. Philon (G) – (10.4 PPG, 3.5 APG)
Tennessee Volunteers Injury Report
- J. Estrella (F) – Out (Foot)
Tennessee Volunteers Projected Starters
- C. Lanier (F) – (18 PPG, 41.4% 3PT%)
- J. Mashack (G) – (5.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG)
- Z. Zeigler (G) – (13.5 PPG, 7.5 APG)
- I. Milicic (F) – (10.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG)
- F. Okpara (C) – (7.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG)
How To Bet On #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee At Caesars Sportsbook & Double Your Winnings 10x!
Discover the fantastic Caesars promotion happening right now! You can easily activate the Caesars Sportsbook promo code ALARMDYW by following this link. Feel free to place bets on a variety of events to take advantage of today’s bonus, not just our #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee picks.
Since bonuses are awarded based on your bets, you’ll likely find yourself engaging with multiple sporting events. To kick things off, simply wager $1 or more on any bet. Don’t worry if your qualifying wager doesn’t win; you’ll still receive 10 profit boost tokens!
Each token offers a 100% boost, effectively doubling your potential winnings! With the chance to earn additional winnings up to $2,500 for each token, it’s a great time to register today using the Caesars Sportsbook promo code ALARMDYW before tailing our #6 Alabama vs. #5 Tennessee predictions this Saturday!
Player News
Logan Gilbert (elbow) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday at T-Mobile Park.
Gilbert is making steady progress in his recovery from a flexor strain in his right elbow and should be ready to face hitters at some point in the near future. It’s theoretically possible that he’ll wrap up a minor league rehab assignment and make it back to Seattle’s rotation at some point in June.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Roki Sasaki is dealing with right arm soreness.
Roberts added that it’s possible Sasaki will require a trip to the injured list. His fastball velocity was down in his previous start last Friday against the Diamondbacks as he allowed five runs over four innings of work. The 23-year-old top pitching prospect would likely benefit from a bit of a mental and physical reset after struggling to a pedestrian 4.72 ERA and subpar 15.6 percent strikeout rate across eight starts. There should be a decision on his status at some point later this week.
Clayton Kershaw (toe, knee) will make his season debut on Saturday against the Mets.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed to reporters that the future Hall of Famer will take the ball this weekend at Citi Field. The 37-year-old southpaw, who is coming back from offseason toe and knee surgeries, should remain a viable option for fantasy managers on a per-start basis. Setting aside the obvious durability concerns, the stuff has looked sharp in recent minor league outings and he should provide a boost in the ratio departments for fantasy purposes, even if there won’t be a ton of volume.
Stephen Curry (hamstring) is out for Game 5 against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Unsurprisingly, Curry is officially out for Game 5 due to the hamstring injury he suffered during Game 1. Game 6, which will be played on May 18, was a far more realistic possibility for the Warriors’ superstar guard. Buddy Hield will likely remain in the starting lineup, with Jonathan Kuminga taking on a more prominent role off the bench. Those two and Brandin Podziemski will need to be at their best if the Warriors are to extend this series, which they trail three games to one.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said earlier this week that Shane McClanahan (triceps) is still dealing with discomfort.
Cash added that McClanahan has been given clearance to continue his throwing program, despite the lingering discomfort, but won’t be able to start ramping up from an intensity standpoint until the issue is resolved. There is no timetable for the 28-year-old fantasy ace to make his season debut. It’s starting to look like he won’t make it back until the second half, even in a best-case scenario.
Alejandro Kirk (head) is not in the lineup for Tuesday’s series opener against the Rays.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters that Kirk has passed all concussion tests was lifted from Sunday’s game after being hit in the helmet on a backswing, which is an extremely encouraging development. He’ll get some extra time off to rest and recover out of an abundance of caution. It’ll be Tyler Heineman handling the catching duties on Tuesday night in his absence.