Providence vs Kentucky bets illustrates why the Friday slate of March Madness games is full of potholes. Now, these two teams appear to be quite inconsistent. Kentucky is winning more in this game, while Providence almost wrecked its bid after going into a tailspin. When the spread is only four points like this, one wonders if this is too good to be true. Let’s bring on NCAA March Madness Round 1.
Providence vs Kentucky Bets could be heading for the glass on Friday night. The two teams excel in offensive rebounds as both are top 30 in the nation. Consequently, Kentucky’s biggest strength is getting extra opportunities on the offensive end (11.8 ranks 3rd in the nation). Providence is not too far behind on the 29th. Sometimes, the NCAA committee has a sense of humor when selecting teams.
Now, part of Kentucky’s problem was how they started the season. This was one of the more hyped teams in college basketball. Instead of thriving, they almost self-destructed. Now, the last seven games have seen them win five times. That includes three wins on the road against Arkansas and Florida. Providence, in the meantime, is an adventure away from home. Worse, the Friars dropped four of their final five contests.
One team always goes on a run after stumbling into the NCAA tournament. Some believe Providence could be that team. However, Providence faces a somewhat mirror image of itself. Yes, the Friars have a little more balance, but Kentucky gets to the foul line and generates even more chances on the boards. Also, the SEC carries a bit more in the strength of schedule compared to the Big East. That helps in games like this.
Therefore, this 11 versus six game creates a lot of questions. Can the Friars and Bryce Hopkins, in particular, get their revenge? Will Kentucky have the last laugh? Bovada Online Sportsbook lays 4 points on Kentucky Friday night. Does one trust John Calipari and the company? This games boils down to who wants it more on the rebounding glass. Hopkins vs Oscar Tshiebwe is must-see television. Tshiebwe and Kentucky hold a slight edge.
Providence vs Kentucky Bets has a situation to watch for Friday night. Kentucky’s main distributor of the basketball, Sahvir Wheeler, became a game-time decision. An undisclosed injury will make the next 24-36 hours more interesting. However, Kentucky has Cason Wallace. The Freshman guard improved his play and ball handling as the season went on. Many believe the Wildcats are in good hands still.
It appears as if Wheeler may go after all. He did practice this week, which is a prerequisite for players to be able to suit up for a tournament game. Speaking of practice windows, this is arguably one of those years again where Kentucky lucked into a pretty good draw. Kentucky’s offense has been peaking over the last month and gets a Friars’ team that can go cold offensively away from home.
Coach John Calipari almost beat Vanderbilt despite the Wildcats being without Wheeler. Again, this Wildcats team needs to make its shots off second-chance opportunities. When they do, this is a Sweet 16 team. When they do not, this team is one and done. Are things cut and dry? No. On the other hand, Kentucky needs to execute on the glass, not turn the ball over, and again make the most of their chances.
Finally, like Providence, Kentucky possesses players who can run in transition and box out extremely well. The difference is the Wildcats have a little more talent. With six players in the RSCI Top 100 compared to Providence’s three, many things are set up well for the Wildcats. Providence has allowed 78 points a game over the past ten contests. This leads us to take one solid game prop plunge. Kentucky scoring 75 points or more on Friday night.
Providence vs Kentucky bets ask what other small-money game props are there to shop for. Winning game margins are intriguing, but what about the halftime margin? One of the tendencies in these opening games is to see a deflated total line. Simply, that means halftime totals are lower than the game total. For example, this contest’s first half over/under is 68.5.
Again, Providence and Kentucky expect to be hotly contested and close in the first half, especially. Now, it comes down to which team has the lead in the locker room. No one would be surprised to see Kentucky or Providence winning by 1-3 points after 20 minutes of action.
So, the problem becomes does one extrapolate to game scores and margins? In this case, at VegasBetting, taking a shot at the halftime numbers caught our eye.
Round 1 Picks dig into our Vegas online site news and picks to help bettors make sense of the most chaotic tournament. With the prospect of two athletic teams that like to play games close, allows us to strike early rather than later.
Vegas online college basketball betting sites are ready for what is to come. Keep an eye out for any shifts as numbers will change often.
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race. Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."